-
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Apr 2024Evidence on the outcomes of adolescent dating violence (ADV) victimization mainly derives from cross-sectional studies, which have limitations in suggesting causal... (Review)
Review
Evidence on the outcomes of adolescent dating violence (ADV) victimization mainly derives from cross-sectional studies, which have limitations in suggesting causal relationships. Furthermore, the complexity of factors and overlapping dimensions in dating violence research, such as the forms of violence experienced, may have contributed to the variability of findings across the literature. To address these gaps and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of ADV, this study reviews findings from prospective cohort studies, with a focus on the type of violence experienced and the gender of the victim. A systematic search was conducted in nine electronic databases and additional relevant journals. Prospective longitudinal studies were included if dating violence victimization occurred during adolescence and chronologically preceded the outcomes. A quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative approach was used to synthesize findings. After screening 1,838 records, 14 publications met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Our findings suggest that experiencing ADV is longitudinally associated with many adverse outcomes, including higher internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors, poorer well-being, increased substance use, and increased revictimization. However, the associations are not consistently reported across studies when considering the type of ADV experienced and the gender of the victim. This review highlights the limited number of longitudinal studies examining the outcomes of ADV victimization, the unbalanced approach in investigating different forms of violence, and the lack of diverse samples examining this subject. Implications for research, policy, and practice are outlined.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Adolescent Behavior; Crime Victims; Intimate Partner Violence
PubMed: 37226475
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231174504 -
The International Journal of Social... Nov 2023Self-immolation is one of the most brutal suicide methods and is a significant social and medical problem throughout the world. Self-immolation is more common in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Self-immolation is one of the most brutal suicide methods and is a significant social and medical problem throughout the world. Self-immolation is more common in low-income countries than in high-income countries.
AIM
The aim is to evaluate the trends in self-immolation and examine its frequency in Iraq.
METHODS
The PRISMA guideline was used to conduct this systematic review study. We searched for publications in English, Arabic and Kurdish in PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 105 publications were identified through the search; however, 92 were eliminated due to duplication and irrelevant content. Finally, 13 full articles were included for data extraction. The inclusion criteria were articles that investigated self-immolation. However, letters to editors and media reports on self-immolation were excluded. The retrieved studies were selected, reviewed and then quality assessed.
RESULTS
This study included 13 articles. According to the findings, self-immolation accounted for 26.38% of all burn admissions in the Iraqi provinces and the Kurdistan region, with 16.02% of those occurring in the middle and southern provinces of Iraq and 36.75% in the Kurdistan region. It is more common in women than in men, especially among young, married, illiterate, or poorly educated people. Sulaymaniyah had a higher percentage of self-immolation than other governorates in Iraq, accounting for 38.3% of burn admissions. Cultural and social norms, domestic violence, mental health problems, family conflicts and financial problems were identified as the most common causes of self-immolation.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of self-immolation is high among the Iraqi population, compared to other countries, particularly among the Kurdish population and in Sulaymaniyah. Self-immolation is relatively common among women. There are sociocultural factors that could contribute to this problem. Families must be restricted from having easy access to kerosene, and high-risk individuals should have access to psychological consultation to reduce the risk of self-immolation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Suicide, Attempted; Iraq; Suicide; Marriage; Burns
PubMed: 37139597
DOI: 10.1177/00207640231168787 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jul 2024There is a dearth of evidence indicating the effectiveness of psychological interventions targeting depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for Black... (Review)
Review
There is a dearth of evidence indicating the effectiveness of psychological interventions targeting depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for Black women in the United States (US) exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EBSCOhost, Social Sciences, Social Sciences Full Text, Social Work Abstracts, and Cochrane databases between September 2021 and October 2022, for original studies of randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting depression and/or PTSD interventions delivered to US Black women with histories of IPV. Of the 1,276 articles, 46 were eligible and 8 RCTs were ultimately included in the review; interventions for depression (four interventions, = 1,518) and PTSD (four interventions, = 477). Among Depression and PTSD interventions (one intervention, = 208), Beck's Depression Inventory II indicated = 35.2, = 12.6 versus = 29.5, = 13.1, <.01, and Davidson Trauma Scale indicated = 79.4, = 31.5 versus = 72.1, = 33.5, <.01, at pre- and post-intervention respectively. Also, some interventions reported severity of depression = 13.9 ( = 5.4) versus = 7.9 ( = 5.7) < 0.01, and PTSD ( = 8.08 vs. = 14.13, (1,117) = 9.93, < .01) at pre- and post-intervention respectively. Publication bias was moderate and varied between 12 and 17 via the Downs and Black Checklist for Methodological Rigor for RCTs. Psychological interventions targeting depression and/or PTSD for Black women with histories of IPV reflect moderate improvement. Interventions that account for cultural nuances specific to Black women are fundamental for improving outcomes for survivors presenting with depression and/or PTSD.
Topics: Humans; Female; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Intimate Partner Violence; United States; Black or African American; Depression; Adult; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37937723
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231206113 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Oct 2023Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a serious and persistent global issue affecting up to 5% of the child and youth population worldwide; yet there is no universally... (Review)
Review
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a serious and persistent global issue affecting up to 5% of the child and youth population worldwide; yet there is no universally accepted definition. To develop a theoretically robust definition of CSE, this review systematically synthesized literature examining CSE definitions aiming to develop a conceptual model and typology. Electronic databases were searched to February 2021, yielding 384 nonduplicative records. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed and grey literature investigations of sexual exploitation, with a mean sample age of 18 years or younger, available in the English language. Literature review and data extraction followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Sixty-six studies met final inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data and used an epistemological approach to thematically analyse meaning and patterns across CSE definitions. Key findings demonstrate that CSE nomenclature is widely inconsistent, and despite growing awareness of this severe form of abuse, language continues to perpetuate stigma and criminalisation, utilising terms such as 'adolescent or child prostitute'. Our findings propose a scientifically and trauma-informed definition and conceptualisation of CSE, based on the following four-dimensional components: (1) A child/young person; (2) sexual acts; (3) abuse; and (4) exploitation (abuse + exchange). In this systematic review, a unified definition and conceptual model aims to advance knowledge and understanding of CSE, contributing to the progression of social norms which embrace nuances of trauma-informed practice and support for the identification and recovery of children, young people and families affected by sexual exploitation.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Sexual Behavior; Child Abuse; Sex Workers; Child Abuse, Sexual
PubMed: 35603675
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221090980 -
International Wound Journal Nov 2023Non-accidental burns (NABs) in children had some adverse effects, such as severe burns, requiring skin grafting, and mortality. Previous studies reported NABs in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Non-accidental burns (NABs) in children had some adverse effects, such as severe burns, requiring skin grafting, and mortality. Previous studies reported NABs in the form of neglect, suspected abuse, and child abuse. Also, different statistics were estimated for the prevalence of NABs in children. Therefore, the current study aimed to comprehensively review and summarise the literature on the prevalence of NABs in children. Also, factors related to NABs as a secondary aim were considered in this review. Keywords combined using Boolean operators and searches were performed in international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Only studies in English were considered from the earliest to 1 March 2023. The analysis was performed using STATA software version 14. Finally, 29 articles were retrieved for the quantitative analysis. Results found that the prevalence of child abuse, suspected abuse, neglect, 'child abuse or suspect abused', and 'abuse, suspect abused, or neglect' was 6% (ES: 0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.07), 12% (ES: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.09-0.15), 21% (ES: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.35), 8% (ES: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.07-0.09), and 15% (ES: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.13-0.16) among burns victims, respectively. Also, factors related to NABs are categorised into age and gender, agent and area of burns, and family features. Considering the results of the current study, planning for rapid diagnosis and designing a process to manage NABs in children is necessary.
Topics: Child; Humans; Prevalence; Child Abuse; Burns
PubMed: 37224877
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14236 -
Heliyon Nov 2023Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a substantial public health issue that is challenging to measure epidemiologically due to the "pact of silence" among those involved.... (Review)
Review
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a substantial public health issue that is challenging to measure epidemiologically due to the "pact of silence" among those involved. Validated tools could contribute to early recognition or risk detection for CSA. We aimed to systematically assess self-report tools' measurement properties and methodological quality that detect risk or exposure to CSA for children under twelve. The search strategy, selection criteria, data extraction, data analysis, and synthesis followed the COSMIN methodology for systematic reviews (2018). PROSPERO 2021 registration CRD42021278465. MEDLINE, COCHRANE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and ERIC were searched until August 2021, with an updated search on September 23, 2021, and unlimited by language. The inclusion criteria were: to assess risk or exposure to CSA under twelve years old by objective items and self-report tools; sexual violence risk or exposure in the domestic context; the application context should include health facilities (such as hospital emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, pediatric wards, psychology centers, social services), education (such as schools) and community; no language or date restriction. The exclusion criteria were: non-self-report tools studies, comprehensive articles, comments, editorials, expert opinions, and studies of projective techniques. The COSMIN risk of bias checklist was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. Feasibility aspects were assessed. This study had no funding source; 29 studies describing eight tools met eligibility criteria. No single instrument reported all nine measurement properties outlined by the COSMIN methodology. The strength of the evidence was moderate to high for six out of eight instruments. ICAST-C and JVQ were the tools that obtained the highest number of rated measurement properties and strength of evidence.
PubMed: 38027830
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21027 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jul 2024This review focused on literature from the United States evaluating homicide during the perinatal period. It was completed following the Preferred Reporting Items for... (Review)
Review
This review focused on literature from the United States evaluating homicide during the perinatal period. It was completed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Seventeen studies met the criteria for inclusion, including: describing prevalence and risk factors related to homicide deaths of pregnant or postpartum birthing individuals; being conducted in the United States; and being published in English 2007 or later. This review found that homicide is an important contributor to maternal mortality and is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and the postpartum period, especially if an individual is Black and under the age of 30. Future efforts must be made to standardize data collection efforts and resolve nuanced terminology that results in interpretation challenges. The United States should examine maternal deaths through the entirety of the perinatal period and fully invest in violence prevention efforts.
Topics: Humans; Homicide; United States; Female; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Adult; Maternal Mortality; Prevalence
PubMed: 38160243
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231217044 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Apr 2024The impact of family violence (FV) on children is a significant global public policy issue. Earliest identification of FV among children is critical for preventing... (Review)
Review
The impact of family violence (FV) on children is a significant global public policy issue. Earliest identification of FV among children is critical for preventing escalating sequelae. While practitioners routinely ask adults about FV, there are relatively few measures that enable children to reliably self-report on their own safety. This review sought to systematically identify and appraise all available child self-report measures for screening and assessment of FV in both clinical and research settings. Database searching was conducted in January 2022. Articles were eligible for review if they included a validated child (5-18 years) self-report measure of FV (including victimization, perpetration, and/or exposure to inter-parental violence). Screening of an initial 4,714 records identified a total of 85 articles, representing 32 unique validated instruments. Results provide an up-to-date catalog of child self-report measures of FV, intended to benefit practitioners, services and researchers in selecting appropriate tools, and in understanding their suitability and limitations for different cohorts and practice goals. While just under half of the measures captured both exposure to inter-parental violence and direct victimization, none captured all three domains of exposure, victimization and perpetration together. Instruments with provision for input from multiple respondents (e.g., both child and parent report) and with assessment of contextual risk factors were few. Findings point to the need for developmentally appropriate, whole-of-family screening and assessment frameworks to support children in the early identification of family safety concerns.
Topics: Humans; Crime Victims; Domestic Violence; Risk Factors; Self Report; Child, Preschool; Child; Adolescent
PubMed: 37646364
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231194062 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Apr 2024Male experiences of domestic and relational violence have been only marginally explored in the literature. In connection to this, attitudes in the community and among... (Review)
Review
Male experiences of domestic and relational violence have been only marginally explored in the literature. In connection to this, attitudes in the community and among service providers and criminal justice system entities can vary dramatically. This variance in attitudes creates an instability which has a differential impact on the help-seeking behaviors of victims. Additionally, help-seeking behaviors are often influenced by internalized shame and confusion on the part of the survivors themselves when their social constructions of masculinity do not align with lived experience. More is needed to understand the nature of male survivorship in situations of relational violence. A systematic review was conducted to begin organizing the data on the topic. This review started with 15,547 peer-reviewed articles. Those were systematically narrowed to a total of 16 of the most recent pieces of empirical science on the topic. The final articles were thematically analyzed. Findings suggest (a) cultural stigma around constructions of masculinity, (b) fear of disclosure, and (c) negative experiences with criminal justice and support system responses, among the highest drivers for the disparate experience and hesitation to seek help.
Topics: Humans; Male; Help-Seeking Behavior; Domestic Violence; Social Stigma; Shame; Survivors; Intimate Partner Violence
PubMed: 37272373
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231177318 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Mar 2024Intimate partner homicides (IPH) are serious offenses by a heterogeneous group of offenders with diverse risk factors that are too unspecific for the successful... (Review)
Review
Intimate partner homicides (IPH) are serious offenses by a heterogeneous group of offenders with diverse risk factors that are too unspecific for the successful prediction of an offense. Recent research suggested several warning signs that may precede IPH and enhance its prevention, but little is still known about "leaking." Leaking comprises all offense-related statements, behaviors, or actions that express the perpetrator's thoughts, fantasies, ideas, interests, feelings, intentions, plans, or positive evaluations of an own violent act or previous similar offenses prior to the own attack. This review aims to identify the forms, recipients, and media of leaking as well as potential subgroup differences in cases of IPH. We identified 47 relevant publications via a systematic search of eight databases and additional methods. We included publications that did not explicitly use the term, but described behaviors that could be interpreted as leaking. Up to now, leaking has not been systematically researched in cases of IPH. Nevertheless, publications described several behaviors that are in line with our definition of leaking and were categorized into five broader categories: (a) homicide announcements, (b) previous severe acts of violence, (c) suicidal behavior, (d) planning activities, and (e) interest in similar offenses/offenders. Information on recipients and media as well as subgroup differences was sparse. Leaking is relevant in IPH, but more systematic research is needed to understand its potential role in future risk analyses procedures and prevention of IPH.
PubMed: 38551126
DOI: 10.1177/15248380241237213