Study: Half Of Domestic Violence Victims Suffer From Brain Injury

OMAHA- More than half the victims of domestic violence suffer from brain injury, according to a recent study conducted for the Brain Injury Alliance-Nebraska in partnership with the University of Nebraska and community organizations.

Findings from the 2 year study suggest that cognitive functioning is negatively affected by domestic-violence related brain injury, which often goes unidentified. Researchers trained 900 people who work in or with domestic violence programs to recognize and manage brain injuries, used a modified screening tool to identify women with brain injuries, and then referred those who tested positive to a neuropsychologist for assessment.

Of the 171 women screened, the study found that 58% tested positive for brain injuries while 91% indicated that they had been hit in the head or strangled.