Hidden in Plain Sight: Traumatic Brain Injury, Strangulation and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence victims experience terrible and traumatic physical violence-often directed at the head, neck and face-through blows to the head or strangulation. We are just discovering how that violence impacts the brain. Brain injury caused by domestic violence is rarely identified and almost never immediately treated, and results in short and long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive consequences that can impact every area of a person’s life--including their ability to successfully access and participate in your agency's services. This session will provide an overview of what we learned in Ohio and how we developed CARE, is an evidence-based framework that supports trauma-informed practices and survivor empowerment developed by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network in partnership with The Ohio State University. You will also be provided with links to ODVN’s free CARE brain injury tools to provide education and help you address brain injury with survivors of violence.
Workshop objectives:
-Participants will learn at least three tactics of control used in abusive relationships.
-Participants will identify at least three ways in which domestic violence victims can acquire a head injury.
-Participants will identify at least two unique characteristics of head injury caused by domestic violence.
-Participants will learn different ways to implement the CARE framework and use CARE materials in their agencies.
Presented by Rachel Ramirez, MA, MSW, LISW-S, RA
Director of Health and Disability Programs, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Rachel Ramirez, LISW-S, RASS, is the Director of Health and Disability Programs and the Founder of The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury at The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN). Her focus is on equipping professionals who work with domestic violence to better understand traumatic stress and the impact of brain injury, resulting in more effective survivor-centered services. At ODVN, Rachel oversees several projects on the intersection of domestic violence, disability, behavioral health and health access. She also provides extensive statewide, national, and international training, consultation, technical assistance, and program support. Rachel has been with ODVN for 16 years and has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as been featured on National Public Radio, The New York Times Magazine, and The Washington Post discussing brain injury and domestic violence.
Sponsored by CAP60
#1 Data Management Software Designed for Victim Services Agencies
email: [e-mail]
phone: [phone]
website: www.cap60.com

[@NotYourAverageAdvocate]

I am going to share this across all of my platforms! I was diagnosed with CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, related to my traumatic head injuries. This is so important.

[@samz1213]

I’m sure since I was strangled I haven’t been the same

[@domesticshelters]

We are so sorry you experienced that to learn more visit: www.domesticshelters.org/articles/health/signs-of-a-traumatic-brain-injury

[@lashawnablanton4649]

No it changes the brain I'm definitely not the same either. I'm sorry you've endured this also.

[@eboneetyler9458]

I began having large gum tooth pain that would bulge out of my face...since being strangled.

[@livingpositivelytoday]

@@eboneetyler9458 The abusers need to realize the depth of the injuries they're causing.

[@yolandafrancisco4949]

This is excellent information! Thank you. I will follow up.

[@user-qf3bd1bc3q]

i am a survivor of over 20 yrs of DV i had to have spinal surgery from my choking neck, being strangled in my head, trying to be choked off my head

[@user-qf3bd1bc3q]

happened in my early 20s I am 52 now and I have lots of mental health issues. My brain is very loud and I overthink i have gone thru yrs of therapy medication ect

[@domesticshelters]

Thank you so much for sharing part of your story. We are so sorry you are experiencing this.

[@user-cx9mr4cu8e]

thank you

[@tmking7483]

Can you educate some about how retraumatization therapy is not trauma informed care

[@esmemcewan1257]

Takes an hour to finally get to the point

[@rhondasmith874]

❤

[@sandraboyd9877]

I have read a lot on this but don't find my exact situation. I think it is more common than you might think. Only the victim is too embarrassed or dead. My concern is choking by sexual assault, forcing the erect penis down the throat with the intention to kill. Is there any research on this? As my local PD and doctors haven't been of much help. I lost my memory for almost 2 years.

[@domesticshelters]

Unfortunately there is not much research on this, but we do believe it is is more common than we might think. This article does address it a little bit: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8579901/

[@katierobertsfnp6403]

I am so sorry. This form of assails horrifying. I have been strangled by two different partners. Getting your oxygen cut off, and sustaining traumatic injury for at least two years is unimaginable. You educated me today. I will never forget your sharing this with me.

[@MM-dz9fk]

My school work declined after I was choked at ages 10 and 16 by two different boys.

[@amsa2987]

How are u know

[@tat2trish]

Its really hard turning in your abuser , when you know in their right mind they would never hurt you. Meth made him do it, its hard being a Christian cause were trained to forgive. Not sure if i will find the strength to testify. It 3 days now after im in fla and my eye is swelling up ? Days later weird.