Your Brain is a Silent Witness: Implementing fMRI into Domestic Abuse Cases

The American law enforcement and criminal justice system have internalized misconceptions regarding victims of domestic abuse, leading to skepticism towards genuine cases and a disproportionate emphasis on physical over mental abuse. Consequently, many domestic abuse cases are dismissed due to lack of physical evidence, despite the significant impact of mental abuse in intimate partner violence. The introduction of fMRI technology holds promise in providing evidence for mental abuse, but its implementation necessitates the development of progressive policies. This paper examines data from five countries, analyzing the correlation between their policies and domestic violence rates to determine their effectiveness. The findings suggest that investing in these policies could yield positive outcomes in addressing domestic violence. A journal article will summarize these findings, offering new solutions to combat the high dismissal rates of domestic violence cases and advocating for a holistic approach that considers the mental, political, social, and economic dimensions of abuse.