Women, violence and brain injury

Despite the strong link between domestic, family and sexual violence and brain injury, there is limited information to support service providers working with women with these experiences. In this seminar, international and local experts will share insights about what works to address women’s brain injuries caused by violence.

The insights and discussion shared at this event are designed to support service providers working with women whose brain injuries are a result of violence.

This event will be useful for service providers who work with women with experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence. This includes women’s health sector workers, domestic and family violence sector workers, healthcare providers, police and child protection workers.

The event will include keynote presentations by:

• Karen Mason, Co-founder and Executive Director of Canada's SOAR Project (Support Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research)

• Dr Paul van Donkelaar, Co-founder and Scientific Advisor of Canada's SOAR Project

• Dr Anousha Victoire, District Medical Director of Sexual Assault and Domestic and Family Violence Services in Hunter New England Local Health District

• Phoebe Nagorcka-Smith, Author 'A gendered lens on acquired brain injury' and family violence sector worker with lived experience of brain injury and family violence.

The Benevolent Society’s Centre for Women’s Health will present a case study to focus our attention on women’s brain injuries resulting from violence. Women’s Health NSW will present two new resources we have created to help you work with women. There will be a panel with opportunity for audience questions followed by morning tea and an opportunity to network.

For anyone who would like to stick around after the event concludes at 11.30am, there will be an optional free 1-hour training on Strangulation, sexual choking and brain injury by Women’s Health NSW from 11.45am to 12.45pm.