Intimate partner violence is prevalent in Australia, but what is largely unknown is the impact of brain injury as a result of intimate partner violence.
It is an area which has received little research or attention.
“We know that intimate partner violence is sadly a very common experience, and that the injuries people sustain can have both short and long-term effects on brain function,” researcher and lecturer Dr Christine Padgett from the University’s School of Psychological Sciences said.
Tasmania, along with the Northern Territory, has the highest rate of intimate partner violence in Australia, with 28.1% in women over 18.
“What many people don’t realise is things like choking – which is a common type of assault in intimate partner violence – can cause brain injuries,” Dr Padgett said.
Dr Padgett’s research specialises in traumatic brain injury, where she has just been awarded a 2024 Churchill Fellowship. She is also currently recruiting Tasmanian women for a study into the psychological effects of intimate partner violence.
The award will enable her to travel to the US, Canada and the UK to investigate the latest research on the impact of brain injury as a result of intimate partner violence.
“There has been a lot of attention on sports-related concussion, but we know lots of people who experience intimate partner violence will sustain similar or even worse types of injuries. But victim-survivors cannot choose to ‘sit out a game’ or easily remove themselves from the risk, so it is crucial we try to better understand the relationship between intimate partner violence and brain injury,” she said.
As part of her study, Dr Padgett aims to connect with peers undertaking the latest research into the area, those supporting victim-survivors, and learn how people are providing public education about this issue.
“I also want to develop connections with people working directly with victim-survivors, and victim survivors themselves,” Dr Padgett said.
“Hearing people’s stories about having experienced a brain injury caused by intimate partner violence will allow me to learn how to better support those with such injuries.
“These lived experiences not only help inform research but will also aid in developing education materials about the issue.
“These education materials would aim to help those with a brain injury caused by intimate partner violence, and also help their family and friends understand the nature of the brain injury in this context.”
Dr Padgett is currently recruiting Tasmanian women for a study into the psychological effects of intimate partner violence. For more details visit the study webpage at redcap.helix.monash.edu/surveys/?s=PY84CREE8PAEWRWN