Survey examines brain injuries in Native survivors of violence

Researchers at the Urban Indian Health Institute have launched a national survey to measure the prevalence of brain injuries among Native women who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence, according to Stateline.

Abigail Echo-Hawk, the institute’s director and a member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, said many Native women show symptoms of traumatic brain injury as a direct result of abuse. She said the new survey aims to document the scope of the problem and guide clinical care, awareness efforts and resource allocation.

The study, developed in partnership with Native Hawaiian advocates, is the first Indigenous-led survey of its kind. Nikki Cristobal, policy and research specialist for Pouhana ʻO Nā Wāhine, said health care providers need more training to recognize brain injuries in survivors of violence.