This paper focuses on traumatic brain injuries, caused by domestic violence, which are prevalent in society. These injuries are intentional, because the abuser is aware of the assaults. The victim may appear quiet and passive, or show outward signs of depression such as crying or poor eye contact.

Traumatic brain injury resulting from domestic violence is a public health problem. The U.S Department of Justice Study (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000), collected empirical data from a national survey on incidences of physical assaults among intimate partners. It reported that 1.3 million women and 834,732 men suffered sexual assaults from their partners. Care of traumatically injured patients when prevention fails is a recognized public health priority (David et al., 2011; Stereyffeler, 2008).

According to the Haddon diagram, the traumatic injury from domestic violence can be altered atthe Pre-event, event, and post-event phase (David et al., 2011). At the pre-event phase, Public health officers can summon the society for a meeting to create awareness of the risks associated with domestic violence. At event phase, the victim experiences traumatic injury that could be indicated by frequent headaches and depression. The outcome of these injuries can be altered if early screening for traumatic brain injuries is done, to give treatment to the victims and prevent further injuries (David et al., 2011). At post-event phase, the traumatic injuries could result in long-term psychosocial impacts to the victim. Proper counseling and care could help the victim overcome the problem. The most effective level of intervention could be public awareness and acceptance of the large-scale threats associated with domestic violence. The public embraces the fight against violence willingly, thus reducing it.

References

David, A. S., Linda, L.D., Sridhar, V. B., James, A. M., Lisa, C. M., Arlene, G. (2011). Injury Prevention and Trauma Care: Building the Scientific Base. Supplements, 60(04) 78-85.

Stereyffeler, L. C., (2008). Domestic Violence and Trauma: An examination of how Licensed Mental Health professionals asses, diagnose, and treat victims of Domestic Violence. Minneapolis, MN: Capella University.

Tjaden,P., & Thoennes, N. (2000). A full report of the Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence against women: Finding from the National Violence against Women Survey. Research Report, Washington, D.C.: National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.