{"id":9237,"date":"2024-09-27T14:20:54","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T18:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/?page_id=9237"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:01:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:01:15","slug":"domestic-violence-resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/resources\/domestic-violence-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Massachusetts, 33.9% of women and 31.7% of men experience intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking in their lifetime and i<\/span>n 2008, domestic violence was declared a public health emergency in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, please call the\u00a0National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a>\u00a0at 1 (800) 799-SAFE [7233] or text “START” to 88788<\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

CTE Research & Brain Donation<\/h3>\n

\"\"Domestic Violence & CTE Research:<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

There are currently only a few reports of domestic violence and CTE in the scientific literature.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first public case<\/em> 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 <\/span>memory issues<\/span> and other symptoms. <\/span>She was diagnosed with <\/span>severe CTE and Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span> as<\/span> <\/span>well as loss of nerve cells and white matter fibers.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Brain Donation:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Personal Testimony<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Mar\u00eda E. Garay-Serratos, MSW, PhD<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mar\u00eda E. Garay-Serratos, MSW, PhD, is a domestic violence \u2013 traumatic brain injury\/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (DV-TBI\/CTE) thought leader. Her life\u2019s 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 P\u00e1nfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation and the Protagonist, Associate Producer, DV-TBI\/CTE Expert Consultant for <\/span>This Hits Home<\/i>, a feature documentary released in 2023. Her work and story have also been the focus of various media\/social media articles\/interviews including\u00a0<\/span>NPR, The National Desk Spotlight on America, USC News, The Global Good Podcast, HuffPost, The Los Angeles Time<\/i>s, Boston University CTE Center, and Concussion Legacy Foundation. Prior to founding P\u00e1nfila and involvement with This Hits Home<\/em>, 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\u2019s degree and a doctorate.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are grateful to Dr. Garay-Serratos for the work she does to advocate for victims of domestic violence and advance CTE research.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Read her letter titled “Brain Donation Among the DV-TBI Population: Call to Action<\/a>” to learn more about her story, CTE research, and the importance of brain donations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Donor Stories<\/h3>\n

The brain donations we have received from individuals impacted by domestic violence are a critical part of our research and we are\u00a0very grateful for the families\u00a0that 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Mar\u00eda P\u00e1nfila Garay<\/span>, 1945-2015<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mar\u00eda P\u00e1nfila Garay was a loving mother who enjoyed\u00a0<\/span>music and the outdoors<\/span>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n
\n

Resources<\/h3>\n

Download our Brain Donation Guide for Families Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence (DV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Download Quick Facts: The DV-TBI Epidemic<\/a> created by the BU CTE Center and the P\u00e1nfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

*National Resources*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

P\u00e1nfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation, founded by Dr. Mar\u00eda E. Garay-Serratos, is a non-profit organization focused both on advancing the science and educating the public about the consequences of\u00a0<\/span>domestic violence (DV)- head trauma, traumatic brain injury\u00a0(TBI), and DV-chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)<\/a> \/ Text “START” to 88788<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

NRCDV\u2019s mission is to strengthen and transform efforts to end domestic violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nevada:<\/em> Safe Living Space provides DV-TBI resources as well as brain injury research, education, and advocacy.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

New York:<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Connecticut<\/em>: Pioneering the study of brain injuries experienced by survivors of domestic violence, the\u00a0ReMIND Lab\u00a0at Trinity College brings attention to the effects of domestic abuse that are invisible to the eye.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Virginia:<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Arizona<\/em>: The Brain Injury Center at Banner \u2013 University Medical Center Phoenix provides services for primarily professional athletes and other individuals with brain injuries including female victims and survivors of domestic violence.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ohio<\/em>: The Ohio Domestic Violence Network \u2013 The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury provides resources for DV-TBI.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

*Local Resources*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

*International Resources*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Canada: <\/em>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Australia: <\/em>SYNAPSE provides services for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence-traumatic brain injury.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

News & Media<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This Hits Home<\/em> (2023)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reveals the invisible and silent epidemic of permanent traumatic brain injury in women from domestic violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can watch This Hits Home<\/em> on Amazon<\/a> or Tubi<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nNews Stories:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Domestic violence may leave telltale damage in the brain. Scientists want to find it<\/a> (NPR \/ March 8, 2024)<\/p>\n

Researchers start studying traumatic brain injury from domestic violence<\/a> (NPR \/ March 5, 2024)<\/p>\n

‘A silent and ignored pandemic:’ Domestic violence survivors may face risk of CTE<\/a> (Local 12 \/ March 5, 2024)<\/p>\n

Local 12 investigates first public case linking domestic violence to deadly brain disease<\/a> (Local 12 \/ Feb. 15, 2024)<\/p>\n

First Public Case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Linked to Domestic Violence Sheds Light on Hidden Danger<\/a> (Concussion Legacy Foundation \/ Oct. 3, 2023)<\/p>\n

This Hits Home<\/a> (BU CTE Center \/ June 23, 2023)<\/p>\n

\n

Safety Planning Tips<\/h3>\n

Courtesy of P\u00e1nfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

If you want to leave your abusive relationship or are planning to help someone leave an abusive environment, please develop a safety plan. The following is a list of tips for you to consider as you develop the safety plan. Please note that it is not an exhaustive list.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
    \n
  1. For immediate emergencies, please call or text 911.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. You can call the\u00a0National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/strong> for help developing your safety plan tailored to your particular situation at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Informal Systems of Support.<\/strong>\u00a0Immigrants, 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.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Undocumented \u2013 Fear of Deportation<\/strong>. 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<\/a><\/b>\u00a0brochure carefully to get informed about your rights as a DV victims. It is available in\u00a0English<\/a>,\u00a0Arabic<\/a>,\u00a0Bengali<\/a>,\u00a0Chinese<\/a>\u00a0(Simplified),\u00a0French<\/a>, Hindi,\u00a0Portuguese<\/a>,\u00a0Russian<\/a>,\u00a0Somali<\/a>,\u00a0Spanish<\/a>, and\u00a0Urdu<\/a>.\u00a0You can also get more information by visiting the\u00a0Immigration Options for Victims of Crime<\/a>\u00a0website.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Safety<\/strong>. It is critical that you and everyone who is leaving and involved in the domestic violent environment or situation are safe.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Important Documents.<\/strong>\u00a0Gather 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.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Plan Where You Are Going to Stay Once You Leave.<\/strong> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. The Family Pet.<\/strong>\u00a0If 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.<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Guns.<\/strong>\u00a0If 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.<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Overnight Bag.<\/strong>\u00a0Have an overnight bag ready if you need to leave quickly and know where it is located.<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20977,"featured_media":0,"parent":6697,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9237"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20977"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9237"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9237\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10089,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9237\/revisions\/10089"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cte\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}