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Ciencia & Saude Coletiva Nov 2023The scope of this study was to highlight what has been discussed about addressing violence against children and adolescents in the context of the Family Health Strategy... (Review)
Review
The scope of this study was to highlight what has been discussed about addressing violence against children and adolescents in the context of the Family Health Strategy in the scientific literature. It involved an integrative review of the literature, conducted in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), Web of Science and American Psychological Association (PsycINFO) databases. In the survey, the controlled descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCS) and the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were used, including domestic violence, child abuse, educational technology and primary health care for DeCS and MeSH. A total of 2,403 results were obtained, with the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 15 articles were analyzed. Violence has been seen as a public health problem, being identified as a sensitive problem in PHC. Despite the identification of cases of violence against children and adolescents in the FHS, the lack of preparedness of professionals and the fragility in the coping network prejudice the adequate care for this public. Thus, there is a need to strengthen the network available and encourage the capacity building and training of professionals working in PHC.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Child; Family Health; Domestic Violence; Child Abuse; Public Health; Adaptation, Psychological
PubMed: 37971007
DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320232811.09662021 -
BMC Women's Health Oct 2023As part of efforts to prevent violence against women, several countries have institutionalized formal support services including legislations to prevent, protect...
BACKGROUND
As part of efforts to prevent violence against women, several countries have institutionalized formal support services including legislations to prevent, protect victims, and deter perpetrators of domestic violence (DV). Prior research on formal support service utilization shows that DV survivors do not get the necessary services they deserve. However, much remains to be known about the experiences of women survivors of DV who accessed a range of formal support services and how their experiences (dis)empowered them. Here, we assessed the experiences of Ghanaian women survivors of DV with formal support services vis-à-vis the provisions of the Ghana DV Act and insights of subject experts.
METHODS
From May to August 2018, we recruited a total of 28 participants: 21 women survivors of DV in Weija-Gbawe Municipality of Ghana, and 7 experts from the police, human rights, and health professions. We used two sets of in-depth interview guides: one to collect data on survivors' experiences, and the second for the insights of experts. We performed summary descriptive statistics on survivors' sociodemographic characteristics and used thematic analysis to assess their experiences of DV; and access to, patronage, and response of formal support services.
RESULTS
Of 21 DV survivors, 19 (90.1%) were aware of the existence of the DV law, however none was well informed of their entitlements. DV survivors have low formal education and are not economically empowered. Some DV survivors are revictimized in the process of accessing formal services. DV survivors expect the government to provide them with shelter, upkeep, medical, and legal aid. All the 21 survivors had at least one contact with a women's rights organization and were knowledgeable of their supporting services namely legal services, temporary shelter, and psychosocial support.
CONCLUSIONS
The experiences of DV survivors do not reflect the legal provisions of Ghana's DV Act. Government under funding of formal services and negative gender norms are disempowering to survivors. NGOs are popular among women survivors of DV in Ghana for the education, legal, and material support they provide. A close collaboration between the government and NGOs could better mitigate DV in Ghana.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ghana; Domestic Violence; Women's Rights; Survivors; Educational Status
PubMed: 37848884
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02678-5 -
Prevention Science : the Official... Jul 2023Elder maltreatment (EM) has been understood as a worldwide major public health threat for decades, yet it remains a form of victimization receiving limited attention,... (Review)
Review
Elder maltreatment (EM) has been understood as a worldwide major public health threat for decades, yet it remains a form of victimization receiving limited attention, resources, and research. EM, which includes caregiver neglect and self-neglect, has far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on older adults, their families, and communities. Rigorous prevention and intervention research has significantly lagged in proportion to the magnitude of this problem. With rapidly growing population aging, the coming decade will be transformative: by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older, and approximately 16% will experience at least one form of maltreatment (World Health Organization, 2021). The goal of this paper is to raise awareness of the context and complexities of EM, provide an overview of current intervention strategies based on a scoping review, and discuss opportunities for further prevention research, practice, and policy within an ecological model applicable to EM.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Elder Abuse; Caregivers
PubMed: 37145180
DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01470-5 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) can lead to major short- and long-term effects on the victim. Despite this, there is no accepted measure for... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) can lead to major short- and long-term effects on the victim. Despite this, there is no accepted measure for children's experiences, with most existing measures being validated only in high income countries and not in low- and middle- income countries. As a result, international statistics are not comparable. This paper seeks to critically appraise existing measures and discuss whether any are fit-for-purpose on a global scale.
METHOD
The COSMIN PROMs approach was followed to critically appraise and compare the appropriateness of measures. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken in seven journal databases for measures mentioned in formally peer-reviewed articles exploring childhood exposure to DVA.
RESULTS
A literature search resulted in the identification of 10 measures and, following criteria to only keep original measures and remove modifications, four measures which have been validated cross-culturally are discussed in detail in line with the COSMIN PROMs criterion: The Child Exposure to Domestic Violence Scale, Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale, Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire and The Violence Exposure Scale for Children. Strengths and limitations of each are discussed, along with any validations undertaken not in the country of origin.
CONCLUSION
Despite childhood exposure to DVA being an urgent research priority worldwide, the current measures to explore the extent of the issue are not validated cross-culturally, leading to concerns about comparisons across different population groups. The development and implementation of interventions to reduce the levels and effects of exposure relies heavily on cross-cultural comparisons, which may indicate different strategies are needed in different contexts. The lack of these validated comparisons is constraining advances, and the paper advocates for further efforts to be made in this regard.
Topics: Humans; Domestic Violence; Child; Surveys and Questionnaires; Exposure to Violence; Female; Global Health; Male; Child Abuse; Crime Victims; Adolescent
PubMed: 38841674
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1181837 -
The Medical Journal of Malaysia Mar 2024Domestic violence (DV) is a pervasive social and public health issue affecting millions globally, regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic background. Understanding... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Domestic violence (DV) is a pervasive social and public health issue affecting millions globally, regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic background. Understanding victim and perpetrators' characteristics as well as the DV injury patterns are essential for developing targeted interventions and prevention strategies. Although past DV studies have often focused on female victims, it is increasingly recognised that DV affects a significant proportion of male victims as well. This study aimed to comprehensively examine both male and female DV victims and perpetrators, as well as the anatomical regions affected in DV cases in Kuching, Sarawak, so that a deeper understanding of DV within this community can be enhanced.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This prospective, observational study was conducted from March 2021 to March 2023, involving adult DV victims aged 18 years and above admitted to the One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC) of Sarawak General Hospital. Data were collected from the OSCC clerking sheet, focusing on the victims, perpetrators and the violence characteristics.
RESULTS
A total of 133 DV victims were analysed, with 25.6% being male victims. Although majority of the perpetrators in cases involving male victims were male perpetrators, there was a significantly higher number of female perpetrators in these male DV cases (i.e., 5 out of 34 cases,14.7%) compared to in female DV cases (4 out of 99 cases, 4.0%) (p = 0.05). The commonest type of relationship between the victims and perpetrators was spouses or ex-spouses (56.4%). Male victims had more cases involving weapons (67.6%) compared to female victims (26.3%), p < 0.001. The most affected anatomical region was the head and neck (63.9%) region although no significant differences were observed.
CONCLUSION
The study reveals that DV affects individuals across all societal classes and income groups. Although weapons were used more frequently in male DV cases, other injury characteristics and affected anatomical regions were not significantly different between genders, suggesting female perpetrators can inflict similar injuries as male perpetrators. Subgroup analysis showed that the majority of male victims faced abuse from their children or grandchildren, hinting at hidden geriatric abuse, that should be unmasked and treated as a separate entity.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Crime Victims; Domestic Violence; Malaysia; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 38553915
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023This econometric analysis investigates the nexus between household factors and domestic violence. By considering diverse variables encompassing mood, depression, health...
INTRODUCTION
This econometric analysis investigates the nexus between household factors and domestic violence. By considering diverse variables encompassing mood, depression, health consciousness, social media engagement, household chores, density, and religious affiliation, the study aims to comprehend the underlying dynamics influencing domestic violence.
METHODS
Employing econometric techniques, this study examined a range of household-related variables for their potential associations with levels of violence within households. Data on mood, depression, health consciousness, social media usage, household chores, density, and religious affiliation were collected and subjected to rigorous statistical analysis.
RESULTS
The findings of this study unveil notable relationships between the aforementioned variables and levels of violence within households. Positive mood emerges as a mitigating factor, displaying a negative correlation with violence. Conversely, depression positively correlates with violence, indicating an elevated propensity for conflict. Increased health consciousness is linked with diminished violence, while engagement with social media demonstrates a moderating influence. Reduction in the time allocated to household chores corresponds with lower violence levels. Household density, however, exhibits a positive association with violence. The effects of religious affiliation on violence manifest diversely, contingent upon household position and gender.
DISCUSSION
The outcomes of this research offer critical insights for policymakers and practitioners working on formulating strategies for preventing and intervening in instances of domestic violence. The findings emphasize the importance of considering various household factors when designing effective interventions. Strategies to bolster positive mood, alleviate depression, encourage health consciousness, and regulate social media use could potentially contribute to reducing domestic violence. Additionally, the nuanced role of religious affiliation underscores the need for tailored approaches based on household dynamics, positioning, and gender.
PubMed: 37743993
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1243558 -
BMC Oral Health Jul 2023Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) is a persistent public health problem in the UK. Healthcare settings offer an opportunity to ask patients about DVA, either...
BACKGROUND
Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) is a persistent public health problem in the UK. Healthcare settings offer an opportunity to ask patients about DVA, either opportunistically or in response to the presence of injuries. However, it has been suggested that dental practices and dental teams have not been actively involved supporting adult patients when presenting with injuries that might have resulted from DVA. This qualitative study was conducted to satisfy the evaluative component of the Dentistry Responding in Domestic Violence and Abuse (DRiDVA) feasibility study.
METHODS
In total, 30 participants took part in the study; nine associate dentists and practice principals/owners took part in one-to-one interviews and 21 auxiliary staff took part across two focus group discussion sessions. Data were analysed using the seven step Framework Analysis process.
RESULT
Three key themes were identified from the data, focusing on barriers to enquiring about domestic violence and abuse, Facilitators of identification and referral of DVA in dental settings, and recommendations for further adaptation of intervention to dental settings.
CONCLUSION
DVA training coupled with robust referral pathways to a named specialist DVA advocate increases knowledge and awareness of the signs of DVA and confidence in making onward referrals. Further research is needed to understand how to increase dental professional willingness to ask patients about DVA.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Feasibility Studies; Domestic Violence; Public Health; Dentists; Dentistry
PubMed: 37438748
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03059-y -
Psychological Medicine Oct 2023Childhood maltreatment (CM) has been related to social functioning and social cognition impairment in people with psychotic disorders (PD); however, evidence across... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Examining associations, moderators and mediators between childhood maltreatment, social functioning, and social cognition in psychotic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Childhood maltreatment (CM) has been related to social functioning and social cognition impairment in people with psychotic disorders (PD); however, evidence across different CM subtypes and social domains remains less clear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify associations between CM, overall and its different subtypes (physical/emotional/sexual abuse, physical/emotional neglect), and domains of social functioning and social cognition in adults with PD. We also examined moderators and mediators of these associations. A PRISMA-compliant systematic search was performed on 24 November 2022 (PROSPERO CRD42020175244). Fifty-three studies ( = 13 635 individuals with PD) were included in qualitative synthesis, of which 51 studies ( = 13 260) with 125 effects sizes were pooled in meta-analyses. We found that CM was negatively associated with global social functioning and interpersonal relations, and positively associated with aggressive behaviour, but unrelated to independent living or occupational functioning. There was no meta-analytic evidence of associations between CM and social cognition. Meta-regression analyses did not identify any consistent moderation pattern. Narrative synthesis identified sex and timing of CM as potential moderators, and depressive symptoms and maladaptive personality traits as possible mediators between CM and social outcomes. Associations were of small magnitude and limited number of studies assessing CM subtypes and social cognition are available. Nevertheless, adults with PD are at risk of social functioning problems after CM exposure, an effect observed across multiple CM subtypes, social domains, diagnoses and illness stages. Maltreated adults with PD may thus benefit from trauma-related and psychosocial interventions targeting social relationships and functioning.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Child Abuse; Social Cognition; Social Interaction; Psychotic Disorders; Emotions
PubMed: 37458216
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291723001678 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Mothers with disabled children are among the most critical groups exposed to domestic violence. Although domestic violence strongly affects these mothers' physical and...
INTRODUCTION
Mothers with disabled children are among the most critical groups exposed to domestic violence. Although domestic violence strongly affects these mothers' physical and mental health, it subsequently affects their drug addiction and resilience to suicide. Based on this, it is crucial to investigate domestic violence, drug addiction, and resilience against suicide in mothers with disabled children. This study investigated the relationship between domestic violence, substance dependence, and resilience against suicide in mothers with disabled children in Iranian society.
METHODS
From January to April 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted in central and western Iran with the participation of 267 mothers with disabled children. The mothers of disabled children were selected through convenience and snowball sampling. Then they completed questionnaires included domestic violence, substance dependence and resilience against suicide. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 with descriptive statistics, such as prevalence, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and expository measurements, including ANOVA, independent , and regression tests.
RESULTS
The study revealed that there was a strong direct correlation between domestic violence and substance abuse ( = 0.89, < 0.001), as well as a strong indirect correlation between domestic violence and suicide resilience ( = -0.90, < 0.001). Additionally, substance abuse and suicide resilience were negatively correlated ( = -0.93, < 0.001). Other variables, such as the severity of children's disability, education, financial status, and the fathers' involvement, were predictors of domestic violence, accounting for 73.28% of the variance.
CONCLUSION
Mothers with disabled children reported moderate levels of domestic violence, which strongly impacts their physical and mental well-being, leading to drug dependency and suicide. So, it is essential to implement comprehensive planning and provide extensive support to reduce domestic violence against them. By doing so, we can enhance their physical and mental health and ultimately improve their overall quality of life.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Disabled Children; Cross-Sectional Studies; Iran; Mothers; Quality of Life; Domestic Violence; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide
PubMed: 37663857
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1223896 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jan 2024The current systematic meta-review aimed to map out, characterize, analyze, and synthesize the overarching findings of systematic reviews on domestic violence (DV) in... (Review)
Review
The current systematic meta-review aimed to map out, characterize, analyze, and synthesize the overarching findings of systematic reviews on domestic violence (DV) in the context of COVID-19. Specifically, a systematic meta-review was conducted with three main objectives: (1) to identify what types and aspects of DV during COVID-19 have been reviewed systematically to date (research trends), (2) to synthesize the findings from recent systematic reviews of the theoretical and empirical literature (main findings), and (3) to discuss what systematic reviewers have proposed about implications for policy and practice as well as for future primary research (implications). We identified, appraised, and synthesized the evidence contained in systematic reviews by means of a so-called systematic meta-review. In all, 15 systematic reviews were found to be eligible for inclusion in the current review. Thematic codes were applied to each finding or implication in accordance with a set of predetermined categories informed by the DV literature. The findings of this review provide clear insight into current knowledge of prevalence, incidence, and contributing factors, which could help to develop evidence-informed DV prevention and intervention strategies during COVID-19 and future extreme events. This systematic meta-review does offer a first comprehensive overview of the research landscape on this subject. It allows scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to recognize initial patterns in DV during COVID-19, identify overlooked areas that need to be investigated and understood further, and adjust research methods that will lead to more robust studies.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Pandemics; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Domestic Violence
PubMed: 36847221
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231155530