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Sonthon P, Janma N, Wichaidit W. Variations in the association between polygyny and experience of intimate partner violence by husband's alcohol consumption: a cross-sectional study among postpartum women in Thailand. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2735. [PMID: 39379911 PMCID: PMC11460036 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20281-7] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence is more common in polygynous couples than monogamous couples, but the extent that this association is modified by the husband's alcohol consumption is unknown. The objectives of this study are: (1) To describe the extent to which polygyny is associated with self-reported experience of intimate partner violence among women receiving postpartum care; (2) To describe the extent to which the mentioned association is modified by the husband's alcohol consumption. METHODS We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study among women age 18 years or older receiving postpartum care at 8 public hospitals in 3 provinces in Northern and Northeastern Thailand using self-administered questionnaires. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and stratified analyses. RESULTS A total of 1207 women agreed to participate in the study, 8% of whom reported that their husbands practiced polygyny. Women in a polygynous relationship were more likely than women in monogamous relationships to experience intimate partner violence (11.7% vs. 3.6%, Adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 0.94, 5.26). The prevalence of intimate partner violence was relatively low in both groups among women whose husbands did not drink (2.9% vs. 0%, Adjusted OR = N/A), and very high in both groups among those whose husbands binge-drank (46.2% vs. 20.8%, Adjusted OR = 9.54; 95% CI = 1.10, 82.54). However, the Breslow-Day Test of Homogeneity suggested that there was no statistically significant effect modification (p-value = 0.259). CONCLUSION Stakeholders in intimate partner violence should consider both alcohol use (particularly binge-drinking) and polygyny as risk factors for intimate partner violence. However, caveats regarding study design, misclassification and potential information bias, and lack of generalizability should be considered in the interpretation of the study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paithoon Sonthon
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Phetchabun Rajabhat University, Sadiang, Muang, Phetchabun Province, Thailand
| | - Narumon Janma
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Phetchabun Rajabhat University, Sadiang, Muang, Phetchabun Province, Thailand
| | - Wit Wichaidit
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand.
- Centre for Alcohol Studies, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand.
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2
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Leal WE, Iesue L, Moscrop-Blake K, Regalado J, Timmer A, González J. The Mediating Role of Problematic Alcohol Consumption on the Association Between Pandemic-Related Strains and Domestic Violence Across Six Countries. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241271389. [PMID: 39189055 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241271389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Research has documented that domestic violence increased worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have also suggested that alcohol use, which also increased during COVID-19, is a risk factor for domestic violence victimization. However, research has yet to examine whether alcohol consumption mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stressful events and domestic violence. Using structural equation modeling, the current study examines the impact of three types of pandemic-related strains (financial problems, familial problems, and work problems) on individual assessments about whether their drinking became problematic during the pandemic and then whether problematic alcohol use increases the risk of psychological and physical domestic violence. This model was analyzed across six countries: Ukraine, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Denmark, Guatemala, and the United States. Results indicate that the associations between pandemic-related strains and self-assessed problematic drinking varied by country. However, across all countries, problematic alcohol consumption was associated with increased physical and psychological domestic violence victimization. Overall, the findings of the current study support the use of programs that aim to reduce problematic consumption of alcohol with the hopes that they may, in turn, reduce psychological and physical domestic violence victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda E Leal
- Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Laura Iesue
- Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
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3
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Jetson J, Maioli H, Harruff RC, Jackson NR. From intimate partners to serial killers: Nearly 40 years of female homicides in King County, Washington (1978-2016). J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:932-943. [PMID: 38314613 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15480] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
An extreme, known potential outcome of intimate partner violence (IPV) is death, with national data revealing females are more likely to be killed by intimate partners than by others. In a novel pairing, the King County Medical Examiner's Office data management system and the Washington State Attorney General's Office's Homicide Information Tracking System were retrospectively analyzed (1978-2016) with information gathered pertaining to female homicide victims. Analyses show that female victims commonly knew their assailant(s) (79.3%) who were overwhelmingly male (92.8%) and commonly intimate partners (31.4%). Disproportionately represented were Black (20.17%) and Native American (4.25%) females; Asian/Pacific Islander (2.5 times that of Whites) and elderly (24%) females among homicide-suicide deaths; and Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic females in cases of IPV. "Domestic violence" was the most cited motive (34.3%) and most assaults occurred in a residence (58.73%). Females under 10 years of age were most commonly killed by a parent or caregiver (42.86%), while those over 70 were most likely to be killed by a child (23.08%) or spouse (21.80%). Serial murders, most commonly by the Green River Killer (80%) but including others, accounted for at least 7% of deaths, with victims notably young and commonly sex workers (68%). As compared to males, females were more likely to be killed by multiple modalities, asphyxia, and sharp force, though IPV-related deaths were more likely to be associated with firearms. This study reinforces the vulnerability of females to IPV, sexual assault, and serial murders as well as to caretakers at the extremities of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Jetson
- King County Medical Examiner's Office, Public Health-Seattle and King County, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Heather Maioli
- King County Medical Examiner's Office, Public Health-Seattle and King County, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Richard C Harruff
- King County Medical Examiner's Office, Public Health-Seattle and King County, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nicole R Jackson
- King County Medical Examiner's Office, Public Health-Seattle and King County, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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4
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Munala L, Allen EM, Frederick AJ, Ngũnjiri A. Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and Intimate Partner Violence in East African Agrarian-Based Economies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7124. [PMID: 38063554 PMCID: PMC10706456 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Severe weather events can be a catalyst for intimate partner violence, particularly in agricultural settings. This research explores the association between weather and violence in parts of East Africa that rely on subsistence farming. We used IPUMS-DHS data from Uganda in 2006, Zimbabwe in 2010, and Mozambique in 2011 for intimate partner violence frequency and EM-DAT data to identify weather events by region in the year of and year prior to IPUMS-DHS data collection. This work is grounded in a conceptual framework that illustrates the mechanisms through which violence increases. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of reporting violence in regions with severe weather events. The odds of reporting violence were 25% greater in regions with severe weather compared to regions without in Uganda (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11-1.41), 38% greater in Zimbabwe (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.13-1.70), and 91% greater in Mozambique (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.64-2.23). Our results add to the growing body of evidence showing that extreme weather can increase women's and girls' vulnerability to violence. Moreover, this analysis demonstrates that climate justice and intimate partner violence must be addressed together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leso Munala
- Public Health Department, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA;
| | - Elizabeth M. Allen
- Public Health Department, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA;
| | - Andrew J. Frederick
- Public Health Department, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA;
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5
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Biesen JN, Orban D, Ford T, Lentsch J, Balch T, Frost M, Fink BC. Contributions of Demand/Withdraw Processes and Alcohol Consumption on Emotional Flooding in Distressed Violent versus Distressed Non-Violent Couples. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 38:869-882. [PMID: 37547628 PMCID: PMC10403252 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00419-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Although alcohol-related intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem, the mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. For instance, prior research has shown differences in distressed violent (DV) and distressed nonviolent (DNV) couples' demand/withdraw communication and the extent to which they become emotionally flooded (i.e., physiologically aroused) in response to conflict. Additionally, alcohol use is associated with increased demand/withdraw communication, IPV, and emotional flooding. Therefore, the present study sought to clarify the association between demand/withdraw communication and emotional flooding among relationally couples who use alcohol and who do and do not experience IPV. Methods Relationally distressed couples (Mage =30.1 years) reported on their physical aggression, demand/withdraw communication, emotional flooding, and total number of drinks during the past six months. Couples were denoted as DV (N = 58) if at least one partner reported IPV and DNV (N = 29) if neither partner reported IPV. Actor-partner interdependence modeling was used to test whether couple type (DV versus DNV) moderates the link between demand/withdraw behavior and emotional flooding. Results With one exception, alcohol use was unrelated to any of the processes under investigation in the current study. Moreover, men's and women's report of a woman-demand/man-withdraw pattern and man-demand/woman-withdraw pattern, respectively, were positively associated with each partner's own emotional flooding. Couple type (DV vs DNV) did not moderate these associations. Conclusions The present results highlight the need for sensitive measures that can capture the nuanced processes that underlie IPV in couples who use alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith N. Biesen
- University of New Mexico, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Daniel Orban
- University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology
| | - Tia Ford
- University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology
| | | | | | - Madeleine Frost
- University of New Mexico, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Brandi C. Fink
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
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6
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Wilson IM, Lightowlers C, Bryant L. Home drinking during and
post‐COVID
‐19: Why the silence on domestic violence? Drug Alcohol Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid M. Wilson
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster Singapore Institute of Technology Singapore
- Judith Lumley Centre La Trobe University Melbourne Australia
| | - Carly Lightowlers
- School of Law and Social Justice University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Lucy Bryant
- The Institute of Alcohol Studies London UK
- Social Policy and Criminology The Open University Milton Keynes UK
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7
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Mayshak R, Curtis A, Coomber K, Tonner L, Walker A, Hyder S, Liknaitzky P, Miller P. Alcohol-Involved Family and Domestic Violence Reported to Police in Australia. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP1658-NP1685. [PMID: 32552468 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520928633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Family and domestic violence (FDV) is a significant social issue that causes major harm across Australia. Alcohol has been identified as a contributing factor to FDV, and as such increased understanding of the role of alcohol in police-reported FDV incidents may provide the basis for developing specific clinical and forensic approaches. This study aims to identify the key correlates of alcohol-related FDV within police-reported FDV incidence. Data sourced from several states and territories across Australia were used to profile demographic and personal factors involved in police-reported FDV incidents, and to identify the types of incidents involving alcohol. For each state, three separate binary regressions were conducted for family violence, intimate partner violence, and FDV incidents in which alcohol was involved. Between 24% and 54% of FDV incidents reported to police were classified as alcohol-related. Although there appeared to be an association between relative socioeconomic disadvantage and an incident being alcohol-related, this association varied across states. Where victim and offender data were available, offenders were significantly more likely to be alcohol-affected than victims. Alcohol-related FDV incidents were also twice as likely to involve severe physical violence including injuries that were life threatening, as well as an increased likelihood of recidivism. This study demonstrates that alcohol plays a substantial role in police-reported FDV across Australia. It also demonstrates that other factors such as drug use, breach of orders, and repeat offending are associated with alcohol involvement across family violence and intimate partner violence.
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8
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AshaRani PV, Karuvetil MZ, Brian TYW, Satghare P, Roystonn K, Peizhi W, Cetty L, Zainuldin NA, Subramaniam M. Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Comorbidities in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): a Pilot Study in Treatment-Seeking Population. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-18. [PMID: 35095353 PMCID: PMC8783789 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to understand the prevalence of physical comorbidities, undiagnosed and inadequately controlled chronic physical conditions and correlates of high cholesterol, hypertension and liver enzyme abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants (n = 101) with AUD were recruited from a tertiary care centre through convenient sampling. The prevalence of physical and psychiatric comorbidities in the sample was 83.17% and 51.49%, respectively. Around 53.47% had two or more chronic physical conditions (multimorbidity). Hypertension (44.55%), asthma (23.76%), high cholesterol (22.77%) and liver enzyme abnormalities (21.78%) were the top four physical comorbidities. The prevalence of undiagnosed and inadequately controlled chronic physical conditions was 61.4% and 32.7%, respectively. Gender, education and body mass index (BMI) were associated with hyperlipidaemia while age and education were associated with hypertension. Higher waist-hip ratio was associated with liver enzyme abnormalities. Routine clinical care must include regular screening and follow-up of the risk groups to monitor their physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. V. AshaRani
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Mohamed Zakir Karuvetil
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Tan Yeow Wee Brian
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Pratika Satghare
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Kumarasan Roystonn
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Wang Peizhi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Laxman Cetty
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Noor Azizah Zainuldin
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117549 Singapore
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9
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Sontate KV, Rahim Kamaluddin M, Naina Mohamed I, Mohamed RMP, Shaikh MF, Kamal H, Kumar J. Alcohol, Aggression, and Violence: From Public Health to Neuroscience. Front Psychol 2022; 12:699726. [PMID: 35002823 PMCID: PMC8729263 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol has been associated with violent crimes and domestic violence across many nations. Various etiological factors were linked to chronic alcohol use and violence including psychiatric comorbidities of perpetrators such as personality disorders, mood disorders, and intermittent explosive disorders. Aggression is the precursor of violence and individuals prone to aggressive behaviors are more likely to commit impulsive violent crimes, especially under the influence of alcohol. Findings from brain studies indicate long-term alcohol consumption induced morphological changes in brain regions involved in self-control, decision-making, and emotional processing. In line with this, the inherent dopaminergic and serotonergic anomalies seen in aggressive individuals increase their susceptibility to commit violent crimes when alcohol present in their system. In relation to this, this article intends to investigate the influence of alcohol on aggression with sociopsychological and neuroscientific perspectives by looking into comorbidity of personality or mood disorders, state of the mind during alcohol consumption, types of beverages, environmental trigger, neurochemical changes, and gender differences that influence individual responses to alcohol intake and susceptibility to intoxicated aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Isa Naina Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rashidi Mohamed Pakri Mohamed
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Haziq Kamal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Exploring the Linkages between Substance Use, Natural Disasters, Pandemics, and Intimate Partner Violence against Women: A Rapid Review in the Context of COVID-19. SEXES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes2040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, with potentially enduring effects on women’s health. A rapid review was conducted on IPV and women’s substance use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid review explored two separate research questions with a view to integrate the literature related to: (1) containment, social isolation, pandemics, disasters, lockdowns, and IPV; and (2) the relationships between substance use and IPV. Two different searches for each question were conducted between May and October 2020 and n = 47 articles were included. Women experience multiple physical and mental health consequences related to IPV that can be exacerbated by public health crises such as pandemics and disasters. Perpetrators may use these events as a tactic to threaten, isolate, or use coercive control. Similar tactics are reported in the complex relationship between IPV and substance use, where substance use can accompany IPV and/or be used as a coping mechanism for survivors. The findings highlight long standing women’s health concerns made further visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional research is needed to identify actions required to reduce gender inequities and harms associated with IPV and substance use, and to adequately tailor and prepare effective responses in the context of future public health crises.
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11
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Curtis A, Booth B, Gruenert S, Long CM, Karantzas G, Harries T, Mullins E, Miller PG. Identified support needs for intimate partner violence engagement in an alcohol and other drug treatment sample. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2020.1867660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee Curtis
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-social Behaviour Research, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong Australia
- Odyssey House Victoria, Richmond, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Gery Karantzas
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-social Behaviour Research, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong Australia
| | - Travis Harries
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-social Behaviour Research, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong Australia
| | - Ellie Mullins
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-social Behaviour Research, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong Australia
- Odyssey House Victoria, Richmond, Australia
| | - Peter G. Miller
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-social Behaviour Research, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong Australia
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12
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Smyth C, Cullen P, Breckenridge J, Cortis N, valentine K. COVID-19 lockdowns, intimate partner violence and coercive control. THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 2021; 56:359-373. [PMID: 34188336 PMCID: PMC8222883 DOI: 10.1002/ajs4.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
2020 was a year like no other, with the COVID-19 virus upending life as we know it. When governments around the world imposed lockdown measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, advocates in the domestic and family violence (DFV) sector recognised that these measures were likely to result in increases in violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, coercive controlling behaviours, surveillance and isolation tactics. Lockdown conditions provide fertile ground for the exercise of coercive control by encouraging people to stay at home, limiting social interactions to household members, reducing mobility and enabling perpetrators to closely monitor their partner's movements. However, media reports and awareness of IPV are generally dominated by a focus on physical violence and lethality, which are easily defined and measured. By contrast, coercive control as a concept is difficult to operationalise, measure and action in law, policy and frontline interventions. This paper discusses the challenges inherent in measuring coercive control and engages with current debates around the criminalisation of coercive control in NSW. Such reflection is timely as the conditions of COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to lead to an increase in coercive controlling behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Smyth
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRCUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Patricia Cullen
- School of Population Health UNSW SydneyUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- The George Institute for Global Health UNSW SydneyUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Ngarruwan Ngadju First Peoples Health and Wellbeing Research CentreUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | | | - Natasha Cortis
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRCUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - kylie valentine
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRCUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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13
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Kovler ML, Ziegfeld S, Ryan LM, Goldstein MA, Gardner R, Garcia AV, Nasr IW. Increased proportion of physical child abuse injuries at a level I pediatric trauma center during the Covid-19 pandemic. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 116:104756. [PMID: 33004213 PMCID: PMC7518108 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The Covid-19 pandemic has forced mass closures of childcare facilities and schools. While these measures are necessary to slow virus transmission, little is known regarding the secondary health consequences of social distancing. The purpose of this study is to assess the proportion of injuries secondary to physical child abuse (PCA) at a level I pediatric trauma center during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS A retrospective review of patients at our center was conducted to identify injuries caused by PCA in the month following the statewide closure of childcare facilities in Maryland. The proportion of PCA patients treated during the Covid-19 era were compared to the corresponding period in the preceding two years by Fisher's exact test. Demographics, injury profiles, and outcomes were described for each period. RESULTS Eight patients with PCA injuries were treated during the Covid-19 period (13 % of total trauma patients), compared to four in 2019 (4 %, p < 0.05) and three in 2018 (3 %, p < 0.05). The median age of patients in the Covid-19 period was 11.5 months (IQR 6.8-24.5). Most patients were black (75 %) with public health insurance (75 %). All injuries were caused by blunt trauma, resulting in scalp/face contusions (63 %), skull fractures (50 %), intracranial hemorrhage (38 %), and long bone fractures (25 %). CONCLUSIONS There was an increase in the proportion of traumatic injuries caused by physical child abuse at our center during the Covid-19 pandemic. Strategies to mitigate this secondary effect of social distancing should be thoughtfully implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Kovler
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Susan Ziegfeld
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Leticia M Ryan
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mitchell A Goldstein
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca Gardner
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alejandro V Garcia
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Isam W Nasr
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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14
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What is associated with the increased frequency of heavy episodic drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic? Data from the PAHO regional web-based survey. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 221:108621. [PMID: 33636598 PMCID: PMC9759720 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To estimate the prevalence of changes in the frequency of self-reported heavy episodic drinking (HED) among drinkers in Latin America and Caribbean countries on alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assess self-reported factors associated with the increased frequency of HED. METHODS Data from 12,328 adults who responded to the cross-sectional survey conducted in 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean by Pan American Health Organization were used. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the effect of the sociodemographic characteristics, quarantine practices, and anxiety symptoms on the increase in frequency of HED among the 2019 drinkers. RESULTS 65 % of drinkers in 2019 self-reported HED during the COVID-19 pandemic with 13.8 % of the drinkers reporting an increase in HED compared to a 33.38 % decrease in HED. Multivariable analysis indicated that male gender (aOR 1.29, 95 %CI 1.13; 1.49), higher income (aOR 1.64, 95 %CI 1.35; 1.99) and higher level of quarantine practices (aOR 1.10, 95 %CI 1.04; 1.16) were positively associated with increased frequency of HED; unemployment (aOR 0.78, 95 %CI 0.64; 0.96), student status (aOR 0.53, 95 %CI 0.43; 0.64) and living with children (aOR 0.91, 95 %CI 0.84; 0.99) were negatively associated with increased frequency of HED. A gradient of association was found between generalized anxiety disorder and an increase in HED frequency during the pandemic. CONCLUSION Along with other measures to decrease the spread of COVID-19, it is important to include measures to reduce alcohol consumption and address mental health conditions in the national response to the pandemic.
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Martino F, Brooks R, Browne J, Carah N, Zorbas C, Corben K, Saleeba E, Martin J, Peeters A, Backholer K. The Nature and Extent of Online Marketing by Big Food and Big Alcohol During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia: Content Analysis Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e25202. [PMID: 33709935 PMCID: PMC7958974 DOI: 10.2196/25202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence demonstrates that obesity is associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Excessive alcohol consumption and "comfort eating" as coping mechanisms during times of high stress have been shown to further exacerbate mental and physical ill-health. Global examples suggest that unhealthy food and alcohol brands and companies are using the COVID-19 pandemic to further market their products. However, there has been no systematic, in-depth analysis of how "Big Food" and "Big Alcohol" are capitalizing on the COVID-19 pandemic to market their products and brands. OBJECTIVE We aimed to quantify the extent and nature of online marketing by alcohol and unhealthy food and beverage companies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. METHODS We conducted a content analysis of all COVID-19-related social media posts made by leading alcohol and unhealthy food and beverage brands (n=42) and their parent companies (n=12) over a 4-month period (February to May 2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. RESULTS Nearly 80% of included brands and all parent companies posted content related to COVID-19 during the 4-month period. Quick service restaurants (QSRs), food and alcohol delivery companies, alcohol brands, and bottle shops were the most active in posting COVID-19-related content. The most common themes for COVID-19-related marketing were isolation activities and community support. Promotion of hygiene and home delivery was also common, particularly for QSRs and alcohol and food delivery companies. Parent companies were more likely to post about corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as donations of money and products, and to offer health advice. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show that Big Food and Big Alcohol are incessantly marketing their products and brands on social media platforms using themes related to COVID-19, such as isolation activities and community support. Parent companies are frequently posting about CSR initiatives, such as donations of money and products, thereby creating a fertile environment to loosen current regulation or resist further industry regulation. "COVID-washing" by large alcohol brands, food and beverage brands, and their parent companies is both common and concerning. The need for comprehensive regulations to restrict unhealthy food and alcohol marketing, as recommended by the World Health Organization, is particularly acute in the COVID-19 context and is urgently required to "build back better" in a post-COVID-19 world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentine Martino
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia,
| | - Ruby Brooks
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia,
| | - Jennifer Browne
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia,
| | - Nicholas Carah
- School of Communication and Arts, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christina Zorbas
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia,
| | - Kirstan Corben
- Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma Saleeba
- Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Martin
- Obesity Policy Coalition, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna Peeters
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia,
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia,
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Berger E, Meltzer L. Qualitative experiences of Australian mental health staff with students exposed to domestic violence. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/0143034321994156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of domestic violence is concerning due to its debilitating impact on the psychological, social and academic functioning of children. This study explored the experiences, strengths and challenges of school mental health staff in relation to students exposed to domestic violence. Interviews with 10 school wellbeing staff working in Victoria, Australia, showed that these staff felt confronted and distressed, and were unsure of their role in managing the complexities associated with students’ exposure to domestic violence. Staff reported the need for educators, students and parents to be educated on domestic violence, and for improved school structures and policies that encourage staff consultation and self-care following students’ disclosures of domestic violence. The results of this study are discussed within the context of trauma-informed practice and multi-tiered mental health promotion in schools.
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Bryce I. Responding to the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for practice. CHILDREN AUSTRALIA 2020; 45:80-87. [PMCID: PMC7298091 DOI: 10.1017/cha.2020.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, the world as we knew it began to change dramatically and rapidly with the COVID-19 outbreak. Social distancing restrictions and lockdown measures have been the most effective course of action and an inarguably imperative approach at this time. However, in trying to keep the global population safe, social distancing measures unwittingly placed children already experiencing maltreatment and disadvantage in harm’s way. This paper will consider the evidence base which attests to the importance of considering the accumulation of adversity when seeking to understand risk and impact of child maltreatment and disadvantage. Given the unique and unprecedented circumstances which have accompanied the COVID-19 outbreak, and the dearth of research pertaining to the impact of pandemics on child welfare, the paper draws on an emerging body of literature about the effect of natural disasters, conflict and significant global events on child maltreatment. The paper synthesises the research to date in order to call attention to the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children already experiencing abuse and neglect. The paper concludes with an outline of the implications for practice in the helping professions.
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Affiliation(s)
- India Bryce
- School of Education, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
- Author for correspondence: India Bryce,
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Reynolds J, Wilkinson C. Accessibility of 'essential' alcohol in the time of COVID-19: Casting light on the blind spots of licensing? Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 39:305-308. [PMID: 32329548 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Among the Australian and UK governments' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the designation of outlets selling alcohol for off-premise consumption as 'essential' services, allowing them to remain open while pubs, hotels and restaurants have been forced to close. In a context of restrictions on movement outside the home in both countries, and where alcohol providers are trying to find new ways to reach their customers, this may lead to an intensification of the social and health harms associated with home drinking. By examining the current situation in both Australia and the UK, we argue that heightened risks from home drinking amid COVID-19 bring into sharp focus long-standing weaknesses within licensing systems in both countries: the regulation of off-premise outlets to minimise harms from drinking at home. We call for critical conversations on how licensing systems should be revised to take more responsibility for protecting people from the health and social harms associated with home drinking, both under COVID-19 and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Claire Wilkinson
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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