Domestic Violence

Did You Know?

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive tactics, which can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse, perpetrated by one person against an adult intimate partner, with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control over the victim.

The Domestic Violence/TBI Intersection

• Violence is a major cause of TBI.
• The head is a major target of domestic violence assaults.
• Similar problems exist in domestic violence and TBI:
• Lack of identification.
• Misinterpreted behaviors.
• Misguided interventions.
• Inattention to real needs.
• Difficulty accessing and using services.

Who are the Victims of DV?

• At least 85% are women, mostly abused by male partners.
• 1/2 or more of violent men also abuse their kids.
• All economic classes and ethnic groups.
• All age groups, from teens to elderly women.
• 17% - 46% of lesbians and gay men report abuse.

Products

TBI & Domestic Violence Web Cast

Resources

• The Family Violence Prevention Fund's (FVPF's) State-By-State Report Card on Health Care Laws and Domestic Violence is an at-a-glance evaluation of state activity in passing laws to improve the health care response to domestic violence.

• American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence

• The Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence

• The Family Violence Prevention Fund

• Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community

• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

• National Coalition Again Domestic Violence Coordinators [Word 45KB]

• National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence

• U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs Violence Against Women Grants Office (VAWGO)