UNMC gets $2 million to address brain-related injuries in domestic violence victims

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The National Institutes of Health awarded a nearly $2 million grant to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

UNMC will use the funds to work towards reducing brain injury and improving outcomes for survivors of domestic violence. They plan to achieve this goal by working with community organizations that help these victims across Nebraska.

An investigation will explore ways to improve the timely detection of brain injury and provide follow-up services to prevent further damage.

“This is an important project that will provide much-needed attention to an overlooked issue of a possible brain injury among survivors of intimate partner violence,” said Amber Jurgens, Director of Survivor Leadership at the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

Brain injury can have consequences for the health functions of human beings. Specifically, it could increase the severity of a victim’s mental health and quality of life.

“We are excited to expand our initial work with Dr. Shireen Rajaram and other UNMC and University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers on brain injury in this vulnerable population of intimate partner violence survivors to other community-based organizations across Nebraska,” co-investigator Peggy Reisher said. “Working with community partners that serve survivors of intimate partner violence greatly expands and sustains our outreach efforts.”

The study is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the NIH.