Domestic Violence
Those who have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime may have experienced repetitive head impacts, which are a primary risk factor for CTE. On this page, please find several resources for individuals impacted by suspected DV CTE.
In Massachusetts, 33.9% of women and 31.7% of men experience intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking in their lifetime and in 2008, domestic violence was declared a public health emergency in Massachusetts.
If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (800) 799-SAFE [7233] or text “START” to 88788.
CTE Research & Brain Donation
Domestic Violence & CTE Research:
There are currently only a few reports of domestic violence and CTE in the scientific literature.
The first public case of CTE linked to domestic violence is a 69-year-old female who was a mother of seven and suffered decades of abuse by her husband. In her mid-40s, she experienced memory issues and other symptoms. She was diagnosed with severe CTE and Alzheimer’s disease as well as loss of nerve cells and white matter fibers.
Brain Donation:
Brain donation plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the relationship between domestic violence and CTE. Increased brain donations are essential to advance this research. If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about the brain donation process, please click here.
Personal Testimony
María E. Garay-Serratos, MSW, PhD
María E. Garay-Serratos, MSW, PhD, is a domestic violence – traumatic brain injury/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (DV-TBI/CTE) thought leader. Her life’s mission is to create global awareness to address the silent and unrecognized DV-TBI/CTE pandemic. Dr. Garay-Serratos is currently the Founder and CEO of Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation and the Protagonist, Associate Producer, DV-TBI/CTE Expert Consultant for This Hits Home, a feature documentary released in 2023. Her work and story have also been the focus of various media/social media articles/interviews including NPR, The National Desk Spotlight on America, USC News, The Global Good Podcast, HuffPost, The Los Angeles Times, Boston University CTE Center, and Concussion Legacy Foundation. Prior to founding Pánfila and involvement with This Hits Home, Dr. Garay-Serratos served as a C-level executive for over 25 years for various non-profit organizations. She attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, where she earned her undergraduate degree in sociology. Her graduate studies were in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California where she earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate.
We are grateful to Dr. Garay-Serratos for the work she does to advocate for victims of domestic violence and advance CTE research.
Read her letter titled “Brain Donation Among the DV-TBI Population: Call to Action” to learn more about her story, CTE research, and the importance of brain donations.
Donor Stories
The brain donations we have received from individuals impacted by domestic violence are a critical part of our research and we are very grateful for the families that have generously chosen to donate. Thanks to these donations, we are able to advance research on the connection between CTE and domestic violence. We are deeply grateful to the families for courageously sharing their stories.
María Pánfila Garay, 1945-2015
María Pánfila Garay was a loving mother who enjoyed music and the outdoors. After noticing changes to her personality, thinking, and behavior after years of suffering from domestic violence, her eldest daughter decided to donate her brain to the BU CTE Center for answers after her passing at age 69.
Resources
Download our Brain Donation Guide for Families Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence (DV).
Download Quick Facts: The DV-TBI Epidemic created by the BU CTE Center and the Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation.
*National Resources*
Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation, founded by Dr. María E. Garay-Serratos, is a non-profit organization focused both on advancing the science and educating the public about the consequences of domestic violence (DV)- head trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and DV-chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence.
Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) / Text “START” to 88788
NRCDV’s mission is to strengthen and transform efforts to end domestic violence.
NCADV’S mission is to lead, mobilize and raise our voices to support efforts that demand a change of conditions that lead to domestic violence such as patriarchy, privilege, racism, sexism, and classism. [They] are dedicated to supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable and supporting advocates.
The Domestic Violence Resource Network (DVRN) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to inform and strengthen domestic violence intervention and prevention efforts at the individual, community, and societal levels.
Nevada: Safe Living Space provides DV-TBI resources as well as brain injury research, education, and advocacy.
New York: Volunteers of America Greater New York, partnered with Safe Living Space, is focused on screening domestic violence survivors in shelters in the Greater New York area. They screen individuals entering their domestic violence programs for possible brain injury.
Connecticut: Pioneering the study of brain injuries experienced by survivors of domestic violence, the ReMIND Lab at Trinity College brings attention to the effects of domestic abuse that are invisible to the eye.
Virginia: The Brain Injury Association of Virginia can provide you with resources if you suspect you or your loved one is suffering from DV-TBI and live in the state of Virginia.
Arizona: The Brain Injury Center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix provides services for primarily professional athletes and other individuals with brain injuries including female victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Ohio: The Ohio Domestic Violence Network – The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury provides resources for DV-TBI.
*Local Resources*
Jane Doe Inc. works to amplify the voices of all who are impacted by sexual and domestic violence and to undo the social injustices that perpetuate an abuse of power.
The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was incorporated in 1982 and is an affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America. BIA-MA has become a national leader in assuring that persons with brain injury and their families have increased access to services.
*International Resources*
Canada: Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR) works with academic researchers, health care providers, and community partners to investigate the intersection of brain injury (BI) and intimate partner violence (IPV), and apply scientific evidence to increase awareness and improve supports and services.
Australia: SYNAPSE provides services for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence-traumatic brain injury.
News & Media
This Hits Home (2023)
Reveals the invisible and silent epidemic of permanent traumatic brain injury in women from domestic violence.
You can watch This Hits Home on Amazon or Tubi.
News Stories:
Domestic violence may leave telltale damage in the brain. Scientists want to find it (NPR / March 8, 2024)
Researchers start studying traumatic brain injury from domestic violence (NPR / March 5, 2024)
‘A silent and ignored pandemic:’ Domestic violence survivors may face risk of CTE (Local 12 / March 5, 2024)
Local 12 investigates first public case linking domestic violence to deadly brain disease (Local 12 / Feb. 15, 2024)
First Public Case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Linked to Domestic Violence Sheds Light on Hidden Danger (Concussion Legacy Foundation / Oct. 3, 2023)
This Hits Home (BU CTE Center / June 23, 2023)
Safety Planning Tips
Courtesy of Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation
- For immediate emergencies, please call or text 911.
- You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help developing your safety plan tailored to your particular situation at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
- Informal Systems of Support. Immigrants, minority women, and other disenfranchised communities are distrustful of formal support networks and instead turn to their informal network for help. Please ensure you consult with someone you trust such as a friend, acquaintance, spiritual guide, or counselor that can help you develop a safety plan. It is vital that this trusted individual have experience developing safety plans or knows where to seek information to assist you with it.
- Undocumented – Fear of Deportation. Do not let this deter you from leaving your violent relationship. Many immigrants are fearful of admitting they are DV victims because they believe they will be removed (deported) from the U.S. if they report the crime. U.S. law provides several protections for legal and undocumented immigrants who are DV victims and victims of other crimes. There are specific protections for victims of DV and other specific crimes. Please read the Immigration Options for Victims of Crime brochure carefully to get informed about your rights as a DV victims. It is available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Simplified), French, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Urdu. You can also get more information by visiting the Immigration Options for Victims of Crime website.
- Safety. It is critical that you and everyone who is leaving and involved in the domestic violent environment or situation are safe.
- Important Documents. Gather and collect important documents such as ID, birth certificates, SSI cards, working permits, marriage license, divorce or custody orders, orders of protection, naturalization certificate, passport, and child/ren medical and school records.
- Plan Where You Are Going to Stay Once You Leave. If you have children, make sure you can take your children. Most DV shelters in the U.S. do not allow older children in their facilities. Make sure you get age limit details.
- The Family Pet. If you have a pet, make sure that you can take your pet with you where you plan to go. Most DV shelters do not allow them in their facilities.
- Guns. If there is a gun in the house, consult with your local police department to get information about how to best manage safe removal of the gun.
- Overnight Bag. Have an overnight bag ready if you need to leave quickly and know where it is located.
- There are other strategies you can consider so it is important to consult with an experienced individual and/or consult with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) to help you develop a safety plan for your particular situation.