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Traumatic brain injuries from Intimate Partner (IPV) are disturbingly common but frequently overlooked in medical and legal systems. Survivors may struggle with memory loss, difficulty concentrating, emotional dysregulation, and other cognitive challenges—barriers that can impede their ability to heal, find safety, and advocate for themselves. This article highlights how brain injuries caused by IPV often go undiagnosed and untreated and is a critical reminder that the effects of domestic violence are often invisible and that the harm caused is long-lasting and pervasive. We must: · Raise awareness about the long-term health impacts of domestic violence, including TBIs. · Advocate for training healthcare providers and legal professionals so they are equipped to recognize and respond to these injuries. · Improve access to trauma-informed medical care, legal services, and advocacy tailored to the needs of survivors. At The Second Step we are committed to supporting survivors and addressing the root causes of domestic violence. https://lnkd.in/eDwEeaub

The physical effects of violence don't end when abuse stops. Research shows that women who experience violence are: - 70% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease - 3 times more likely to develop chronic pain conditions - 2.5 times more likely to develop fibromyalgia - 60% more likely to develop autoimmune conditions The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence remind us that every day a woman lives with violence is another day her health faces lasting impact. Trauma fundamentally changes how our bodies function. When exposed to prolonged violence, the body's stress response system remains in constant "fight or flight" mode, leading to: - Elevated stress hormones that damage the cardiovascular system - Compromised immune function - Chronic inflammation - Disrupted sleep patterns that affect healing - Altered pain processing in the nervous system Violence can create lasting changes in the brain and body. A groundbreaking study in The Lancet showed that women who experienced violence had measurable differences in brain structure, particularly in areas controlling stress response and emotional regulation. This makes trauma-informed healthcare essential. Yet only 25% of healthcare providers report receiving adequate training in trauma-informed care. During these #16Days of Activism, we’re calling attention to this critical gap in women's healthcare. Every healthcare setting must become a safe space where: - Providers understand trauma's physical impacts - Women's pain and symptoms are taken seriously - Treatment plans consider trauma history - Staff are trained to recognize abuse indicators - Referral networks for comprehensive support exist Healing requires both addressing immediate safety AND providing trauma-informed medical care. Only then can we break the cycle of violence's health impacts. Resources: National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health: /https://lnkd.in/eeznWaEY Office on Women's Health - Violence Against Women Health Effects: https://lnkd.in/dgFgw77v CDC's Violence Prevention - Health Impact Resources: https://lnkd.in/es4_8mxp SAMHSA's Trauma-Informed Care Resources: https://lnkd.in/dZYxNrhZ World Health Organization's Violence Against Women Health Impact Data: https://lnkd.in/eFikncF Trauma-Informed Healthcare Provider Directory: https://lnkd.in/ebaurg5S National Domestic Violence Hotline: www.thehotline.org, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Academy on Violence and Abuse - Health Effects Research: https://lnkd.in/e_j-pqzz #TraumaInformedCare #WomensHealth #SurvivorHealth #HealthcareAccess #TraumaAwareness #ChronicIllness #WomensSafety

Domestic violence has far-reaching public health effects, including the often-overlooked link to traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s.) Over 90% of individuals with a history of interpersonal violence show symptoms of traumatic brain injury (#TBI), highlighting the urgent need for research. Dorothy Kozlowski, a Vincent de Paul Professor of Neuroscience and Chair of DePaul University Department of Neuroscience, and Sonya Crabtree-Nelson, an Associate Professor of Social Work, have long collaborated to explore the extent of #braininjury related to #domesticviolence. “This upcoming research will allow our partners to better understand the scope of the issue and expand their services,” says Kozlowski. “One of our priorities is enhancing services for survivors. In every step, we consider how our research can directly benefit those impacted by domestic violence.” Michael Reese Health Trust is proud to support this initiative. Learn more: https://bit.ly/40zm36d  

In 2024, over 22 million Americans with serious brain disorders were failed by a system that continues to criminalize illness instead of treating it. But the National Shattering Silence Coalition proved that when families unite, we can create pathways to dignity, treatment, and hope. This year, we transformed advocacy from whispers to a thundering call for change: • Launched state advocacy teams across 16 states, building a powerful grassroots movement • Released the groundbreaking "Guide to Psychosis and Psychotic Illnesses" - written by someone who lives with the experience, not just studies it • Established support networks for caregivers and peers fighting isolation • Collaborated with AwareNow Media to amplify stories that challenge stigma • Pushed critical Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) law discussions in Massachusetts and Connecticut Our most powerful moments captured the urgent need for systemic change: 1. "Guide to Psychosis and Psychotic Illnesses: A Peer's Perspective" Proving that understanding comes from lived experience, not just academic research. https://lnkd.in/ekmkX82u 2. Matt Stick's Recovery Story A raw, honest look at how early intervention can transform lives. https://lnkd.in/eCstZJ5A 3. Massachusetts Treatment Access Advocacy Challenging a system that criminalizes mental illness instead of treating it. https://lnkd.in/e_9GA9ni In 2025, we're not just expanding - we're accelerating. Our state advocacy teams will push for policy reforms that recognize serious brain disorders as the medical conditions they are. We'll continue shattering the silence, one family, one story at a time. To every family fighting for their loved one, to every advocate who refuses to be silenced: your voices are our greatest weapon for change. #ShatteringSilence #InspiringChange #MentalHealthJustice #right2treatment #LinkedInRewind #Coauthor #2024wrapped

DePaul faculty members Dorothy Kozlowski and Sonya Crabtree-Nelson are leading research to address a critical, often overlooked issue: brain injuries in survivors of intimate partner violence. Supported by a grant from the Michael Reese Health Trust and partnerships across Chicago, this work will result in the first-ever dataset demonstrating the incidence of brain injury among domestic violence survivors in Illinois. Read more about how their research will help community partners expand services and enhance resources for people affected by domestic violence. https://ow.ly/jl5650UOJ8s

It's the end of April. April is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (#PMDD) awareness month. PMDD affects between 5-8% of women in the UK. PMDD is often misdiagnosed, and glossed over even by medical professionals as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). But it's much more serious than that. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders research reveals that 34% of the people who have been diagnosed (and there are many more who haven't) have attempted suicide. So why don't we hear about it more? Where are the pitchforks, people up in arms about this condition? Some are. Evelyn Health Jared Williams are leading the charge to bring PMDD into the spotlight, to educate, support and help women manage their hormones. We need research and funding to better understand this condition, in order to adequately support women who are experiencing it. As a female-led agency, women's health is at the top of our agenda, and we hope to put it at the top of yours. tessa laws Colleen Armstrong Grace Tucker #PMDDAwarenessMonth #FemTech #HormonalHealth #WomensHealth

You only get one brain: Wally Lewis joins 20-strong delegation to Canberra calling for CTE services, education and awareness raising. https://lnkd.in/g285ugU2 The harmful impact of concussions and repeated concussions is being discussed widely in sporting circles at present - dementia is real. We only have one brain, and no one wants our sportsmen and sportswomen suffering brain damage from the rigors of rugby, league or union, boxing, etc. Many of these injuries are caused by accidental head knocks and are not deliberate. It is the nature of full body contact sport. While this is most definitely not a contest to see who has the most brain injuries, we cannot forget, deny, or negate the toll that domestic violence assaults take on women's brains - remember this is not just head knocks, punches, or kicks to the head (by usually far bigger and heavier and stronger partners) - brains are assaulted by strangulation ("choking"). This is intentional deliberate partner-inflicted brain injury ! Victim/survivors of dv assaults including strangulation, need proper medical attention and assessment, including CT angiography, to ensure ongoing support for any of the long-lasting effects of brain trauma. This article from the NY TIMES is chilling!

October is National Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a condition that affects an estimated 3% to 8% of women of reproductive age. PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can significantly impact a woman’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being. At Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates in North Carolina, we are committed to supporting women with PMDD by offering diagnosis, treatment, and resources to manage symptoms effectively. PMDD shares many symptoms with PMS, but it is far more intense and can disrupt daily life. It typically occurs in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation and before menstruation. Women with PMDD may experience severe mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Physical symptoms can include bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches, all of which can feel overwhelming and debilitating. Learn more in our latest blog and make an appointment to receive individualized care from our experts. https://lnkd.in/ejx6Uwqd #pmdd #pmddawareness #womenshealth #womenshealthmatters

SHARE THIS REEL TO HELP SPREAD AWARENESS. An extremely alarming number of people - 34% - with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) have attempted suicide to escape the debilitating symptoms. This is NOT OK. This number does not account for missed or misdiagnosis nor women or AFAB individuals whose ovulatory cycle is suppressed by hormonal, chemical, or surgical means. 🦋💕💫 Today is the SECOND-EVER PMDD AWARENESS DAY in the state of Missouri. #PMDDAwarenessDay #PMDDAwarenessDay2024 #secondannual The observance was created in memory of Christina Elizabeth Bohn, who lost her battle with PMDD. This past Saturday was the in-person portion of our IGNITE YOUR FIGHT RACE SERIES: The Christina Elizabeth Bohn Memorial 5K for PMDD Awareness. Among those in attendance were Christina's college roommates, all dressed in teal. The girls came in from Texas, Utah, North Carolina, and Nevada to honor their friend and spread the word about PMDD. We can't let this disorder take any more lives. There's still time to join the fight! Registration has been extended for our virtual 5K. You choose the date! Register at iapmd.org/events. Together, we can make a difference for those who suffer from Premenstrual Disorders! YOU ARE NOT ALONE. iapmd.org/peer-support iapmd.org/pmdd-v-pme iapmd.org/toolkit https://lnkd.in/ebDMCBvn 💙 #modhss #pmddpeeps #secondever #pms #suicideprevention #advocacy #missouri #mycycle #myperiod #youarenotalone #networkforgood #mentalhealth #premenstrual #notpms #menstrual #togetherwecanmakeadifference #premenstrualhealth  #youvegotthis #networkforgood #suicidepreventionmonth #inmemory #makingchange #historic #makinghistory #pmddawarenessissuicideprevention #WomensHealth @healthylivingmo

"PCOS takes upto 2 years to be diagnosed" *A University of Pennsylvania study found that one-third of people with PCOS saw at least 3 health professionals over a period of  2 years before receiving a diagnosis, often leaving them confused because of the lack of information provided. Delayed diagnosis is linked to anxiety, depression, and challenges in self-management and lifestyle improvement. *People with PCOS are 77% more likely to have anxiety,80% more likely to have depression and,53% more likely to have any eating disorders *The rate of miscarriage in women without PCOS is between 10%-15% of pregnancies. But for people with PCOS miscarriage are increases to a heartbreaking 30%-50% If you know anyone struggling with PCOS, please reach out and check in on them. Your support can make a world of difference! Kindness costs nothing 😊