The victims of domestic violence have a lot of things they have to be concerned about. Now, doctors and scientists say that there’s one more issue that needs to be added to the list: the dangers posed by concussions.
Researchers say that many of the nation’s victims of domestic violence — which include about one-third of all women and one-quarter of all men — suffer repeated injuries to their heads during assaults. That’s worrisome because of the data that’s emerged about long-term damage from even a single concussion.
However, there’s even more reason to be concerned about domestic violence victims because, unlike professional athletes, they seldom get a good opportunity for recovery. An athlete usually has medical treatment right at hand. A domestic violence victim may not receive medical care at all for his or her injuries. That affects the ability of a domestic violence victim to effectively recover from the damage of even mild concussions. Any repeated blows to the head can make the problems they experience even worse.
Researchers have also discovered that women are more likely to suffer serious head injuries than men under similar circumstances due to their weaker necks and smaller size. That’s also bad news when it comes to domestic violence, given that 76 percent of victims are female. Plus, researchers say that recovery from a head injury can be complicated by something as commonplace as a hormone shift during a menstrual cycle.
Concussions — once thought to be relatively mild — are now known to be a serious indicator of potential brain damage. Any domestic violence victim who suffers from unconsciousness, dizziness, trouble speaking, memory problems or nausea after a blow to the head should seek medical care as soon as possible. In addition, we can help you obtain a restraining order against your abuser — which can assist you as you try to recover. Our website has more information.