Warning: This story discusses graphic details of domestic violence
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
New research has found "significant gaps" in the way domestic violence victims are checked for brain injuries.
A study of over 600 domestic violence victims who presented to Wellington Hospital found that less than 1 percent of victims were checked for a brain injury, despite many reporting being choked or knocked out.
For Tee Whiting, violence was always a part of her life.
She was abused by her mother as a kid, and later by a romantic partner.
The impacts that the abuse had on her brain made it hard for her to get help, Whiting said.
"Even when I was seen by the doctor the following day, I had difficulties trying to explain why I was there."
The effects included disorientation, headaches and loss of balance.
"You just feel like your head is absolutely pounding, and it can be like that for a long time after the hiding."
She still lives with some of the lingering effects, years and years after the violence occurred.
"Spatial disorientation - so I very easily turned about. I get very easily lost in a building. If you ask me where north is today, while I'm sitting inside, I've got no clue."
Systemic problems
Rachel Kain works for domestic violence help agency Shine.
She said New Zealand had a long history of minimising family violence.
"We don't want to believe that our next-door neighbour who just loses it sometimes is actually causing repeated brain injuries, to his wife or his partner. Because of that minimising, we haven't set up our system to adequately respond."
Domestic violence victims were often judged for the changes in behaviour which were caused by brain injuries, she said.
"I've worked with a client who was strangled pretty regularly, and she would slur her words for a couple of days afterwards and people regularly thought she was on drugs. And that really impacted any support she could have got."
Research
Alice Theadom co-authored a study in the Journal of Family Violence, which found less than 1 percent of family violence victims who presented to Wellington Hospital were screened for a brain injury.
Theadom wanted this to change.
"I really think the study highlights the need for routine medical assessments for possible brain injuries when people present after intimate partner violence."
Te Whatu Ora spokesperson Deborah Woodley said its guidelines suggested assessments for brain injuries may need be offered to domestic violence victims.
There was not a simple test for brain injuries, but rather a complex assessment of brain function was needed, she said.
Te Whatu Ora's guidelines on domestic violence were regularly reviewed to be in line with best practice overseas, Woodley said.
Theadom said some health professionals were unsure how to deal with brain injuries and did not know what support was available.
"There is definitely a need for more training, both for our medical professionals, but also for the allied health professionals like our social workers who are support people in those contexts."
Whiting now runs workshops to help others understand the effects of domestic violence, under the name Magenta Blue.
She said her life these days was amazing, a far cry from the violence she had once experienced.
"I have a wonderful family, nothing's held me back. There has been difficulties over the years. But I do consider myself to be very, very fortunate and I know that I am one of the fortunate ones."
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
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Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
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If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Family Violence Helplines:
Women's Refuge:(0800 733 843
It's Not OK: 0800 456 450
Shine: 0508 744 633
Victim Support: 0800 842 846
HELP: Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 - push 0 at the menu
The National Network of Family Violence Services NZ has information on specialist family violence agencies.
