Brain Injuries in Intimate Partner Violence
Medicortex Finland Oyj
Developing a diagnostic kit to detect concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a prevalent issue worldwide, affecting one in three women. According to a recent Helsinki Times article 1, Finland has seen a troubling rise in violence against women, with over 15 women killed by men in the past year alone. Alarmingly, worldwide, over 51,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2023 2, and over 640 million women aged 15 and older have suffered from IPV 3, highlighting the pervasiveness of IPV.
IPV often includes physical assaults targeting the head, face, or neck. Survivors who experience repeated blows to the head may develop traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can cause cognitive impairments, memory issues, and personality changes. These symptoms can appear even when no visible injuries are present. Unfortunately, victims may feel fear or shame, preventing them from seeking medical attention and further delaying diagnosis. Thus, despite its prevalence, TBI in IPV victims frequently goes undiagnosed, leading to long-term health challenges.
Raising awareness about the connection between IPV and TBI is essential. Social workers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups must recognize the signs of brain injury to ensure appropriate care. As violence against women continues to rise globally, tackling the hidden consequences of IPV, such as TBI, remains an urgent priority. Advancing diagnostics and increasing awareness can help ensure that survivors receive the support and care they deserve.
Medicortex is developing a rapid and accessible diagnostic test for detecting TBI, enabling timely diagnosis. For more information, please visit www.medicortex.fi.