Domestic violence is an epidemic in the Boston, Massachusetts area and elsewhere. A study has found that the majority of victims of domestic violence experience brain injuries.
What has the study found?
Victims of domestic violence are no strangers to serious injuries. Many sadly experience blows to their heads, resulting in a slew of symptoms such as headaches, confusion and forgetfulness. A study conducted by the Leaders with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and The Ohio State University was performed to explore the long-term effects on survivors of this type of abuse.
It was found that many domestic violence victims, around 80%, are left with brain injuries. Survivors struggling with such injuries were determined to have a higher risk of dealing with headaches, vision problems, seizures, depression and anxiety. They were also more likely to abuse tobacco, alcohol and even opioids.
Sadly, many women, in particular, who experience head trauma as a result of domestic violence often have repeat brain injuries. The effects are often devastating.
What do survivors struggle with after their injuries?
The study confirmed what was already known by the founder of the Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury, who stated that domestic violence survivors face many problems. Everything from being overly sensitive to loud noises and keeping a job are among the complaints she regularly hears.
These brain injuries are often serious and are similar to those experienced by football players and other pro-athletes who play high-impact combat sports. Even if the injury is mild, it can adversely affect a person’s life and become worse if a person continuously experiences domestic abuse. Even slight blows to the head can lead to serious damage to a person’s cognitive function.
Domestic violence can shatter lives. If you are experiencing it, you need to get help so you can fight back.