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Mathews B, Finkelhor D, Pacella R, Scott JG, Higgins DJ, Meinck F, Erskine HE, Thomas HJ, Lawrence D, Malacova E, Haslam DM, Collin-Vézina D. Child sexual abuse by different classes and types of perpetrator: Prevalence and trends from an Australian national survey. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 147:106562. [PMID: 38061281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little evidence exists about the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) inflicted by different relational classes of perpetrators (e.g., parents; institutional adults; adolescents), and by individual types of perpetrators (e.g., fathers and male relatives; male teachers and male clergy; known and unknown adolescents). OBJECTIVE To generate evidence of the prevalence of CSA by different perpetrators, and trends by victim gender and age group. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The Australian Child Maltreatment Study collected information about CSA victimisation from a nationally-representative sample of 8503 individuals aged 16 and over. METHODS We analysed data about 42 perpetrator types, collapsed into eight classes. We generated national prevalence estimates of CSA inflicted by each perpetrator class and individual perpetrator type, and compared results by victim gender and age group. RESULTS Australian CSA prevalence was 28.5%, with the following prevalence by perpetrator classes: other known adolescents (non-romantic): 10.0%; parents/caregivers in the home: 7.8%; other known adults: 7.5%; unknown adults: 4.9%; adolescents (current/former romantic partners): 2.5%; institutional caregivers: 2.0%; siblings: 1.6%; unknown adolescents: 1.4%. Women experienced more CSA by all perpetrator classes except institutional caregivers. Age group comparison showed significant declines in CSA by parents/caregivers, and other known adults; and increases in CSA by adolescents (current/former romantic partners). Individual perpetrator type comparison showed declines in CSA by fathers, male relatives living in the home, non-resident male relatives, and other known male adults; and increases in CSA by known male adolescents, current boyfriends, and former boyfriends. CONCLUSIONS CSA by adults has declined, indicating positive impacts of prevention efforts. However, CSA by adolescents has increased. Further declines in CSA by adults are required and possible. Targeted prevention of CSA by adolescents must be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mathews
- School of Law, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia; Australian Centre for Health Law Research, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.
| | - David Finkelhor
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, Department of Sociology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Rosana Pacella
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
| | - James G Scott
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia; QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Daryl J Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; OPTENTIA, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Holly E Erskine
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia; QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Divna M Haslam
- School of Law, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia; Australian Centre for Health Law Research, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia; Parenting and Family Suppport Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Benzi IMA, Carone N, Parolin L, Martin-Gagnon G, Ensink K, Fontana A. Different epistemic stances for different traumatic experiences: implications for mentalization. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (MILANO) 2023; 26:708. [PMID: 38156583 PMCID: PMC10772857 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2023.708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic experiences may impair reflective functioning (RF), making it difficult for individuals to understand their own and others' mental states. Epistemic trust (ET), which enables evaluating social information as reliable and relevant, may vary in association with RF. In this study, we explored the implications of different ET stances (i.e., trust, mistrust, and credulity) in the relation between different childhood traumatic experiences (i.e., emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect) and different types of RF impairments (uncertainty and certainty about mental states). A non-clinical community sample of 496 cisgender emerging adults (mage = 24.91, standard deviation = 2.66, 71.85% assigned female at birth, 63.63% heterosexual) reported on their childhood traumatic experiences, ET, and RF. We used structural equation models to examine direct and indirect associations. The results showed significant indirect effects between emotional abuse and uncertainty about mental states through credibility. We also observed significant indirect effects between emotional abuse and certainty about mental states through mistrust and credibility. The findings suggest that a lack of discrimination when evaluating knowledge from others (i.e., credulity) might promote increased uncertainty in RF when emerging adults have experienced emotional abuse in their childhood. Conversely, a tendency to view all information sources as unreliable or ill-intentioned (i.e., mistrust) may foster greater certainty in RF as a protective mechanism against an unreliable and potentially harmful world when combined with childhood emotional abuse. The implications for clinical practice and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia.
| | - Laura Parolin
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan.
| | | | - Karin Ensink
- Department of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec.
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Doerr CM, Hoeffler A, Goessmann K, Olorunlambe W, Hecker T. Sexual violence affects adolescents' health and prosocial behaviour beyond other violence exposure. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2263319. [PMID: 37843878 PMCID: PMC10580796 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2263319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sexual violence is a public health issue among adolescents globally but remains understudied in Sub-Saharan Africa.Objective: The present study focused on the association of cumulative exposure to different types of sexual violence with mental and physical health problems and prosocial behaviour.Method: We conducted a survey with a regionally representative sample of both in-school and out-of-school adolescents, aged 13-17 years, living in south-western Nigeria. Self-reported exposure to sexual violence, behavioural problems, physical complaints, and prosocial behaviour were assessed.Results: About three quarters of the participants reported the experience of sexual violence (74.6%). Multiple regression models revealed that the more types of sexual violence an individual reported, the more mental and physical health problems, and the fewer prosocial behaviours they reported when controlling for other forms of violence exposure. Latent class analysis revealed three severity classes of sexual violence. Symptoms of mental and physical health indicators were significantly higher as exposure increased by group whereas prosocial behaviours were non-significantly fewer in the opposite direction.Conclusion: This study revealed a consistent and unique relation between sexual violence exposure and negative health outcomes among adolescents. Further research on sexual violence in Sub-Saharan Africa and its associations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maria Doerr
- Department of Psychology & Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anke Hoeffler
- Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Kate Goessmann
- Department of Psychology & Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wasiu Olorunlambe
- Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology & Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Laird JJ, Klettke B, Hall K, Hallford D. Toward a Global Definition and Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation: The Development of a Conceptual Model. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2243-2264. [PMID: 35603675 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221090980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Laird
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Bianca Klettke
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Hall
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Addictive and Anti-social behavior Research, Deakin University Centre for Drug Use, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - David Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Solarino B, Nicolì S, Benevento M, Zedda M, Oliva A. Editorial: Children's health and safety: what we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and future policy's perspective. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1220977. [PMID: 37346109 PMCID: PMC10280161 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1220977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Solarino
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Nicolì
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Benevento
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Zedda
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Oliva
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Zhang Q, Patel P, Lowery CM. Protecting Low-Income Consumers in the Era of Digital Grocery Shopping: Implications for WIC Online Ordering. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020390. [PMID: 36678264 PMCID: PMC9861376 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is now expected to allow participants to redeem their food benefits online, i.e., via online ordering, rather than only in-store. However, it is unclear how this new benefit redemption model may impact participants' welfare since vendors may have an asymmetric information advantage compared with WIC customers. The WIC online ordering environment may also change the landscape for WIC vendors, which will eventually affect WIC participants. To protect WIC consumers' rights in the new online ordering model, policymakers need an appropriate legal and regulatory framework. This narrative review provides that framework by reviewing the literature, legal treatises, and reports on enforceable laws and regulations in the U.S. relevant to digital marketing. The results identify key issues that may arise with adopting WIC online ordering. This paper suggests "privacy, transparency, and fairness" as guiding principles to protect the welfare of WIC participants in WIC online ordering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- School of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-757-683-6870
| | - Priyanka Patel
- School of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Caitlin M. Lowery
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Disaster Risk Reduction in Iranian Primary and Secondary School Textbooks: A Content Analysis. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 16:1503-1511. [PMID: 34286677 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE School textbooks have a significant role in transferring knowledge to the students and changing their behavior. This work aims to analyze school textbooks to find the representation of natural hazards in Iran, which is vital for supporting children in disaster situations. METHODS In this study, a qualitative content analysis was used. Data were analyzed qualitatively by using MAXQDA 2018 software. For the 2019-2020 school year, 300 Iranian school textbooks in Persian language were collected. RESULTS Findings of this work show that students receive information about disaster risk reduction (DRR) education through the primary and secondary grade levels in all 12 grades. The educational content covers various types of natural hazards, including geophysical, hydrological, climatological, meteorological, and biological disasters. In addition, the textbooks contain discussions about local hazards, causes and effects of disasters, and the disaster management cycle. CONCLUSIONS The coverage of DRR and the relevant contents in school textbooks reveals that the discourse of natural hazards is important for Iranian authorities, especially in the education system. This study helps decision-makers and practitioners design more effective interventions to prepare children for disasters.
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Ford JD. A Developmental Trauma Perspective on Childhood Sexual Abuse. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2018272. [PMID: 32960275 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.18272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julian D Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington
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