DV/IPV IMPACT
Safe Living Space launched a partnership with Volunteers of America - Greater New York (VOA-GNY) in 2022 to determine the prevalence of unrecognized brain injury in the DV shelter population. This represents the largest collection of data on this issue in the United States. This work has led to the inclusion of brain injury assessment of every individual coming into seven New York City shelters where they are delivering trauma and brain injury-informed care.
Of the more than 400 survivors who have been screened at VOA-GNY’s seven domestic violence shelters to date, 57% report having experienced at least one symptomatic injury to the head or neck within the last year. As a result, resources are now being mobilized for recovery and appropriate vocational rehabilitation to help people in the shelter transition to independence.
VOA-GNY has launched a public health initiative to reach and educate more New Yorkers on the link between domestic violence and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In March 2024, VOA-GNY ran successful PSAs on NYC buses in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month. In June 2024, the PSAs launched in NYC subways.
Jacqueline Collazo speaks to News 12 Bronx at VOA-GNY’s 2023 DV Symposium
Dr. Zusman at Putting the Pieces Together, VOA-GNY’s first ever symposium on the critical connection between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
On October 25, 2023, Volunteers of America-Greater New York hosted Putting the Pieces Together, its first-ever symposium on the critical connection between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and expanding the continuum of services available to survivors in our community.
