New research indicates that ‘almost all women in contact with the justice system have experienced domestic abuse, and that Acquired Brain Injury is a significant consequence – affecting the majority of justice-involved women.’
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is an often hidden and poorly understood consequence of domestic abuse, typically occurring when physical assaults are targeted at the head, face, and neck or in instances of non-fatal strangulation. The resulting brain injuries can impact survivor’s memory, attention and concentration, speech and language skills, impulsivity, and vulnerability to mental health difficulties including suicidality and substance use. These difficulties are often misattributed or misunderstood in justice settings – categorised as behavioural issues, non-compliance, or mental health difficulties.
Despite this, prison and probation officers rarely receive training on ABI, and many have misconceptions about what an ABI is and how it might affect the individuals they are working with. The research also highlights that women with ABI are more likely to have substance use difficulties, diagnoses of mental health difficulties, significant histories of trauma, to have attempted suicide and that they are at greater risk of reoffending.
For further information, click here.