The silent epidemic: understanding the hidden impact of domestic and sexual violence on the brain

Domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) present a major public health issue, associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially for women who are victimised. Victims/survivors are over-represented in mental health services. DASV is associated with victim homicide, and significant mental health sequalae including, suicidality, mental health symptomatology and mental disorder. However, a historic lack of data collection and research focus has meant that we are only starting to fully understand the serious risk of brain injury amongst victims/survivors.

Mental health services have an important role in a cross-sector response to DASV. However, as demonstrated in the findings of the RCPsych Women and Mental Health survey (2024), psychiatrists and mental health services are still not equipped to understand and support the needs of victim/ survivors. A strong focus on education alongside implementation of national guidance are needed to improve mental health service response.

The session will focus on increasing awareness of the neuropsychiatric sequelae for women victim/ survivors of DASV. It will promote new national guidance for health systems response to Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS)and equip clinicians with practical guidance on identification and response to women with brain injury. Recognition of the high prevalence and serious harm associated with Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) led to the introduction of 'non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal suffocation' as a standalone criminal offence (DA Act 2021).

Funded by the Home Office, the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) have developed national intercollegiate guidance, 'clinical management of non-fatal strangulation presenting outside of an emergency department setting’. Professor Catherine White (Medical Director IFAS) will present this guidance. The charity Brainkind will present their research on brain injury amongst victim/ survivors of domestic abuse. Dr Czarina Kirk, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, will describe clinical manifestations of brain injury in women and provide practice guidance for clinicians on identification and response. 

Speakers