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Psychological risks experienced by interpreters in the domestic violence cases: a systematic review.Frontiers in Sociology 2023Interpreters occupy a complex position in police interviews involving domestic violence cases-neutral but necessary parties to traumatic content. The following... (Review)
Review
Interpreters occupy a complex position in police interviews involving domestic violence cases-neutral but necessary parties to traumatic content. The following systematic review explores the relatively sparse scholarly literature on interpreters' psychological responses to being a party to domestic violence interviews in a policing context. This article aims to explore themes of relevant studies targeting interpreters' mental health in such cases, with nine articles emerging from a comprehensive search of eight databases supplemented with a Google Scholar search. Various themes involving interpreters emerged from the ensuing analysis, including intrinsic difficulties, misguided expectations, role requirements, psychological impacts, posttraumatic growth, coping strategies, and recommendations for future research and practice, with findings holding implications for interpreting in other traumatic domains.
PubMed: 37664822
DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1139431 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Oct 2018Reproductive coercion is a behavior that interferes with the autonomous decision-making of a woman, with regard to reproductive health. It may take the form of birth...
Reproductive coercion is a behavior that interferes with the autonomous decision-making of a woman, with regard to reproductive health. It may take the form of birth control sabotage, pregnancy coercion, or controlling the outcome of a pregnancy. The objectives of this article are to address the questions: (1) What is known about reproductive coercion, its prevalence, and correlates? (2) What strategies do women use to preserve their reproductive autonomy when experiencing reproductive coercion? (3) What interventions are effective to decrease reproductive coercion? In this review of 27 research studies, 12 contained findings regarding the general phenomenon of reproductive coercion and 19 contained findings about at least one component of reproductive coercion. Additionally, 11 studies contained findings related to the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and reproductive coercion, 6 presented data on strategies women use to resist reproductive coercion, and 3 included intervention data. Variation in measurement makes synthesis of prevalence and correlate data challenging. The reviewed literature presents reproductive coercion as a phenomenon that disproportionately affects women experiencing concurrent IPV, women of lower socioeconomic status, single women, and African American, Latina and multiracial women. Women who experience reproductive coercion were found to present frequently for certain health services. Most data on reproductive coercion are descriptive, and there is need for further research to examine the co-occurrence with related phenomena such as IPV and unintended pregnancy. More research is also needed on the strategies women use to resist reproductive coercion as well as interventions aimed at survivors and perpetrators of reproductive coercion and health-care providers who encounter them.
Topics: Abortion, Induced; Coercion; Contraception; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Intimate Partner Violence; Male; Personal Autonomy; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Reproductive Rights; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 27535921
DOI: 10.1177/1524838016663935 -
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology Jul 2022Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment experiences to health disparities. In this series of meta-analyses, we aimed to quantify the existing evidence on the effect of child maltreatment on various measures of HPA axis activity. The systematic literature search yielded 1,858 records, of which 87 studies (k = 132) were included. Using random-effects models, we found evidence for blunted cortisol stress reactivity in individuals exposed to child maltreatment. In contrast, no overall differences were found in any of the other HPA axis activity measures (including measures of daily activity, cortisol assessed in the context of pharmacological challenges and cumulative measures of cortisol secretion). The impact of several moderators (e.g., sex, psychopathology, study quality), the role of methodological shortcomings of existing studies, as well as potential directions for future research are discussed.
Topics: Child; Child Abuse; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System
PubMed: 35202606
DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100987 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Dec 2023This study systematically reviews and synthesizes evidence on parental risk and protective factors along with identifying differences in the presence of these factors... (Review)
Review
This study systematically reviews and synthesizes evidence on parental risk and protective factors along with identifying differences in the presence of these factors based on maltreatment type. In all, 68 quantitative, published, empirical studies were included from electronic databases for the systematic review. Quality appraisal did not exclude any studies and data were extracted from all. Results were narratively synthesized using the Risk and Resilience Ecological framework. The findings revealed more risk factors on the micro (individual and family) ecological level compared to mezzo and macro levels. At the micro level, findings mirror results of prior systematic reviews such as parental substance abuse, history of childhood maltreatment, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Social support was the most significant protective factor across all ecological levels and across all maltreatment types except child sexual abuse but differed in definition widely across studies. Physical abuse had the most risk factors unique to this type followed by neglect, and IPV was a common risk factor across all maltreatment types. Fewer studies on emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and protective factors were identified. The findings of this review delineated key parental risk and protective factors at various ecological levels along with associations between distinct factors and types of maltreatment. Interventions working with parents to reduce child maltreatment risk can use these findings to guide development of targeted programs for families based on risk and maltreatment type. For researchers, the findings can guide further investigation in under-researched areas of parental sexual and emotional abuse and protective factors.
Topics: Humans; Child; Protective Factors; Child Abuse; Child Abuse, Sexual; Physical Abuse; Parents; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36448533
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221134634 -
PloS One 2021Health inequities remain a public health concern. Chronic adversity such as discrimination or racism as trauma may perpetuate health inequities in marginalized...
BACKGROUND
Health inequities remain a public health concern. Chronic adversity such as discrimination or racism as trauma may perpetuate health inequities in marginalized populations. There is a growing body of the literature on trauma informed and culturally competent care as essential elements of promoting health equity, yet no prior review has systematically addressed trauma informed interventions. The purpose of this study was to appraise the types, setting, scope, and delivery of trauma informed interventions and associated outcomes.
METHODS
We performed database searches- PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS and PsycINFO-to identify quantitative studies published in English before June 2019. Thirty-two unique studies with one companion article met the eligibility criteria.
RESULTS
More than half of the 32 studies were randomized controlled trials (n = 19). Thirteen studies were conducted in the United States. Child abuse, domestic violence, or sexual assault were the most common types of trauma addressed (n = 16). While the interventions were largely focused on reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n = 23), depression (n = 16), or anxiety (n = 10), trauma informed interventions were mostly delivered in an outpatient setting (n = 20) by medical professionals (n = 21). Two most frequently used interventions were eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (n = 6) and cognitive behavioral therapy (n = 5). Intervention fidelity was addressed in 16 studies. Trauma informed interventions significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in 11 of 23 studies. Fifteen studies found improvements in three main psychological outcomes including PTSD symptoms (11 of 23), depression (9 of 16), and anxiety (5 of 10). Cognitive behavioral therapy consistently improved a wide range of outcomes including depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal problems, and risky behaviors (n = 5).
CONCLUSIONS
There is inconsistent evidence to support trauma informed interventions as an effective approach for psychological outcomes. Future trauma informed intervention should be expanded in scope to address a wide range of trauma types such as racism and discrimination. Additionally, a wider range of trauma outcomes should be studied.
Topics: Health Equity; Humans; Psychotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
PubMed: 34157025
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252747 -
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse 2018Sexual violence against children in sports receives little research attention. The aim of this Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-based... (Review)
Review
Sexual violence against children in sports receives little research attention. The aim of this Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-based systematic literature review was to synthesize the up-to-date knowledge and identify the already known and the still unknown information in this area. The literature search yielded seven eligible studies for inclusion. Their key outcomes suggest that sexual violence against children in sports is prevalent. Girls are more often the victims than boys, but gender appears to mediate the disclosure. Minority groups are at higher risk for sexual violence, and athletes at higher levels of competition seem to be more vulnerable for grooming. While the coach is often seen as the perpetrator, new research suggests that peer-athletes may precede the coach. Disclosure is a problem, due to personal and interpersonal concerns, which deters scholastic research in this area. In the final section of the review, a "what we know" and "what we need to know" list of highlights is offered as the concluding summary of the review. These factual points could raise the awareness of parents and/or guardians about the vulnerability of their children to sexual abuse if they are involved in sports. They could also attract the attention of the policy makers to the urgent need of developing and implementing preventive measures to make sports and exercise environments pleasurable and safe for children.
Topics: Adolescent; Athletes; Child; Child Abuse, Sexual; Female; Humans; Male; Sports
PubMed: 29877758
DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2018.1477222 -
Cureus Jun 2022Advocacy interventions for survivors of domestic violence are well established and supported by evidence in some community and healthcare settings. Survivors of domestic... (Review)
Review
Advocacy interventions for survivors of domestic violence are well established and supported by evidence in some community and healthcare settings. Survivors of domestic violence identified in emergency departments have important differences, and it is not clear whether evidence can be applied to this population. We conducted an inclusive systematic review of controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness of advocacy workers for adult survivors identified in emergency departments. We identified five studies, all with substantial methodological flaws. The outcome measures were very varied. No study reported harm from advocacy. Most reported benefits from referrals to advocacy workers. Despite weak evidence, referral to advocacy workers for survivors of domestic violence is not harmful and offers benefits.
PubMed: 35784992
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25599 -
Global Mental Health (Cambridge,... 2023Most family violence research has been conducted in high-income countries, although family violence rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and... (Review)
Review
Most family violence research has been conducted in high-income countries, although family violence rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and outcomes more severe. Given the strong associations of family violence with substance use and mental illness, the aim of this systematic review was to examine interventions that targeted familial violence and at least one other condition of substance use or mental illness to determine effective treatments in LMICs. We conducted a systematic review of interventions that addressed family violence and mental illness or substance use. A committee of three researchers independently screened titles and abstracts and conducted full-text eligibility assessments. Two researchers conducted a risk of bias assessment. Data were extracted using a structured spreadsheet and narratively synthesized. Our search identified 29 articles produced from 19 studies conducted in 13 LMICs. Most ( = 15) studies randomized to study condition. Lack of blinding was the most common threat. The external validity of studies was generally poor. Fourteen studies had a primary intervention target of family violence, mental health, substance use, economic improvement, or HIV. None of the studies showed improvements in all intervention areas. Child maltreatment was less likely to be addressed than intimate partner violence (IPV). Targeted interventions for substance and mental health mostly improved primary outcomes, although they were less effective in reducing IPV. Evidence-based treatments must be rigorously evaluated before innovations in implementation can occur. Interventions overwhelmingly addressed IPV victimization and should consider how to work with couples and include men and children.
PubMed: 38024805
DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.62 -
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista... 2023Specific types of violence such as intimate partner sexual violence and intimate partner homicide occur more frequently in rural areas.
BACKGROUND
Specific types of violence such as intimate partner sexual violence and intimate partner homicide occur more frequently in rural areas.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the knowledge and attitudes of rural healthcare providers regarding cases of domestic violence against women.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Systematic review developed at Universidade Federal de Uberlândia.
METHODS
We conducted an electronic search of six databases, which only included observational studies, regardless of the year, language, or country of publication, except for studies that used secondary data and were exclusively qualitative. Two reviewers performed the selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using a specific Joanna Briggs Institute tool.
RESULTS
Six studies met the inclusion criteria. All the studies had a low risk of bias. Approximately 38% of these professionals identified injuries caused by violence in patients. When asked about knowing the correct attitude to take in cases of confirmed violence, between 12% and 64% of rural healthcare providers answered positively; most of them would refer to specialized institutions and promote victim empowerment and counseling. The number of professionals with an educational background in the field ranged from 16% to 98%.
CONCLUSIONS
The evident disparity across studies shows that some professionals have suboptimal knowledge and require training to adopt the correct attitude when identifying female victims of domestic violence in clinical practice.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
This systematic review was registered in the Open Science Framework Database under the registration http://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/B7Q6S.
Topics: Humans; Female; Domestic Violence; Health Personnel; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 38055422
DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2022.0682.R1.180723 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Dec 2023Adolescents are at an increased risk for experiencing dating and relationship violence (DRV) and gender-based violence (GBV). School-based interventions remain an... (Review)
Review
Adolescents are at an increased risk for experiencing dating and relationship violence (DRV) and gender-based violence (GBV). School-based interventions remain an important and frequently used method for DRV/GBV prevention. A clear understanding and description of the different components of school-based interventions specific to DRV/GBV is needed to organize and advance the array of prevention efforts being utilized in school settings. We conducted an intervention component analysis to create a taxonomy for school-based interventions addressing DRV and GBV. We searched 21 databases in July 2020 and updated searches in June 2021, alongside extensive supplementary search methods. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adolescents of compulsory school-age that were implemented within the school setting which partially or wholly focused on DRV and GBV topics. Our analysis included 68 studies describing 76 different school-based interventions. Through an iterative coding process we identified 40 intervention components organized within 13 activity categories, including both student-directed components and non-student-directed components such as activities for school personnel and family members of students. We also identified components addressing higher levels of the social-ecological model including structural-social and structural-environmental aspects of DRV/GBV which prior reviews have not considered. This taxonomy of components and synthesis of intervention efficacy for DRV/GBV school-based interventions provides a framework for comparing past intervention evaluations and constructing new interventions to address these issues at multiple levels within a community.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Intimate Partner Violence; Gender-Based Violence; Schools; Students; Family
PubMed: 36448544
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221134294