In today's dynamic workplace, understanding the profound impact of domestic violence on employees is crucial for fostering a healthy work environment. Recent studies reveal startling insights into the neurological consequences of intimate partner violence, particularly concerning chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
1. Unveiling the Hidden Dangers - CTE in Domestic Violence Victims
CTE, typically associated with athletes, has now been identified in domestic violence victims, highlighting a significant but often overlooked health concern in women who are victims of domestic and family violence. Two women, in their 30s and 40s suffered decades of intimate partner violence, enduring numerous brutal assaults and head injuries. They died from blunt force injuries and impact trauma and were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). These are the first recorded cases of CTE in domestic violence victims in Australia and among the few globally.
Pathologists examined their brains, uncovering at least 70 assault-related medical presentations and 35 documented head injuries related to partner violence. Both were found to have stage I CTE, the earliest and mildest form of the disease.
While CTE might only be present in the most severe domestic violence cases this discovery highlights the urgent need to support women in escaping violent relationships and raises awareness of the potential long-term brain trauma faced by victims of domestic and family violence.
This finding also serves as a stark reminder of the often-overlooked risks of brain trauma among abused women, a group largely neglected in research despite enduring physical abuse and brain injuries at alarming rates.
2. What is CTE? Understanding Its Origins and Connections to Domestic Violence
First identified as "punch-drunk syndrome" in boxers in the 1920s, CTE is a progressive brain disease predominantly found in athletes and military veterans who have suffered hundreds or thousands of concussions and sub-concussive hits. Its symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, poor impulse control, severe depression, and suicidality, though some individuals may show no signs of illness at all. It can only be diagnosed post-mortem.
The connection between CTE and domestic violence was first noted in 1990 when a British doctor identified the disease in a 76-year-old woman with a history of stroke, dementia, and years of spousal abuse. Since then, two more cases have been documented using modern diagnostic criteria: one in 2021 in a 29-year-old woman killed by her abusive fiancé in Colorado, and another last year in a 69-year-old California woman who endured decades of abuse by her husband.
These findings, published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica, underscore the urgent need for workplace policies that recognise and respond to family violence. Employees experiencing such trauma may face cognitive challenges affecting their productivity and overall wellbeing, necessitating sensitive and supportive workplace environments.
The statistics in rates of domestic and family violence are astounding. At least one in four women in Australia have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner or family member since the age of 15, with a 2018 study revealing that about 40 percent of family violence victims attending Victorian hospitals over a decade had sustained a brain injury. The statistics are particularly alarming for First Nations women, who suffer head injury due to assault at 69 times the rate of non-Indigenous women.
Despite this, head trauma in women remains disturbingly understudied, even though evidence suggests that women are more susceptible to brain injury and take longer to recover than men.
Linda Iles, head of forensic pathology at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, has screened for CTE in five victims of family violence who exhibited signs of chronic head trauma or had documented histories of long-term partner violence. In some cases, the victims' relatives specifically raised concerns that they might have CTE. To date, she has found no evidence of the disease. "But it's early days," she said, "and we still need to keep looking for it."
3. Recognising and Addressing Brain Injuries in Victims of Domestic Violence
Spotting the signs of brain injury is crucial in addressing the risks of brain trauma from domestic violence, though how best to do so remains an open question. Many experts agree that the first step is to raise awareness of this significant issue.
Dr. Buckland, Neuropathology Professor at the Brain and Mind Centre emphasised that in the realm of sports, education plays a critical role in preventing CTE.
"People should approach exposure to contact sports like they do exposure to the summer sun—being aware of their dosage and modifying their behaviour to enjoy the activity safely," he suggested.
However, for victims of intimate partner violence, leaving abusive situations is often not feasible due to barriers imposed by their abusers or circumstances, compounded by the cognitive challenges resulting from their sustained brain injuries.
Tania Farha, chief executive of Safe and Equal, the leading advocacy body for family violence organisations in Victoria, pointed out a common misconception: that repetitive head trauma primarily affects men in contact sports like football, largely due to extensive media coverage of concussions and CTE in athletes.
The discovery of two new cases of CTE in victims of domestic violence, Farha emphasised, "underscores that these issues are likely more prevalent in family violence scenarios."
"While recent attention has rightly focused on the tragic deaths of women due to family violence," Farha added, "we must also recognise the significant injuries and harm occurring beyond instances of homicide."
To address these needs, Ms. Farha stressed the importance of government investment in campaigns aimed at educating communities about the enduring risks of brain injuries. Additionally, she emphasised the necessity for comprehensive education and training programs for frontline specialists within the family violence sector and broader healthcare community. This training would enable them to identify signs or symptoms suggestive of brain injuries and provide sustained support, especially crucial for individuals in enduring abusive relationships.
4. The Role of Employee Assistance Programs in Supporting Victims of Family Violence
In workplaces, Acorn EAP serves as a crucial support system for victims of family violence, ensuring they receive essential care and support. With clinicians skilled and experienced in assessing and working with family violence, Acorn EAP offers specialised services that are pivotal for employees navigating the aftermath of abuse. This expertise not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also provides ongoing support to manage the complexities of recovery. As highlighted by recent research in Acta Neuropathologica, which discovered cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in victims of domestic violence, such findings underscore the often-overlooked risks of brain trauma for abused women. These cases, alongside insights from the Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai, emphasise the substantial health impacts endured by victims, including vascular damage and chronic diseases. Tania Farha, CEO of Safe and Equal, stresses the need for comprehensive education and training to help frontline specialists recognise signs of brain injury in victims and provide long-term support.
By partnering with Acorn EAP, workplaces not only prioritise employee well-being but also create environments where victims feel safe to seek assistance, mitigating the pervasive effects of domestic violence both personally and professionally.
Conclusion: Taking Action to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
In recognising the profound impact of domestic violence on victims' mental and physical health, particularly the newly identified risk of CTE, it is crucial for workplaces to foster supportive environments. By partnering with Acorn EAP, businesses can provide the necessary care and resources to help employees navigate the aftermath of abuse, ensuring their well-being and productivity.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reach out for support. For employers, consider implementing comprehensive support systems for affected employees. Contact Acorn EAP today to learn more about our specialised services and how we can help create a safer, more supportive workplace for everyone.
