Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue, with women representing 80% of survivors in Canada. Up to three-quarters of these women experience repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from their partners, yet these injuries are rarely recognized in research or clinical practice. Survivors often struggle with memory, attention, and decision-making, but the brain changes underlying these problems remain poorly understood. This project will investigate how IPV-related TBIs affect both brain structure and cognition. Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), I will examine white matter, the brain's wiring system that supports communication between regions. Survivors with a history of IPV-related TBI will also complete a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation of memory, attention, and executive function, alongside validated self-report questionnaires on trauma and PTSD symptoms. Imaging, neuropsychological, and self-reported data will be compared to two groups: (1) women with IPV exposure but no TBI, and (2) healthy women with no history of IPV or TBI. By linking brain structural changes with cognitive performance and PTSD symptoms, this research will provide one of the first detailed pictures of the neurological consequences of IPV-related TBI. This study addresses an urgent gap in women's health research: IPV-related brain injury remains virtually invisible in neuroscience, with only a handful of studies worldwide. By applying advanced imaging and neuropsychological testing in this population, the project will generate foundational knowledge to guide early detection, diagnosis, and intervention. The findings will support the development of tailored rehabilitation strategies, inform integration of medical and psychological services, and provide evidence for community organizations and policymakers. Ultimately, this research will bring survivors' hidden injuries to light and improve long-term care for women affected by IPV.