263 Prevalence of Brain Injury in Seven New York City Domestic Violence Shelters

INTRODUCTION: Domestic and Intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) is a pressing global issue. More than 58 million people in the US alone have experienced violence by a partner or family member. While studies suggest 50-80% of individual violent events involve injury to the head and/or neck, there is no standardized concussion or TBI screening done for this high risk population. METHODS: A prospective brain injury assessment of 504 individuals presenting to 7 Volunteers of America DV/IPV Shelters in the Greater New York Area between October 21, 2022 and May 9, 2024 was performed by VOA-GNY case managers trained in Trauma and Brain Injury Responsive Care. RESULTS: Of 504 clients, 96.8% identifed as female, .6% non binary between 18 to 65+ years of age. 286 clients (56.7%) answered questions regarding possible brain injuries. Of those who participated, 37.75% reported being being punched or struck with fists to the head and/or neck, 34.6% having their head pushed into a wall or object and 35.7% experienced being choked or strangled. The most common associated symptom reported was headache with 62.6%. 22-28.2% reported light sensitivity, dizziness and/or blurred or double vision. 8.7-11.9% reported loss of consciousness or being amnestic/unable to remember the violent event. 51.3% reported having sustained a symptomatic injury to the head and/or neck within the prior year to presenting to the shelter. 12.1% (60) reported sustaining more than 10 lifetime brain injuries to date. CONCLUSIONS: With more than half of the clients entering the DV/IPV shelters having possible brain injuries, it is appropriate to assess all victims of DV/IPV for brain injury resulting from physical abuse and strangulation.