Working towards a refuge for those in need
A Women's Refuge report into the dangers of IPV (Intimate Partner Violence) has highlighted concerning figures relating to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
The group's research team heard from more than 1700 victims of IPV, with the majority (1328) saying they had been physically assaulted by a partner.
Of that number more than ten percent reported having a known TBI caused by the partners' violence. Given that IPV-inflicted TBI is, in many cases, undiagnosed, the reality is that figure is likely to be much higher.
Unlike other injuries, TBI is associated with long-term, possibly permanent, consequences. Of those with a TBI who responded to the Women's Refuge team almost 80 per cent said they still constantly fear for their safety, while 92 percent thought their physical health was worse than before the abuse started, and, sadly, more than 95 percent were of the opinion that their mental health had deteriorated.
Among other problems noted in the report were that those with a TBI struggled to get medical treatment and were burdened with the costs of physical or mental health treatment needed as a result of IPV.
One victim told the team that "ACC paid for his foot getting broken from kicking me in the head, but not for the damage it caused me."
The report concluded that, crucially, all services involved with a victim could help by listening to how they describe their symptoms, and then make it as feasible, easy and sustainable for them as possible.
It said all services can advocate for victims by working to overcome bureaucratic barriers encountered along the way and communicating with each other to make sure that people get what they need and what they are entitled to.