A Nebraska study takes on domestic violence and the brain

Domestic violence. Something we’ve always known can leave many types of wounds, and at times, be deadly. But, a new study by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Nebraska Brain Injury Alliance shows some injuries can last a lifetime; more specifically, brain injuries.

Called the “Brain Injury and Domestic Violence: Making the Connection and Improving Care”, this study lasted for two years and the results were startling. 

171 Nebraska women, who experienced domestic abuse, volunteered for the study. 91 percent recalled suffering blows to the head during the course of the abuse and over half tested positive for brain trauma.

Programs under the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence were heavily involved in this study. Lynne Lange, the Coalition’s Executive Director, was excited about how this study will improve treatment methods for survivors.

“It was very interesting to see the overlap of brain injury and domestic violence and brain and sexual assault issues,” said Lange. “While we work with survivors every day there are sometimes issues that may not be as visible as others”.

The study found most survivors experience memory loss and have trouble concentrating. But, UNMC’s Dr. Shireen Rajaram, who worked on this study, commented, “despite being angry, scared, and embarrassed, they were thankful that they now had an explanation for some of the cognitive symptoms they were experiencing”.

Many participants even reached out for more information on their condition after the study ended. 

Even more promising, officials are sharing this information to those who work with domestic violence programs. In fact, more than 900 people are being trained on how to detect and handle brain trauma.

If you or a loved one are in need of support, please call the Voices of Hope confidential crisis line at 402-475-7273.

For more information about the study, visit biane.org.

For more ways to get help, visit nebraskacoalition.org.