‘Short fuse and no filter’: Acquired brain injury – How a medical disability transforms into a social and criminal justice concern

Abstract

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is over-represented in criminal justice populations around the world. Underlying these statistics are the lived experiences of people with ABI, who face barriers in accessing appropriate supports in both the community and in custodial settings, often because of the ‘hidden’ nature of their condition. This article reports on the perspectives of people with ABI who were interviewed as part of a larger study on the experiences of people with ABI in the criminal justice system in Victoria, Australia. The study found that people with ABI encounter significant difficulties and challenges in the community, which may lead to their behaviour easily being criminalised. These people's adverse experiences tend to escalate when they become involved in the justice system. The study participants' stories and ideas inform the authors' recommendations for improved community and justice system responses to people with ABI.