People with no formal health training may be able to spot signs of brain injury in domestic-violence survivors, using a set of tools called “CARE,” which stands for Connect, Acknowledge, Respond and Evaluate.
Severe intimate-partner violence is often targeted at the head and neck and in the airways, but Ohio State University professor Julianna Nemeth explains that since these injuries often are invisible, staff at domestic-violence service organizations and medical providers may not be aware of how best to meet a survivor’s needs.
She says brain injuries impact a person’s cognitive function, decision-making and planning ability.
“The other impact of brain injury can be things like seizures, constant headaches, balance problems, anger and rage, ability to control emotions. Those are all things that impact survivors’ daily function.”
She says the CARE models four cornerstones include connecting with survivors; acknowledging that head trauma, strangulation and related challenges are common; responding by collaborating with survivors to develop accommodations for challenges related to suspected brain injury caused by violence; and evaluating services by establishing a strong feedback loop with survivors to ensure their needs are being met.
Nemeth adds that memory problems, depression and suicidal thoughts can also be affected by trauma to the brain.
“Emerging literature really is suggesting to us that brain injury from domestic violence is not only prevalent, but it’s really having neurologic psychologic cognitive and behavioral impacts.”
Ohio’s domestic-violence shelters provided emergency housing to nearly ten thousand people last year.
Locally, Harbor House is an emergency domestic violence shelter, in a confidential location, that provides refuge for abuse victims, their children, and pets. The hotline number is 330-364-1374.