For every NHL concussion, over 7,000 Canadian women, girls and gender diverse people suffer concussions by an intimate partner.
When we think of concussions, we think of sports. Over the past decade, athletes and advocates have helped us understand the seriousness of concussions, leading to more research, new safety protocols and standards for sports-related concussion treatment.
But there is another leading cause of concussions and traumatic brain injury in Canada.
Trevor Linden joins YWCA to bring awareness on a shocking statistic.
The number or women, girls and gender-diverse people who experience intimate-partner violence each year in Canada
The percentage of women, girls and gender-diverse people who experience traumatic brain injury as a result of violence by an intimate partner.
The number of concussions from violence by an intimate partner compared to those sustained in the NHL.
Along with our partners, we’re calling for more research on intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injury, increased education among front-line responders and direct investments towards supportive services for people who have experienced concussion because of intimate partner violence.
Concussion awareness has led to incredible transformations in sport: equipment, funding, policy, rules of the game. It’s time to raise our voices in support of survivors of intimate partner violence.
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Share this story on social media to help spotlight this issue.
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Contextualize the story as part of much-needed funding, research and policy change at the provincial and federal levels.
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Donate to YWCA BC’s safe and affordable housing and services to support survivors of intimate partner violence.
Women tell us that they feel alone, isolated and are experiencing extreme levels of stress, anxiety and shame. The more our communities are talking about the impacts of brain injury from intimate partner violence, the more women will learn they are not alone.
NHL players have access to some of the best medical resources, but thousands of women may not have that same access. I’m honoured to stand alongside the YWCA to bring awareness to this issue and spark real, lasting and meaningful change.
Brain injuries have long been a dire consequence of intimate partner violence, and part of the continuum of violence abusers use to maintain control over a partner, sometimes without leaving a visible trace. This campaign makes it clear that we must recognize and address the impacts of violence and ensure survivors get the timely and appropriate help they need.
Working to eliminate intimate partner violence should be a public health priority. Brain injury in particular can have devastating long-term effects on a person’s life, from chronic pain and fatigue to finding and maintaining employment.
Sports concussions still dominate the news headlines, but most physical abuse involves blows to the head, face, neck and strangulation. It’s surprising how little attention is still paid to survivors.
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
AND PARTNERS
