Applying Concussion Recovery Technology to Support Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

With funding from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), this project aims to address a critical gap in healthcare services for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as a concussion. In Canada, over 100,000 women face IPV annually, often resulting in injuries to the head, face, and neck. Research indicates that many survivors of IPV may suffer from mTBI due to head impacts or strangulation, yet these injuries often go undetected and untreated.

Concussion is often referred to as an invisible injury because symptoms may not be immediately apparent, leading survivors to forego medical help. Compounded by the challenges of fleeing violence and navigating complex systems, such as securing safe housing and engaging with the criminal justice system, survivors may struggle to access appropriate care. This project seeks to bridge this gap by partnering with Muse, a Toronto-based neurotechnology company that works with clients to provide real-time biofeedback to help improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance calm and self-awareness.

This project aims to empower survivors of IPV who have experienced mTBI by providing them with an online concussion recovery package of educational materials and access to meditation and biofeedback technology to aid in brain recovery and overall health.

For Participants