Head and Brain Injuries Experienced by African American Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract Regardless of ethnicity, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious, prevalent, and often undiagnosed results of intimate partner violence. Greater severity of violence, coupled with inadequate health care, places battered African American women at increased risk for head injuries. Accordingly, we review the symptoms associated with head injuries in battered women, with a focus on the experiences of Black women. A case study is used to illustrate rehabilitation and treatment options. Assessment was conducted using the Ackerman-Banks Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Battery. Neuropsychological assessment is recommended, as well as culturally relevant and multidisciplinary treatment strategies that can empower clients. Key Words: Blackshead injurytraumatic brain injurybattered womenrehabilitationneuropsychology