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Kane D, Kennedy KM, Eogan M. The prevalence of genital injuries in post-pubertal females presenting for forensic examination after reported sexual violence: a systematic review. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:997-1010. [PMID: 37971512 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual violence is a prevalent issue in contemporary society requiring a robust forensic healthcare response. It is critically important that forensic examiners put clinical examination findings into an appropriate evidence-based context. The presence of genital injuries has been shown to increase the likelihood of successful criminal prosecution and report the crime. However, the reported rates of genital injury vary widely in published studies. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES We aim to critically evaluate and synthesize existing literature on the prevalence of genital injuries in post-pubertal females, examined following sexual violence, with a view to describing the prevalence and characteristics of genital injuries as well as the range of forensic practices employed. METHODS Three online databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) were systematically searched with key terms. RESULTS Of the 1224 studies screened, 141 full-text publications met the inclusion criteria. Reported injury prevalence rates varied widely. Details pertaining to forensic examinations included in each study, such as grade of the examiner, type of examination, location of examination, and time interval from assault to examination also varied widely. Injury prevalence was highest in studies where enhanced visualization techniques were utilized. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review demonstrates that there is no universally agreed standard for documenting genital injuries in cases of sexual violence and highlights the need for standardized approaches and guidelines for assessing, documenting, and reporting these injuries. The review provides robust evidence to support a call for establishing consistent context, terminology, classification systems, and data collection methods to improve the comparability and reliability of future research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kane
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, 1, Dublin, Ireland.
- Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square, Dublin, 1, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - K M Kennedy
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - M Eogan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, 1, Dublin, Ireland
- Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square, Dublin, 1, Dublin, Ireland
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Kane D, Gill N, Walshe J, Fallon C, Flood K, Eogan M. Sexual assault of the older person: Attendances to the Republic of Ireland's sexual assault treatment unit network. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 103:102683. [PMID: 38669956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual assault (SA) poses a threat to all areas of contemporary society. Although older individuals represent a vulnerable demographic, a considerable gap exists in the literature regarding the context in which older individuals experience SA. This study aims to provide a comprehensive description of older individuals' attendances at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) network in the Republic of Ireland. METHODS A 7-year national cross-sectional study was performed to analyse the attendances of older people (≥65 years old) to the SATU network, and to compare them with younger attendances (<65 years old), with a more in-depth subset analysis of Dublin SATU attendances. RESULTS During the study period, there were 6478 attendances to the SATU network, of which 0.93 % (n = 60) were older people. These included 59 females and 1 male, with the average age of 76.05 years ± 8.16. Forensic examinations were performed in 81.7 %, with the majority seeking assistance within 7 days (80 %). Comparison of older (≥65 years) and younger (<65 years) attendees revealed older individuals were more uncertain whether a sexual assault had occurred (35.5 % vs. 14.4 %, p < 0.001) but more likely to report the incident to the police (78.3 % vs. 64.3 %, p = 0.02). Assault by a person in authority was significantly more common in older age groups (11.7 % vs. 1.8 %, p < 0.001). Older individuals were significantly more likely to be assaulted in their own home (33.3 % vs. 21.5 p < 0.03) or in 'other-indoors' settings (e.g. nursing home/hospital) (43.3 % vs. 23.4 % p < 0.001). They were less likely to be assaulted in the assailant's home (5.0 % vs. 22.9 %, p < 0.001) or outdoors (5.0 % vs. 19.7 %, p = 0.004). In our subset analysis of 19 cases, 73.7 % occurred in healthcare facilities, 63.2 % had dementia, and 42.1 % were care dependent. Genital injuries were present in 44.4 % of patients and extra-genital injuries in 22.2 %. CONCLUSION Unique patterns are evident in sexual assault experienced by older people, underscoring the necessity for tailored interventions and effective support systems for reporting and addressing this vulnerable demographic. This is especially crucial in healthcare environments, where a notable proportion of cases occur, frequently involving individuals with dementia and requiring care assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kane
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland; Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland.
| | - N Gill
- Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, Regional Hospital Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - J Walshe
- Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - C Fallon
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Regional Hospital Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - K Flood
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - M Eogan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland; Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland
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Hand MD, Lee MY, Dabelko-Schoeny H, Kaiser M, Mengo C. Societal, Organizational, Relational, and Individual Perceptions of Sexual Violence Against Older Adults and Its Prevention: A Systematic Scoping Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:e597-e613. [PMID: 34606600 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Older adults are not regarded as sexual and are widely excluded from sexual violence (SV) research, policies, and practice; little is known about SV against older adults and its prevention. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS An 8-database scoping review explored perceptions of SV against older adults, barriers to prevention, and solutions for prevention. Included were peer-reviewed and gray sources published since 2010, supported by primary research, on perceptions of SV in later life and prevention. A thematic analysis was conducted to explore key themes. RESULTS Of 148 potentially relevant sources returned, 95 were fully read after screening titles and abstracts; 19 were critically appraised and 18 were assessed for analysis. Seven overarching themes emerged, surrounding (a) knowledge and awareness, (b) research, (c) policy changes and development, (d) intersectional prejudice, (e) SV being taboo, (f) sociocultural differences, and (g) confusion regarding the definition and nature of SV. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS These findings offer relevant considerations for practice, policy, and research, which will be further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle D Hand
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Mo Yee Lee
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Michelle Kaiser
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cecilia Mengo
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Luong R, Parkin JA, Cunningham N. Acute concomitant injury and intoxication in complainants of recent sexual assault: A review. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 92:102448. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Goldblatt H, Band-Winterstein T, Lev S, Harel D. "Who Would Sexually Assault an 80-Year-Old Woman?": Barriers to Exploring and Exposing Sexual Assault Against Women in Late Life. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:2751-2775. [PMID: 32627631 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520934440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of Sexual Assault against Women in Late Life (SAWLL) has received increasing research attention in recent years. Yet, there is still only scant knowledge on it, compared with research on the sexual assault of younger women. Sexual assault is considered a sensitive topic, generally characterized by a conspiracy of silence. The aim of this article is to explore the barriers that hinder the identification and exposure of SAWLL, as reported by professionals. The research question was as follows: How do welfare and health care professionals present the motives and processes that obstruct exploring, exposing, and intervening in cases of SAWLL? A qualitative research design was used. Participants were 18 experienced welfare and health care professionals engaged in intervention with sexual assault in late life victims as well as offenders. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which were later transcribed and thematically analyzed. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) Leading Negative Emotions, (b) Lack of Language, (c) Implications of Cumulative and Complex Trauma, and (d) Social Exclusion. Women and professionals alike undergo complementary processes involving silence and silencing. These processes construct a "wall" of barriers, requiring professionals' sensitivity and awareness to deconstruct these barriers. Professional intervention through open discourse with the abused women can break this conspiracy of silence. We recommend that training programs for professionals intervening in cases of elder abuse and neglect will be directed along two paths: The first path should focus on professionals' competence and skills, and the second path should address the women's specific needs. These programs will include a particular module that will specifically address SAWLL. This module should comprise knowledge on typical emotional reactions to SAWLL, the use of language in creating reality, cumulative and complex trauma, and the social construction of ageism and sexism, which lead to social exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sagit Lev
- Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Smith DE, Wright MT, Ibrahim JE. Aged care nurses' perception of unwanted sexual behaviour in Australian residential aged care services. Australas J Ageing 2021; 41:153-159. [PMID: 34792228 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore aged care nurses' awareness and experience of unwanted sexual behaviour (USB) in residential aged care services (RACS). METHODS An anonymous online questionnaire was administered to an opportunistic sample of RACS nurses enrolled to complete an e-learning course in Australia. From the 167 participants who expressed interest to enrol, 129 were eligible and 53 returned completed consent forms. RESULTS 46/53 responded of which most were females (41/45, 91.1%). Few respondents reported resident-resident USB (<35%) or staff-resident USB (<22%) happened once a year. Most respondents had not been informed by a resident of USB (>75%) or had personally reported USB within their internal reporting system (>77%). Respondents were also unaware if their facility had lodged an incident report to the regulator or law enforcement authorities within the past 12 months (34/46, 73.9%). Finally, most considered there to be no barriers to reporting USB (35/46, 77.8%). CONCLUSIONS Respondents' awareness and estimates of USB directed at residents were much lower than known national prevalence rates. This lack of awareness could be a substantive barrier to recognition and optimal management of this form of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy E Smith
- Health Law and Ageing Research Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meghan T Wright
- Health Law and Ageing Research Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph E Ibrahim
- Health Law and Ageing Research Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
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Smith DE, Wright MT, Pham TH, Ibrahim JE. Evaluation of an online course for prevention of unwanted sexual behaviour in residential aged care services-A pilot study. Int J Older People Nurs 2021; 17:e12412. [PMID: 34399034 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential aged care services (RACS) staff have substantial gaps in knowledge to prevent and manage unwanted sexual behaviour (USB) in RACS. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a pilot online course (intervention) addressing USB in RACS. METHOD Development of a self-guided e-learning educational course was based on existing research, national and international approaches to human rights approaches to sexual assault and underwent internal and external peer review. An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was conducted post-intervention completion. RAC-Communiqué subscribers were recruited via an e-invitation. English speaking enrolled or registered nurses, employed in an Australian RACS, were eligible. From the 167 participants who expressed interest to enrol, 129 were eligible and 45 returned completed consent forms. Fifteen survey items regarding perceived competence and intervention satisfaction were analysed. RESULTS The intervention addressed content pertaining to staffs' legal and regulatory requirements, managing incidents and awareness of key services. Thirty-eight of 45 eligible participants responded (84.4%). Participants reported they would recommend the intervention to a colleague (n = 36, 97.3%). Participants self-reported (i) advanced learning post-completion; (ii) raised awareness (n = 29, 78.4%) (iii) prompted current practice reflection (n = 35, 94.6%) and (iv) prompted improving USB workplace management (n = 34, 91.9%). Results are subjected to social desirability bias. CONCLUSIONS The intervention was relevant, engaging and practical. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the specific training topics relevant and useful to RACS staff. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE E-learning tools could be an effective teaching method for USB in RACS. The intervention may be a useful tool to encourage staff to reflect and change current practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy E Smith
- Health Law & Aging Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia, Australia
| | - Meghan T Wright
- Health Law & Aging Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia, Australia
| | - Tony H Pham
- Health Law & Aging Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia, Australia
| | - Joseph E Ibrahim
- Health Law & Aging Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia, Australia
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Giménez Lozano JM, Martínez Ramón JP, Morales Rodríguez FM. Doctors and Nurses: A Systematic Review of the Risk and Protective Factors in Workplace Violence and Burnout. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3280. [PMID: 33810020 PMCID: PMC8004742 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims analyze the risk factors that lead to high levels of burnout among nurses and physicians and the protective factors that prevent them. Thus, it is also intended to explore the possible correlation between physical and verbal violence produced at work and the symptoms derived from burnout. Methods: The search was carried out on the Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases between 2000 and 2019 (on which date the bibliographic search ends). Descriptive studies estimating the prevalence of workplace violence and risk and protective factors and burnout were included. An adapted version of the Downs and Black quality checklist was used for article selection. 89.6 percent of the studies analysed were in the health sector. There is a significant correlation between burnout symptoms and physical violence at work. On the one hand, the risk factors that moderate this correlation were of structural/organisational type (social support, quality of the working environment, authoritarian leadership, little autonomy or long working days, etc.) and personal type (age, gender, nationality or academic degree, etc.). On the other hand, protective factors were the quality of the working environment, mutual support networks or coping strategies. The results were analysed in-depth and intervention strategies were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Miguel Giménez Lozano
- Department of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Juan Pedro Martínez Ramón
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Campus of Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Francisco Manuel Morales Rodríguez
- Department of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain;
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Ibrahim JE. Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety: the key clinical issues. Med J Aust 2019; 210:439-441.e1. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E Ibrahim
- Victorian Institute of Forensic MedicineMonash University Melbourne VIC
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