Dr. Javier Cárdenas recognized for his work with domestic violence survivors

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Javier Cárdenas, M.D., director of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute’s (RNI) Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic, received the 2025 Purple Ribbon Award from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence at its Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony yesterday (Oct. 23) in Charleston.  

The award recognizes leaders whose work measurably expands safety, healing, and dignity for survivors and their families. It celebrates collaboration across health and behavioral health, survivor-centered practice, and the kind of steady, values-driven leadership that turns possibility into concrete change. It honors people who do the work that gives survivors something real to hold onto — hope.  

Recipients are recognized for going above and beyond building partnerships, centering survivor voice, elevating trauma informed practice, and making a measurable difference in West Virginia communities.  

“Caring for domestic violence survivors involves giving a voice to the voiceless and empowering those who feel powerless. It is delicate work, and we are honored when any domestic violence survivor entrusts us with their care,” Dr. Cárdenas said. “I’m grateful to the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence for presenting me with this award and share it with my team at the RNI.” 

Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Up to 25 percent of abused children will later be abused in adulthood. Physical, sexual, and psychological abuse has a lifelong impact.  

Concussion is the most common neurological injury, affecting nearly 1 million U.S. residents annually. Consequences of concussion include physical disabilities, emotional distress, and cognitive deficits. Survivors of domestic violence (DV) most often report they have suffered “too many concussions to count.” 

The RNI NeuroPerformance Innovation Center, under Cárdenas’ direction, is uniquely positioned to combine world-class clinical care with a VIP experience to DV survivors with its dVIP Program.  

This unique program delivers comprehensive concussion treatment with a first-class touch. The concussion and brain injury team includes neurologists, physiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and occupational and physical therapists to treat the physical, emotional, and cognitive consequences of concussions. 

Float tank treatment, light therapy, and a catered lunch are among the amenities provided to the RNI’s DV patients free of charge. The day is coordinated by a dedicated dVIP nurse.

“The RNI is reaching more survivors of domestic violence than ever before, yet we know there are many more. Many physicians are at a loss when treating concussion in domestic violence survivors because they lack the expertise and resources only the RNI can deliver,” Cárdenas said. “With the help of organizations like the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, we can help even more survivors than ever before.” 

For more information on the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, visit WVCADV.org. For more information on the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/RNI.