COVID-19-induced surge in the severity of gender-based violence might increase the risk for acquired brain injuries

Abstract

While initial reports have emphasized a global rise in the frequency of intimate partner violence following COVID-19, emerging data are now showing a concerning surge in the severity of COVID-19-induced physical intimate partner violence. One of the most dangerous, frequent, yet hidden consequences of severe physical intimate partner violence is acquired brain injury, including repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and hypoxic brain injury. Although the increase in high-risk physical abuse during COVID-19 is gaining recognition, what still remains absent is the urgent discussion on intimate partner violence–related acquired brain injury during these times. The potential analogous surge in intimate partner violence–related acquired brain injury may have implications for both healthcare providers and healthcare actions/policies as repeated brain injuries have been associated with residual functional deficits and chronic disability. In addition, even in the pre-pandemic times, intimate partner violence–related acquired brain injury is likely unrecognized and/or misclassified due to overlap in symptoms with other comorbid disorders. This review aimed to raise awareness about intimate partner violence–related acquired brain injury within the context of COVID-19. Health actions and policies that should be considered as part of the pandemic response to minimize adverse outcomes associated with intimate partner violence–related acquired brain injury have also been discussed.

A Sense of Danger: Gender-Based Violence and the Quest for a Sensory Criminology

“…It is worth noting here that the overriding aim of this article is not to offer an exhaustive analysis of the alterations, frequency or severity of GBV caused by the pandemic, as this has been done elsewhere (for example, Dlamini, 2021; Murray et al, 2022; Saleem et al, 2021). Instead, our analysis focuses on using the context of the pandemic and the associated shift in ‘atmosphere’ to illustrate the applicability of a multi-sensorial lens to experiences of GBV and to illustrate the insights that can be produced by such an approach.…”

“…Other theories highlight the depletion of existing support networks as a result of lockdown, resulting in reduced opportunities to identify cases of GBV and to implement prevention strategies. Finally, there were reports about how the lockdown restrictions were weaponized by perpetrators of GBVfor example, enabling closer monitoring of a victim's movements and furthering control of their social interactions (Smyth et al, 2021) It is worth noting here that the overriding aim of this article is not to offer an exhaustive analysis of the alterations, frequency or severity of GBV caused by the pandemic, as this has been done elsewhere (for example, Dlamini, 2021;Murray et al, 2022;Saleem et al, 2021). Instead, our analysis focuses on using the context of the pandemic and the associated shift in 'atmosphere' to illustrate the applicability of a multi-sensorial lens to experiences of GBV and to illustrate the insights that can be produced by such an approach.…”

Violencia intrafamiliar en tiempos de pandemia y aislamiento social

“…Las mujeres parecen ser las víctimas más importantes de violencia doméstica en el contexto del aislamiento obligatorio por COVID-19. Nueve investigaciones establecieron que la convivencia forzosa de muchas familias en todo el mundo ha mostrado signos de un verdadero problema, en el contexto de la emergencia sanitaria, en múltiples formas, incluidas las agresiones físicas, la violencia económica, sexual o psicológica (Alharbi et al, 2021;Boxall & Morgan, 2020;Croda & Grossbard, 2021;Gebrewahd et al, 2020;Hamadani et al, 2020;Khanlou et al, 2021;Sacco et al, 2020;Saleem et al, 2021;Sediri et al, 2020).…”

Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence

“…With 1 in 3 women globally reporting physical or sexual IPV, and up to 92% of blows being to the head, face, or neck,1 it is imperative that practitioners, decision/policy makers, and affected women be aware of this co-occurrence of IPV and BI and have access to necessary supports. IPV has been called the “shadow” or “parallel pandemic” to COVID-19, with BIs from IPV being recognized as a significantly increased concern now and for the foreseeable future 2,3. Furthermore, addressing violence and abuse among women with TBI has been identified as a research and practice priority including among women with lived experience of TBI and IPV 4,5.…”