Experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) can lead to brain injuries from strangulation, suffocation, blows to the head and neck, and being shaken violently. Despite the strong link between DFSV and brain injuries, there remains limited information to support women who have a brain injury resulting from violence. 

This practitioner guide is designed to support service providers to contextualise medical information about brain injuries for women living in violent and stressful domestic settings. It provides information directly to the woman and creates an opportunity for service providers to work with the woman to create a recovery plan that reflects her unique circumstances. 

The booklet will be useful for practitioners working with women with a diagnosed or suspected mild brain injury resulting from recent or historical DFSV. It may also help you support women recovering from more serious brain injuries, and women whose brain injuries were not the result of violence including those injured in accidents and through sexual choking.

The booklet should be given to the woman in conjunction with health promotion or psychosocial education. Brain injury: A practitioner guide assists with preparation for this conversation.