The physical, psychological and sexual abuse that adolescents may experience in romantic relationships is associated with an increased risk of concussion.
- Physical, psychological and sexual violence suffered by young couples is linked to a higher probability of concussion.
- Girls and non-binary people who experience abuse are at “high risk”.
- Concussions are often the result of being jerked, pushed or jostled on the ground.
We know that adult victims of partner violence also often suffer from traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. However, until now, no one had examined whether this link existed among young people experiencing abuse within their romantic relationships. Thus, researchers from the University of Calgary (Canada) carried out a study to determine the clinical care provided to these at-risk groups.
Concussion: more risks for girls and young non-binary victims of domestic violence
To carry out the work, published in the journal Journal of Adolescent Healththey used data from 2,926 students in the 9th and 10th grades (which corresponds to the third and second in the French school system). Violence among young couples in the past 12 months was measured using three items for persecution and three items for perpetration. The team asked participants if a doctor or nurse had diagnosed them with a concussion in the past year, where they were and what they were doing when they suffered the concussion. “We created a comparison group that did not experience dating violence,” she clarified.
The results showed that one in three young people among the approximately 3,000 surveyed had been victims of physical, psychological and/or sexual violence in the last 12 months. According to the authors, abuse within the couple increased the risk of concussions among the volunteers. Analyzing data by gender, scientists found that girls and non-binary people who experience violence are at “high risk” of concussion. Among participants experiencing partner violence, concussions are often the result of being shaken, pushed or jostled on the ground.
“Screening for violence in romantic relationships” in the event of concussion
According to the researchers, this study will help inform future recommendations for health professionals who care for adolescents. “Practitioners who have a patient with a concussion might consider screening for dating violence. This could be an opportunity, particularly if the concussion was sustained in an environment that is not their own,” explained Deinera Exner-Cortenslead author of the research.
