Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Kimberly Werner
Final Abstract for URS Program
Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a current or former partner. While IPV can affect anyone, women are particularly vulnerable and disproportionately affected. Physical IPV often includes experiences of repeated trauma to the head, face, and neck, including strangulation. These injuries can result in a range of consequences, including comorbid conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive impairments, along with neurological effects like reduced brain connectivity and white matter integrity. Common brain injuries associated with IPV include traumatic brain injury (TBI), which results from blunt force trauma; subconcussive/repetitive blows, caused by head impacts that do not meet full TBI criteria but pose a risk to long-term damage; and anoxic brain injury (ABI), which is caused by oxygen deprivation, often due to strangulation. Symptoms of these injuries range from headaches, dizziness, and fatigue to more severe signs such as alteration in mental status (AMS), post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), and loss of consciousness (LOC). Despite the prevalence and severity of IPV-related brain trauma, it is frequently underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Raising awareness of the connection between IPV and brain injury is essential for improving screening, diagnosis, and intervention. More broadly, education and prevention efforts focused on IPV and other forms of gender-based violence are also critical for reducing victimization and supporting survivors. UMSL is home to Tritons United, an on-campus coordinated community response team dedicated to preventing gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and promoting a culture of safety and advocacy within the community.
Presentation Type
Visual Presentation
Document Type
Article