Domestic violence research highlights overlooked links between head injuries and mental health
Domestic violence can leave a lasting injury that cannot always be seen: damage to the brain. Strangulation or choking and blows to the skull—some of the most common forms of this abuse—can cause physical trauma, while symptoms like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can make the effects of the injury difficult to recognize and treat.
A University of Florida study highlights the often-overlooked connection between domestic violence and head injuries. Sam Goldstein, a doctoral student in the UF Department of Health Education & Behavior, found that intimate partner violence (IPV) among military spouses frequently involves head trauma, including strangulation and blows to the skull.
Symptoms like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are more common in victims with head trauma, and they can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Military spouses, who often lack stability and may struggle to access care due to frequent moves, are particularly vulnerable. Goldstein recommends implementing screenings for potential IPV-related brain injuries in Veteran Health Administration and Department of War-affiliated care settings.
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