-
Medicine Sep 2023Children who have been sexually abused may experience various short- and long-term psychological sequelae and behavioral problems. This study assessed the mental health...
Children who have been sexually abused may experience various short- and long-term psychological sequelae and behavioral problems. This study assessed the mental health of sexually abused children using the Korean-Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) and examined differences from a control group. The participants were 97 children who had been sexually abused and who visited a local Sunflower Center, and 178 control participants. Data were collected via the K-CBCL and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. T-tests, cross-tabulation, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Scores from the K-CBCL Problem Behavior Syndrome scale were compared between sexually abused children and the control participants. Significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in all the subscales. Compared to the control group, children who were sexually abused showed statistically significant differences in the total problem behavior, internalization, anxiety/depression, withdrawal/depression (withdrawn), somatic symptoms, externalization, rule-breaking behavior (delinquency), aggressive behavior, social immaturity, thought problems, attention problems, and other subscale scores. Sexual violence hurts the overall mental health of children who are abused, including their emotional, behavioral, and social factors. Our findings suggest that multidisciplinary assessment and treatment are required for children who have experienced sexual abuse.
Topics: Child; Humans; Aggression; Disease Progression; Mental Disorders; Sexual Behavior; Child Abuse, Sexual; East Asian People; Adverse Childhood Experiences
PubMed: 37747024
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034699 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Cyberbullying could have a severe and long-term impact on the physical and mental health of secondary school students because of its characteristics of being hidden,...
INTRODUCTION
Cyberbullying could have a severe and long-term impact on the physical and mental health of secondary school students because of its characteristics of being hidden, repetitive, and exceeding the limitations of time and space, thus attracting widespread attention. Among the many environmental factors, family was the immediate environment where secondary school students live. Violent behaviors such as aggression displayed by other subjects in the family environment could trigger aggressive behaviors among secondary school students, and the indirectness of the online environment intensifies this tendency.
METHODS
This study used the Cyberbullying Scale, the Domestic Violence Exposure Scale, the Depression Scale, and the Brief Self-Control Scale to conduct a questionnaire survey of 10,273 secondary school students in 12 secondary schools from Liaoning, Zhejiang, and Henan provinces in China to explore the relationship and internal mechanisms between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students.
RESULTS
This study found that (1) domestic violence exposure has a significant positive associated with cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students; (2) the mediating effect of depression partially exists between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students; (3). self-control alleviated the effects of domestic violence exposure on cyberbullying among secondary school students but intensified the effects of depression on cyberbullying among secondary school students.
DISCUSSION
The results suggest that while focusing on the association of domestic violence exposure with cyberbullying among secondary school students, it is also necessary to pay attention to the mediating effect of depression and the mitigating and intensifying mechanisms of self-control, resulting in a notable weakening effect on cyberbullying among secondary school students.
PubMed: 38188055
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1302477 -
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Aug 2023The objective of this article is to assess the effect of domestic violence on abortion and investigate the mediating role of unwanted pregnancy. A secondary analysis was...
The objective of this article is to assess the effect of domestic violence on abortion and investigate the mediating role of unwanted pregnancy. A secondary analysis was conducted on the National Family Survey data. This survey was a cross-sectional study conducted across Iran in 2018. The association between domestic violence and abortion was analyzed using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) with WarpPLS version 8.0. From among 1,544 married women (mean age 42.8 years) who participated in this survey, 27% (418 women) reported experiencing at-least one-lifetime of abortion. Overall, two in three women (67.3%) experienced at least one form of domestic violence. Almost half of the women with experience of abortion (49.3%) reported at least one unwanted pregnancy in their life course. The bivariate analysis showed a significant positive relationship between domestic violence and abortion, and there was a positive direct effect of domestic violence on unwanted pregnancy. Moreover, age had a negative direct and indirect effect on unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Although, the direct effect of domestic violence on abortion was not significant in the Structure Equation Model, a positive indirect effect of domestic violence on abortion through unwanted pregnancy was confirmed. The effect of unwanted pregnancy on abortion was particularly strong (β = .395, < .01). These results have some implications for prevention of abortion through interventions against unwanted and unplanned pregnancy and domestic violence. This study makes a unique theoretical contribution to the literature through assessing the mediating role of unwanted pregnancy between domestic violence and abortion by using the SEM model.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Iran; Abortion, Induced; Domestic Violence; Abortion, Spontaneous
PubMed: 37102584
DOI: 10.1177/08862605231168824 -
Heliyon Nov 2023Domestic violence is a common and significant social problem that threatens public health, violates human rights, and poses significant obstacles to national...
Domestic violence is a common and significant social problem that threatens public health, violates human rights, and poses significant obstacles to national development. This study aimed to evaluate both male and female academics' knowledge and views on domestic violence, and determine its incidence and risk factors among academics. Participants comprised 304 academics working at universities, who were selected by cluster sampling from seven regions of Turkey. Data were analyzed using thematic coding, descriptive statistics, and multivariate logistic regression. Of the 304 participants, 56.9 % were female academics. The incidence of domestic violence among the academics was 21.4 %, with 25.4 % of female and 16.0 % of male academics reporting having experienced it. Academics who were victims of domestic violence were mostly exposed to it from their spouses. Academics also reported experiencing emotional violence. Female academics were 2.3 times more likely to experience domestic violence than men. Academics who were exposed to violence in childhood experienced 14.1 times more domestic violence than those who were not. Although it seems that a high status in society as an academic reduces the rates of exposure to domestic violence, gender, and witnessing or experiencing violence in early childhood are the most important risk factors for this population. The lack of a solution for domestic violence can be attributed to non-deterrent punishments.
PubMed: 38034745
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22078 -
Health Affairs Scholar Apr 2024In May 2023, the White House released the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which includes intimate partner or domestic violence (DV). Based on 20 years of...
In May 2023, the White House released the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which includes intimate partner or domestic violence (DV). Based on 20 years of experience in California, this commentary provides detailed examples of 2 DV prevention strategies: interrupting intergenerational transmission and addressing macrolevel drivers. Family-strengthening approaches to prevention and justice and increasing economic security are key. Insight into regional policies and programs can inform implementation of the national plan and DV prevention in other states and localities.
PubMed: 38756178
DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae034 -
International Nursing Review Dec 2023Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a major health problem that affects individuals across the world. Nurses, midwives and healthcare providers need to be confident and...
BACKGROUND
Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a major health problem that affects individuals across the world. Nurses, midwives and healthcare providers need to be confident and competent in identifying and responding to DVA.
AIMS
To measure current levels of knowledge, opinions and preparedness towards DVA and how it is managed by registered nurses and midwives residing in Australia and the UK.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected using the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) measuring the perceived preparation and knowledge, actual knowledge, opinions and practice issues. Australian data were collected in 2018 and UK data were collected in 2017-2018. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data and differences in knowledge and attitudes of British and Australian nurses.
FINDINGS
Nurses and midwives (n = 368; 130 from Australia; 238 from the UK) responded to the survey. Minimal previous DVA training was reported by the participants. Participants had minimal knowledge about DVA, though had a positive attitude towards engaging with women experiencing DVA.
DISCUSSION
Most participants felt unprepared to ask relevant questions about DVA and had inadequate knowledge about available resources. Australian participants scored better than British participants; however, the mean difference in all aspects remained statistically insignificant.
CONCLUSION
Australian and British nurses and midwives have a positive attitude towards women experiencing DVA; however, the knowledge and skills to support women experiencing DVA are limited.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY
Nursing institutions should develop strategic policies regarding mandatory preparation and training of nurses for domestic violence assessment and management.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Midwifery; Cross-Sectional Studies; Australia; Domestic Violence; Intimate Partner Violence
PubMed: 36580381
DOI: 10.1111/inr.12814 -
Cureus Sep 2023Many scientists expressed their concerns regarding the impact of COVID-19-related quarantine measures on interpersonal violence, mainly concerning children and intimate...
Many scientists expressed their concerns regarding the impact of COVID-19-related quarantine measures on interpersonal violence, mainly concerning children and intimate partners, as well as other negative psychological effects. During early 2020, free circulation in Greece was prohibited for 42 days, up until May 4th. The aim of our study was to investigate characteristics of bodily harm allegation cases referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, during the first month succeeding free circulation re-establishment in the broader Attica region. We also aimed to detect any possible differences regarding bodily harm allegations by comparing the corresponding time period of 2019. A decrease in community violence (CV) allegations, especially youth violence incidents, was observed in 2020. Females' victimization, as well as allegations against strangers, were also decreased. No differences were observed concerning the injury mechanism. Victims of 2020 filed the allegations faster and, thus, were examined almost one day earlier than their 2019 counterparts. During lockdown, domestic violence (DV) hotline reporting was significantly increased, but paradoxically DV cases referred to our Department were decreased. In Greece, the legislators did not foresee any specific exemption from circulation restriction for DV victims attempting to escape abuse. Our results revealed a small, but notable, impact on non-fatal interpersonal violence.
PubMed: 37900388
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46054 -
BMC Women's Health May 2024This integrative review summarises original research that explores women's experiences of escaping domestic violence to achieve safe housing. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This integrative review summarises original research that explores women's experiences of escaping domestic violence to achieve safe housing.
METHODS
Integrative review. A robust search strategy was conducted using the following databases: Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Cochrane, Medline and PubMed. All articles were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT) scoring. Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) five stage approach was used to analyse the primary literature related to women's and stakeholders' experiences of escaping domestic violence to achieve safe housing.
RESULTS
A total of 41 articles were retrieved and 12 papers were included in this review (six qualitative, one quantitative and five mixed methods) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four overarching themes were identified: 'Experiences of leaving domestic violence', 'Barriers to achieving safe housing', 'Facilitators to achieving safe housing' and 'The road to recovery'. The 'Experiences of leaving domestic violence' theme included two subthemes: 'the losses' and 'ongoing contact with the perpetrator'. The 'Barriers to achieving safe housing' theme included three subthemes: 'financial insecurity', 'being judged by others for leaving and service availability'. The 'Facilitators to achieving safe housing' theme included two sub-themes: 'support, partnership, and collaboration between women and service providers' and 'feeling respected and heard'. The 'Road to recovery' theme included two sub-themes: 'being a good mother' and 'empowerment after leaving domestic violence'.
CONCLUSIONS
This review has highlighted the need for service and health care providers to work together and collaborate effectively with the woman experiencing and escaping domestic violence, especially in rural and remote areas. This means giving women access to the most suitable educational resources and services that are appropriate for their unique situation. Tailoring support for women is crucial to enable women to achieve safe housing and to be able to live a safe life with their children, away from the perpetrator of the domestic violence.
Topics: Humans; Female; Domestic Violence; Housing
PubMed: 38822284
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03143-7 -
Violence Against Women May 2024This article explores the theological drivers of domestic and family violence (DFV)-specifically intimate partner violence-by engaging with ecclesiastical beliefs and...
This article explores the theological drivers of domestic and family violence (DFV)-specifically intimate partner violence-by engaging with ecclesiastical beliefs and practices of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). Key theological, policy, and public documents were analyzed to understand gender relations, gender roles, marriage, ordination, ethical behavior, and responses to DFV. Findings from the document analysis demonstrate church practice and policy reforms underway in addressing violence against women and supporting safety. Simultaneously, the documents show contested and troubled positions regarding gender relations, the theological context to gender roles and responsibilities and the church's journey of debating (re)configuration of its organizational structure and responsibilities.
PubMed: 38783771
DOI: 10.1177/10778012241254849 -
Journal of Medicine and Life Aug 2023This study analyzed the 2017-2018 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) database to determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women in Jordan and...
This study analyzed the 2017-2018 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) database to determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women in Jordan and its associated sociodemographic factors. The findings revealed that among Jordanian women, the lifetime prevalence of DV by husbands was 25.9%, with emotional (20.6%), physical (17.5%), and sexual (5.1%) violence being prominently reported. DV against women was significantly associated with the age, region, and educational status of women, as well as the wealth index, but not their husbands. While the results suggest a potential reduction in DV estimates compared to the last decade, DV still represents a public health issue in Jordan. The study highlights the direct association of DV with socio-demographic characteristics and provides a gateway to identifying high-risk women and implementing appropriate interventions to reduce DV.
Topics: Female; Humans; Jordan; Domestic Violence; Educational Status; Emotions; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38024819
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0111