It is critical to identify head injuries as they can result in concussions and death, particularly with the second blow. The signs of head injuries include: headaches, dizziness, depression, and difficulty remembering, concentrating, reading, writing, and performing tasks. Routinely ask every abuse victim “Were you hit on the head or slammed into a wall?” If she says yes, then DOCUMENT THE DETAILS.

Did the abuser hit the victim with an object or fist? Did the abuser push the victim into another object?
How many times did the abuser strike the victim’s head?
Did the victim lose consciousness?
How often does the abuser strike the victim about the head? How often do the abusers actions cause the victim to sustain injuries and/or pain about the head?

For more information on Domestic Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) please refer to OPDV’s Domestic Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury Information Guide at: http://www.opdv.state.ny.us/professionals/tbi/dvandtbi_infoguide.html