Mission
SOAR’s mission is to significantly improve outcomes for survivors of brain injury from intimate partner violence by conducting and advancing research, increasing education and awareness, and influencing and enhancing policies and professional practice.
We explore the intersection of brain injury and intimate partner violence, educate the public and those who work with survivors, and empower survivors to get the care they deserve.
EXPLORE – Research and Exploration
We work with researchers using a variety of methods to explore the intersection of intimate partner violence
(IPV) and brain injury (BI), and to measure its effects. These include one-on-one interviews to gather abuse history, assess brain injury severity, and explore mental health issues such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression, anxiety, resilience, and quality of life. Lab-based tests assess things like physiological and behavioural functions and responses, and blood biomarkers, which may indicate Bl has happened.
EDUCATE – Education and Training
We use an integrated knowledge translation approach to ensure those who work with survivors of IPV have the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to IPV-BI, and provide targeted, trauma-informed support to those who experience it. We also raise awareness in the broader community by developing and delivering educational resources, informational presentations and training workshops.
EMPOWER – Supports and Services
We provide resources to service providers in health care, brain injury support, legal, gender-based violence, and other sectors. We partner with them—and with survivors-to identify service gaps, and develop and evaluate targeted solutions. We also advocate for increased research funding, and policy and practice changes to improve health and wellness outcomes for survivors.
WHY IT MATTERS
Brain injury caused by intimate partner violence (IPV-BI) is often hidden—undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed. But brain injury can severely impact a survivor’s ability to function, affecting parenting, employment, housing, and legal proceedings. IPV assaults are often repetitive, over months or years, leading to chronic and sometimes debilitating symptoms: headaches, dizziness, memory problems, sleep issues, and challenges with emotional regulation.
Brain injury may cause survivor to:
- Not listen
- Be easily distracted
- Struggle with learning new things
- Forget appointments or chores
- Tire and irritate easily
- Experience anger or rage
- Have difficulty adapting
Many frontline workers aren’t trained to recognize or respond to brain injury. Survivors often don’t know they’ve sustained a brain injury—and when extra challenges arise, it’s frustrating for them and for those trying to help. Closing this knowledge gap is one of SOAR’s top priorities. Everything we do is grounded in recognizing trauma and its effects on survivors.