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DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed SB22-057, sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, which would improve brain injury screenings for survivors of violent crimes in Colorado.
“For those with a brain injury as a result of a violent crime, the effects can be long-lasting and life-altering,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill will help us more fully uncover and understand the impacts of brain injury on survivors of crimes, so we can better support their needs. It is our responsibility to make sure the road to recovery for crime survivors is paved with proper resources and treatment and this bill will give us the knowledge needed to get the job done.”
SB22-057, which passed committee unanimously, creates a task force to improve brain injury screenings for survivors and bring awareness to the consequential, life-altering effects of a brain injury. Brain injuries are associated with changes in emotions and behaviors that can lead to behavioral health conditions such as depression. Survivors of brain injuries may also have reduced ability to advocate for themselves and seek treatment due to the nature of their injury.
This bill aims to support survivors of violent crime by studying the long-lasting effects a brain injury has on a person’s mood and behaviors. This bill would also improve support and resources for Coloradans with brain injuries.
A study conducted by the University of Denver found nearly all survivors of intimate partner violence reported being struck in the head, and four out of five reported alterations in consciousness as a result.