Intimate Partner Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury with Dr Paul van Donkelaar and Karen Mason

Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast

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Content Advisory: This episode contains in-depth discussions on sensitive and potentially distressing topics, specifically suicide and domestic violence. These subjects are addressed with the intention of providing critical insights and raising awareness; however, they may evoke strong emotional reactions. Given the gravity and personal nature of these issues, we advise listener discretion. It is essential to acknowledge that such content might be triggering for some individuals. We encourage those who may be affected to consider their emotional readiness before proceeding and to seek appropriate support if needed. This advisory aim to ensure that listeners can make informed choices about their engagement with the material.

Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today we are privilege and honoured to host Karen Mason, co-founder and executive director of SOAR: Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury Through Research, and Dr. Paul van Donkelaar, Co-Founder, SOAR’s scientific advisor and professor at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. With over 35 years in advocacy and leadership, Karen has championed survivors of intimate partner violence, while Dr. van Donkelaar’s research explores brain dysfunction related to traumatic brain injuries, particularly in women affected by intimate partner violence. Together, they’re advancing crucial work through SOAR, integrating cutting-edge research with dedicated advocacy.

- Content Advisory

- Introduction to Dr Paul van Donkelaar and Karen Mason (4:12)

- What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (8:12)

- Asphyxiation/ Strangulation, Statistics and Stigma of Intimate Partner Violence (9:16)

- Whys Is There Not a Unified Name Describing Domestic/ Intimate Partner Violence (14:30)

- Incidence Rates and Offences (15:50)

- Cognitive Effects and Complexities Of “Stay or Leaving” (17:39)

- It is About Control and Power (23:19)

- Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury When Seeking Help & Intersection Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Personality (24:50)

- Higher Risk Population and Signs + Symptoms Of An Abusive Relationship (32:20)

- Signs Of A Perpetrator (39:30)

- How We Can Help a Person Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (41:50)

- 47:00

SOAR: https://soarproject.ca

Twitter/X: @CanadaSoar

White Ribbon Australia: https://whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/

(Includes all health services and numbers)

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