Brain injury is far more common in situations of intimate partner violence than most people realize. Around 230,000 women in Canada experience severe physical violence from a partner every year, and as many as 92% report blows to the head and face. Yet these injuries so often go unrecognized, undiagnosed, and untreated.
A newly updated, free online course is helping change that. CATT for Intimate Partner Violence Responders equips people who work with survivors, in any capacity, with an evidence-based approach to recognizing and responding to concussion and brain injury.
New in this update: content on hypoxic/anoxic brain injury from strangulation or suffocation, more inclusive language, and added guidance for survivors on seeking safety and support. It was developed in collaboration with Karen Mason at Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR), and Dr. Shelina Babul of BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
This is also just the first step. Sector-specific submodules for gender-based violence workers, law enforcement, child protection workers, and medical professionals are in development, expected in 2027.
If you work with survivors of IPV in any capacity, this training is free and worth your time. https://cattonline.com/blog/new-course-for-ipv-responders
