Brainkind reveals that 1 in 2 people who have experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales may be living with a brain injury

This compares to the prevalence of traumatic brain injury in the general population which is approximately 1 in 12.

Brainkind’s new report Too Many to Count is the first study in the UK to explore the prevalence of brain injury in people who have experienced domestic abuse,
who access community-based services. Brainkind spoke to 60 women, 55% of whom screened positive for a history indicative of brain injury.

Other findings included:

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80% of participants who had experienced domestic abuse had suffered a serious blow to the head.

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75% of participants who had experienced domestic abuse had been held at least once in a way that prevented them from breathing.

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People who screened positive for a history indicative of brain injury were more likely to experience moderate to severe post-concussion
symptoms, low mood and post-traumatic stress.

Exploration revealed significant overlap between brain injury and mental health symptoms. This highlights not only the risk of incorrect diagnosis, but also the complexity of accurately identifying brain injury in this population.

Brainkind calls for improved provision of the appropriate support services for people who have experienced domestic abuse. The charity wants to bring brain
injury and domestic abuse to the forefront of national discussion and action. It hopes this research will prompt a new approach, changing policy and practice.

Among the report’s recommendations Brainkind stresses the need to:

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Understand the links between brain injury and health inequalities for people who have experienced domestic abuse.

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Work with people who have experienced domestic abuse to develop tools and resources that will enable individuals to advocate
for themselves and communicate their needs clearly.

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Train domestic abuse practitioners to raise awareness and increase identification of brain injury, including understanding
individual needs, and ways to adapt practice.

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Promote inclusion and recognition of brain injury and its impact on people experiencing domestic abuse in future policy,
as well as any potential revisions made to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

“I am incredibly proud to share our latest research into the intersections of brain injuries and domestic abuse. Too Many to Count is our fourth report developing recognition of the importance of brain injury awareness in the broader domestic abuse debate. We are dedicated to continuing this work, we welcome working with anyone who wants to join us on this journey.” Irene Sobowale, CEO Brainkind

“Every time he hit me, he hit my head. He would say it was the only place that wouldn’t bruise.”
Too Many to Count research participant

“Our research findings highlight the complexities faced by people who have experienced domestic abuse. These issues are compounded by our evidence that reveals
1 in 2 people who have experienced domestic abuse may be living with brain injury. Our recommendations focus on how we can work together to close the gaps in knowledge and practice around domestic abuse and brain injuries.”
Stephanie Bechelet, Domestic Abuse and Brain Injury Researcher, Brainkind

“As experts in brain injury, we are grateful to all participants who contributed to this research. We are committed to working with people who have experience
of domestic abuse. We want to undertake more research and co-produce training to help those working in domestic abuse services to identify brain injury. We also want to see future policy and legislation recognise brain injury and its impact on people experiencing
domestic abuse.” Dr Annmarie Burns, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, Brainkind