George Mason University on Tuesday said it received a $4.85 million anonymous gift that will be used to study bruise detection among those who experience domestic violence.
“This single largest gift to support research in the College of Public Health’s history underscores Mason faculty’s leadership in life-changing work affecting those who experience interpersonal violence,” said Melissa J. Perry, dean of the College of Public Health.
The university will use the funding to develop new tools in imaging technology. Those tools will be able to better identify and visualize bruising across all skin tones, particularly injuries on darker skin tones.
Researchers have been using Alternate Light Sources for bruise detection. The funding, according to George Mason, will expand that system that leverages artificial intelligence, imaging, and light technologies.
“By improving documentation of physical trauma, we hope to address disparities in clinical care, which can lead to improved health care for all as well as legal recourse for all survivors of violence,” said researcher Katherine Scafide. “This gift expands Mason’s leadership in developing new technologies to empower vulnerable communities.”
In the U.S., more than 10 million people a year experience domestic violence, with bruises and soft tissue trauma the most reported injuries.
Ruth Glenn, president of Survivor Justice Action, said the technology is needed since domestic violence disproportionately impacts communities of color. “Continued research on this technology not only has the potential to revolutionize the identification of bruising in diverse populations but also signifies a vital step toward justice and empowerment for those who have long been marginalized,” Glenn said.
Feature image by Evan Cantwell, George Mason University
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s News newsletter.
