The Impact of Brain Injuries Sustained From Domestic Violence

Brain injuries among victims of domestic violence are not typically incidents that make headlines like those of concussions sustained by professional athletes or military veterans. Rather these injuries and the intimate partner violence they stem from are often underreported, under researched, and lack investment for improved methods of diagnosis and robust treatment options from the medical community. A new report by Christa Hillstrom from The New York Times Magazine identifies the significant and widespread prevalence of brain injuries from physical abuse as a "hidden epidemic." We explore Hillstrom's article, related data and the impact of traumatic brain injuries from domestic violence with Jan Langbein, CEO of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. In addition to this leadership role and her international work in the field of domestic violence, Jan Langbein is also the Chair of the Dallas County Intimate Partner Fatality Review Committee and has expert-level knowledge on the extensive, long term impact physical violence can cause to a victim's body, brain and overall health.