What Do Professionals Need to Know?

Traumatic Brain Injury and Domestic Violence

Information for Brain Injury Service Providers

Strategies for TBI Service Providers

• Listen and validate her feelings.
• Remind her that it’s not her fault.
• Take confidentiality very seriously, for her safety.
• Do nothing to endanger her.
• Explore her options.
• Help her understand how the police and courts can help her.
• Help her mobilize her support system.
• Be willing to advocate for her.
• Support her right to self-determination – to make her own decisions as far as possible – even if independence is not a realistic possibility for her. As much as possible, follow her lead as far as what kind of help she wants. Don’t try to take control or tell her what to do.
• Don’t focus on just getting her to leave her partner. This is important for her safety.

Next: Domestic violence services