An Australian-led study that used non-fatal strangulation of rats to investigate the effects of intimate partner violence on humans has faced criticism from animal welfare experts and advocates. The study, while aiming to improve detection of brain injury from IPV, is being questioned for its use of animals, given the potential harm, limited translatability to humans, and availability of alternative methods.
An Australian-led study that non-fatally strangled rats to investigate the effects of intimate partner violence on humans has sparked controversy. Animal welfare experts and advocates are questioning the ethics of the research, arguing that the use of animals was not justified given the potential harm, limited translatability to humans, and availability of alternative methods.
The study, conducted by Monash University in collaboration with Alfred Health and other institutions, aimed to improve the detection of brain injury resulting from intimate partner violence. Dozens of adolescent female rats were subjected to non-fatal strangulation using a silicon band weighted down by 680g for 90 seconds, applying a force about three times the rat's body weight. Some rats also received a traumatic brain injury inflicted by a 50mg weight propelled into their head. Following the procedures, which involved anesthesia and in some cases resuscitation, the rats underwent a series of tests to assess their coordination, balance, memory, and anxiety levels over several days. The study also included a human clinical element, utilizing blood tests to identify concussion caused by intimate partner violence. While the researchers emphasize the importance of their findings in understanding and addressing the serious public health issue of intimate partner violence, critics maintain that the animal model's use was ethically problematic and could be replaced with more humane and scientifically valid alternatives.
Animal Welfare ANIMAL WELFARE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESEARCH ETHICS INMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE BRAIN INJURY
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