Domestic Violence Survivors in Australia Diagnosed with CTE After Decades of Abuse
Progressive Therapeutic Collective stands outraged and heartbroken by the recent findings published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica, revealing that two Australian women who endured decades of domestic violence have been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This devastating discovery marks the first known cases of CTE in domestic violence victims in Australia, highlighting the severe impact of long-term brain trauma on abused women.
Sarah Newbold, Owner and Senior Counselor of Progressive Therapeutic Collective, stated:
"The fact that these women suffered such severe and repetitive head injuries to the point of developing CTE is beyond horrifying. This should serve as a wake-up call for our society to take immediate and decisive action. We need harsher penalties for domestic violence perpetrators and a critical reassessment of how these cases are handled. Our current systems are failing to protect the most vulnerable."
A Call for Specialist Intervention
Sarah Newbold emphasised the inadequacy of the current approach, criticising the police for their handling of domestic violence cases.
"Time and time again, the police have shown that they are not equipped to deal with the complexities and dangers of domestic violence. We need specialists who are trained to keep women and children safe and alive. The involvement of professionals who understand the nuances and risks associated with domestic violence is crucial for effective intervention and prevention."
The two women, aged in their 30s and 40s, suffered dozens of brutal assaults leading to at least 70 medical presentations related to partner violence, including 35 documented head injuries. The diagnosis of CTE, a progressive brain disease typically found in male contact sports players, underscores the severe and often overlooked consequences of domestic violence on women's health.
Michael Buckland, Director of the Australian Sports Brain Bank and head of the Department of Neuropathology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, commented:
"The pathology we found in these cases is identical to what we find in contact sports players. However, the difference is that these women did not choose to be hit in the head repeatedly. This discovery highlights the need for routine screening of domestic violence victims for CTE at autopsy."
Addressing the Severity of Abuse
The severity of the abuse these women suffered is shocking and demands immediate attention. Linda Iles, head of forensic pathology at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, screened for CTE in five victims of family violence and emphasized the extreme nature of these cases.
"The extent of the chronic violence experienced by these two individuals should shock people and refocus attention on this issue. It's not just about the presence of CTE but the broader health impacts of persistent violence."
Urgent Need for Change
Sarah Newbold calls on the government and society to act now:
"We must invest in education and training for frontline specialists to recognize the signs of brain injury in domestic violence victims and provide long-term support. Governments need to fund campaigns that educate communities about the potential long-term harms of brain injury from domestic violence. This issue is not just about preventing homicides but also about addressing the significant injury and harm caused by domestic abuse."
Progressive Therapeutic Collective is dedicated to all those affected by domestic violence and advocating for systemic changes to protect them. We urge all Australians to stand with us in demanding justice and safety for all victims of domestic violence.