I speak to a support worker who works with victims of intimate partner violence.

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My experience:

I feel heard, believed and understood. The support worker immediately tells me about the connection between intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injury (TBI). I’m relieved to put words to my symptoms and, especially, to learn more about them. I leave with more information, a concrete action plan and even a little hope.

Explanation:

Support workers at emergency shelters (ES) or second-stage housing (MH2) are trained to recognize and detect the potential signs of a TBI, although these injuries can only be diagnosed by a health care professional. If a support worker tells you that they suspect you have a TBI, in an ideal scenario you would immediately seek medical care. However, access to health care can feel like a jumping through endless hoops and resources can be limited. While you wait for medical care, support workers can suggest tools to help you manage the TBI symptoms that affect your daily life (e.g., stress management, sleep hygiene, organizing tasks, etc.).

Resources:

SOS Violence Conjugale 

This project was funded by the Government of Quebec/Secrétariat à la condition féminine.