A Hunter research project will develop and test a supportive model of care for survivors of domestic and family violence who are impacted by a mild traumatic brain injury.
Mild traumatic brain injuries are common but often undetected in domestic family violence survivors, with estimates suggesting between 28 to100 per cent of those affected may have sustained a brain injury. Yet, many do not receive medical attention, either because their injuries are not deemed severe enough for emergency care or due to the complexity and trauma of their circumstances.
Those who have experienced domestic and family violence are also at high risk for recurrent brain injuries.
University of Newcastle's Dr Bree Hobden, of HMRI's Equity in Health and Wellbeing program, has been awarded a $990,000 Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant through the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC), to develop and trial the new model of care approach, called Hope in Healing.
Developed in collaboration with the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services, the model will aim to better identify and support individuals at risk of brain injury due to family violence.
Development of the model of care will be undertaken through:
- Establishing an expert consensus on best practice care for this group;
- Co-designing a locally tailored model of care with input from experts and community services; and
- Trialling the model of care with frontline domestic family violence and primary care providers.
The project will help address the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, through supporting early intervention, integrated support, and recovery for survivors.
HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.
