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Madzoska M, Lawrence D, Higgins DJ, Haslam DM, Mathews B, Malacova E, Dunne MP, Erskine HE, Pacella R, Meinck F, Thomas HJ, Scott JG. Child Maltreatment, Mental Health Disorders, and Health Risk Behaviors in People With Diverse Gender Identities. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241270077. [PMID: 39152737 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241270077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
This study examined rates of mental health disorders and health risk behaviors in people with diverse gender identities and associations with five types of child maltreatment. We used data from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), a nationally representative survey of Australian residents aged 16 years and more, which was designed to understand the experience of child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to domestic violence). Mental disorders-major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and health risk behaviors-smoking, binge drinking, cannabis dependence, self-harm, and suicide attempt in the past 12 months were assessed. People with diverse gender identities who experienced child maltreatment were significantly more likely to have GAD (43.3%; 95% CI [30.3, 56.2]) than those who had experienced child maltreatment who were either cisgender men (13.8%; [12.0, 15.5]) or cisgender women (17.4%; [15.7, 19.2]). Similarly, higher prevalence was found for PTSD (21.3%; [11.1, 31.5]), self-harm (27.8%; [17.1, 38.5]) and suicide attempt (7.2%; [3.1, 11.3]) for people with diverse gender identities. Trauma-informed approaches, attuned to the high likelihood of any child maltreatment, and the co-occurrence of different kinds may benefit people with diverse gender identities experiencing GAD, PTSD, self-harm, suicidal behaviors, or other health risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Divna M Haslam
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Mathews
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael P Dunne
- Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Holly E Erskine
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | | | - Franziska Meinck
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Children's Health Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Hunt GR, Mathews B, Higgins DJ, Finkelhor D, Willis ML, Haslam DM, Lawrence D, Meinck F, Thomas HJ, Malacova E, Pacella RE, Scott JG. Submission to child abuse and neglect the prevalence of child sexual abuse perpetrated by leaders or other adults in religious organizations in Australia. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024:106946. [PMID: 39103255 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous national public inquiries have highlighted the problem of child sexual abuse in religious organizations. Despite this, evidence of population-wide prevalence is scarce. OBJECTIVE To provide the first nationally representative prevalence estimates of child sexual abuse perpetrated by adults in religious organizations in Australia. METHODS The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) surveyed 8503 people aged 16 and over about their experiences of child maltreatment. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated based on responses to the child sexual abuse questions from the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire-R2: Adapted Version (ACMS). RESULTS One in 250 people reported being sexually abused as a child by an adult in a religious organization (0.4 %, 95 % CI, 0.3-0.6 %). Men reported significantly higher rates of child sexual abuse by these perpetrators (0.8 %, 95 % CI, 0.5-1.2 %), compared to women (0.1 %, 95 % CI, 0-0.3 %). This type of sexual abuse was overwhelmingly perpetrated by men (0.4 %, 95 % CI, 0.3-0.6 %), compared to women (0 %, 95 % CI, 0-0.1 %), and was substantially more often experienced in Catholic organizations (71.9 %) than other Christian denominations or other religions. Prevalence of child sexual abuse in religious organizations has declined over time (2.2 % of men 65 years and older, compared with 0.2 % of 16-24-year-old men). CONCLUSIONS Child sexual abuse has been widespread in religious organizations in Australia. A decline over time indicates progress has been made in preventing sexual abuse of children. Religious organizations must take all reasonable measures to prevent child sexual abuse, with a particular need for interventions targeting male leaders, and organizational cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle R Hunt
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Ben Mathews
- School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America.
| | - Daryl J Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - David Finkelhor
- Crimes against Children Research Centre, United States of America; Family Research Laboratory, United States of America; Sociology at the University of New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Megan L Willis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Divna M Haslam
- School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Parenting and Family Support Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Lawrence
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social & Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Queensland, Australia; School of Public Heath, The University of Queensland, Australia; QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rosana E Pacella
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
| | - James G Scott
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children's Health Qld, South Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Bränström R, Hatzenbuehler ML, Lattanner MR, Hollinsaid NL, McDade TW, Pachankis JE. Threats to social safety and neuro-inflammatory mechanisms underlying sexual orientation disparities in depression symptom severity: A prospective cohort study of young adults. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:211-219. [PMID: 38548185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.036] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexual minority individuals have a markedly elevated risk of depression compared to heterosexuals. We examined early threats to social safety and chronically elevated inflammation as mechanisms contributing to this disparity in depression symptoms, and compared the relative strength of the co-occurrence between chronic inflammation and depression symptoms for sexual minorities versus heterosexuals. To do so, we analyzed data from a prospective cohort of sexual minority and heterosexual young adults (n = 595), recruited from a nationally representative sample, that included assessments of early threats to social safety in the form of adverse childhood interpersonal events, three biomarkers of inflammation (i.e., CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) measured at two time points, and depression symptoms over four years. In pre-registered analyses, we found that sexual minorities experienced more adverse childhood interpersonal events, were more likely to display chronically elevated inflammation, and reported more severe depression symptoms than heterosexuals. Adverse childhood interpersonal events and chronically elevated inflammation explained approximately 23 % of the total effect of the association between sexual orientation and depression symptom severity. Further, there was an increased coupling of chronically elevated inflammation and depression symptoms among sexual minorities compared to heterosexuals. These results provide novel longitudinal, population-based evidence for the role of chronically elevated inflammation in linking threats to social safety during childhood with depression symptom severity in young adulthood, consistent with the primary tenets of the social signal transduction theory of depression. Our study extends this theory to the population level by finding that members of a stigmatized population (i.e., sexual minorities) experience a greater risk of depression because of their greater exposure to adverse childhood interpersonal events and the subsequent link to chronic inflammation, highlighting potential biopsychosocial intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bränström
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Micah R Lattanner
- Department of Public Health, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA USA
| | | | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Harris RJ, Channon AA, Morgan SA. Childhood exposure to domestic violence: can global estimates on the scale of exposure be obtained using existing measures? Front Public Health 2024; 12:1181837. [PMID: 38841674 PMCID: PMC11150823 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1181837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jane Harris
- Centre for Global Health and Policy, Department of Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Amos Channon
- Centre for Global Health and Policy, Department of Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Afshar Morgan
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Hunt GR, Higgins DJ, Willis ML, Mathews B, Lawrence D, Meinck F, Pacella R, Thomas HJ, Scott JG, Erskine HE, Malacova E, Haslam DM. The Prevalence of Peer Sexual Harassment During Childhood in Australia. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241245368. [PMID: 38591149 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241245368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Sexual harassment inflicted by adolescents on their peers is a major public health issue, but its prevalence across childhood is not known. We provide the first nationally representative data on the prevalence of peer sexual harassment across childhood, using cross-sectional data from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS). The ACMS surveyed 8,503 people aged 16 and over about their experiences of child maltreatment and associated health outcomes. The prevalence of peer sexual harassment was assessed using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ)-R2 Adapted Version (ACMS), with survey data weighted to reflect characteristics of the Australian population. Overall, 1 in 10 (10.4% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) [9.7, 11.3])) Australians experienced peer sexual harassment during childhood. Peer sexual harassment is an issue disproportionately affecting gender-diverse individuals (24.0%, 95% CI [15.5, 35.2]) and women (15.3%, 95% CI [14.0, 16.7%]), compared to men (5.0%, 95% CI [4.3, 5.9]). Rates of peer sexual harassment were also very high among sexuality diverse participants (prevalence estimates ranging between 14.2% and 29.8%). Peer sexual harassment was predominately inflicted by male peers (9.6%, 95% CI [8.9, 10.4]), compared to 1.8% (95% CI [1.5, 2.2]) reporting harassment from female peers. These findings have implications for understanding and reducing attitudes supporting peer sexual harassment in childhood, particularly against girls and gender and sexuality diverse youth, and associations with other gendered violence both in childhood and later life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ben Mathews
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA
| | | | - Franziska Meinck
- University of Edinburgh, UK
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Hannah J Thomas
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Children's Health QLD, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Holly E Erskine
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia
| | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Divna M Haslam
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Drusko A, Renz M, Schmidt H, Rosin M, Simon J, Beiner E, Charalambides M, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Treede RD, Tost H, Tesarz J. Measuring interpersonal trauma: Development and validation of the German version of the victimization experience schedule (VES). J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111626. [PMID: 38430794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111626] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interpersonal victimization experiences (VEs) significantly affect mental and physical health, particularly in disorders associated with life-time adversities, like fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, assessing VEs comprehensively remains challenging due to limited tools that encompass sub-traumatic events, such as bullying or discrimination, and contextual dimensions. We aimed to address this gap by validating the Victimization Experience Schedule (VES) in German, examining its reliability, and assessing VEs in clinical populations with FMS and MDD. METHODS We investigated the relationship between VEs and clinical symptoms in individuals with FMS, MDD and healthy controls (N = 105) in a case-control study. We also analyzed correlations between different types of VEs and categories of early childhood abuse and posttraumatic-stress-disorder instruments. Additionally, we validated our findings in an independent sample of individuals with FMS (N = 97) from a clinical study. RESULTS We observed excellent inter-rater reliability (Kw = 0.90-0.99), and VEs assessed using the VES were in alignment with subcategories of early childhood abuse. The prevalence of VEs extended beyond the categories covered by traditional survey instruments and was higher in individuals with MDD (4.0 ± 2.6) and FMS (5.9 ± 3.1) compared to controls (1.5 ± 1.7). We consistently identified a significant association between the number of VEs, the associated subjective distress, and clinical scores. Furthermore, distinct correlation patterns between VEs and clinical outcomes emerged across different cohorts. CONCLUSION Our study emphasizes the VES's value in understanding VEs within MDD and FMS. These experiences span from traumatic to sub-traumatic and correlate with posttraumatic-stress and clinical symptoms, underscoring the VES's importance as an assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Drusko
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Malika Renz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Hannah Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Department of Neurophysiology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Michelle Rosin
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joe Simon
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Beiner
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monica Charalambides
- Hammersmith & Fulham Community Rehab, West London NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Department of Neurophysiology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Heike Tost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany
| | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany.
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Mathews B. The Australian Child Maltreatment Study: National prevalence and associated health outcomes of child abuse and neglect. Med J Aust 2024; 220:275. [PMID: 38375589 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mathews
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Higgins DJ, Lawrence D, Haslam DM, Mathews B, Malacova E, Erskine HE, Finkelhor D, Pacella R, Meinck F, Thomas HJ, Scott JG. Prevalence of Diverse Genders and Sexualities in Australia and Associations With Five Forms of Child Maltreatment and Multi-type Maltreatment. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024:10775595231226331. [PMID: 38214251 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231226331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
This study presents the most comprehensive national prevalence estimates of diverse gender and sexuality identities in Australians, and the associations with five separate types of child maltreatment and their overlap (multi-type maltreatment). Using Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) data (N = 8503), 9.5% of participants identified with a diverse sexuality and .9% with a diverse gender. Diverse identities were more prevalent in the youth cohort, with 17.7% of 16-24 years olds identifying with a diverse sexuality and 2.3% with a diverse gender. Gender and sexuality diversity also intersect - for example, with women (aged 16-24 and 25-44) more likely than men to identify as bisexual. The prevalence of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and exposure to domestic violence was very high for those with diverse sexuality and/or gender identities. Maltreatment was most prevalent for participants in the youth cohort with diverse gender identities (90.5% experiencing some form of child maltreatment; 77% multi-type maltreatment) or diverse sexualities (85.3% reporting any child maltreatment; 64.3% multi-type maltreatment). The strong association found between child maltreatment and diverse sexuality and gender identities is critical for understanding the social and mental health vulnerabilities of these groups, and informing services needed to support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl J Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Lawrence
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Divna M Haslam
- School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Mathews
- School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Holly E Erskine
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 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, London, UK
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social & Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- QIMR Berghofer, Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children's Health QLD, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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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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10
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Mathews B, Pacella R, Scott JG, Finkelhor D, Meinck F, Higgins DJ, Erskine HE, Thomas HJ, Lawrence DM, Haslam DM, Malacova E, Dunne MP. The prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia: findings from a national survey. Med J Aust 2023; 218 Suppl 6:S13-S18. [PMID: 37004184 PMCID: PMC10953347 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence in Australia of each type of child maltreatment; to identify gender- and age group-related differences in prevalence. DESIGN, SETTING Cross-sectional national survey; mobile telephone interviews using random digit dialling (computer-generated), Australia, 9 April - 11 October 2021. Retrospective self-report data using validated questionnaire (Juvenile Victimisation Questionnaire-R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study). PARTICIPANTS People aged 16 years or more. The target sample size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people aged 16-24 years and 1000 respondents each from five further age groups (25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65 years or more). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportions of respondents reporting physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence to age 18 years, assessed with the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire-R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study), overall and by gender and age group, and weighted to reflect characteristics of the Australian population aged 16 years or more in 2016. RESULTS Complete survey data were available for 8503 eligible participants (14% response rate). Physical abuse was reported by 32.0% of respondents (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.7-33.3%), sexual abuse by 28.5% (95% CI, 27.3-29.8%), emotional abuse by 30.9% (95% CI, 29.7-32.2%), neglect by 8.9% (95% CI, 8.1-9.7%), and exposure to domestic violence by 39.6% (95% CI, 38.3-40.9%). The proportions of respondents who reported sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect were each statistically significantly larger for women than men. The reported prevalence of physical abuse by respondents aged 16-24 years was lower than for those aged 25-34 years, and that of sexual abuse was lower than for those aged 35-44 years, suggesting recent declines in the prevalence of these maltreatment types. CONCLUSIONS Child maltreatment is common in Australia, and larger proportions of women than men report having experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect during childhood. As physical and sexual abuse may have declined recently, public health policy and practice may have positive effects, justifying continued monitoring and prevention activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mathews
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
- Bloomberg School of Public HealthJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUnited States of America
| | - Rosana Pacella
- Institute for Lifecourse DevelopmentUniversity of GreenwichLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - James G Scott
- Child Health Research Centre, the University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
| | - David Finkelhor
- Crimes against Children Research CenterUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNHUnited States of America
| | - Franziska Meinck
- University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- University of the Witwatersrand JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Daryl J Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection StudiesAustralian Catholic UniversityMelbourneVIC
| | - Holly E Erskine
- The University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health ResearchBrisbaneQLD
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health ResearchBrisbaneQLD
| | | | - Divna M Haslam
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
- Parenting and Family Support Centrethe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
| | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
| | - Michael P Dunne
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
- Institute for Community Health ResearchHue UniversityHue CityVietnam
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Haslam DM, Lawrence DM, Mathews B, Higgins DJ, Hunt A, Scott JG, Dunne MP, Erskine HE, Thomas HJ, Finkelhor D, Pacella R, Meinck F, Malacova E. The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), a national survey of the prevalence of child maltreatment and its correlates: methodology. Med J Aust 2023; 218 Suppl 6:S5-S12. [PMID: 37004182 PMCID: PMC10953333 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the aims, design, methodology, and respondent sample representativeness of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS). DESIGN, SETTING Cross-sectional, retrospective survey; computer-assisted mobile telephone interviewing using random digit dialling (computer-generated), Australia, 9 April - 11 October 2021. PARTICIPANTS People aged 16 years or more. The target sample size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people aged 16-24 years and 1000 respondents each from five further age groups (25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65 years or more). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes: Emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exposure to domestic violence during childhood, assessed with the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire-R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study). SECONDARY OUTCOMES selected mental disorder diagnoses (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, MINI), selected physical health conditions, health risk behaviours, health service use. RESULTS The demographic characteristics of the ACMS sample were similar to those of the Australian population in 2016 with respect to gender, Indigenous status, region and remoteness category of residence, and marital status, but larger proportions of participants were born in Australia, lived in areas of higher socio-economic status, had tertiary qualifications, and had income greater than $1250 per week. Population weights were derived to adjust for these differences. Associations between the number of calls required to recruit participants and maltreatment rates and health outcomes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The ACMS provides the first reliable estimates of the prevalence of each type of child maltreatment in Australia. These estimates, and those of associated mental health and health risk behaviours reported in this supplement can inform policy and practice initiatives for reducing the prevalence of child maltreatment and its consequences. Our benchmark study also provides baseline data for repeated waves of the ACMS that will assess the effectiveness of these initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divna M Haslam
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, the University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
| | | | - Ben Mathews
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
- Bloomberg School of Public HealthJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUnited States of America
| | - Daryl J Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection StudiesAustralian Catholic UniversityMelbourneVIC
| | | | - James G Scott
- Child Health Research Centre, the University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
| | - Michael P Dunne
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
- Institute for Community Health ResearchHue UniversityHue CityVietnam
| | - Holly E Erskine
- The University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health ResearchBrisbaneQLD
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health ResearchBrisbaneQLD
| | - David Finkelhor
- Crimes against Children Research CenterUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNHUnited States of America
| | - Rosana Pacella
- Institute for Lifecourse DevelopmentUniversity of GreenwichLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Franziska Meinck
- University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- University of the Witwatersrand JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
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