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Fitzgerald M, Hall H. Childhood sexual abuse and cholesterol risk: Testing body mass index as a mediator across gender in a national sample of adults. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 153:106848. [PMID: 38820954 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106848] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with health problems, including cardiometabolic outcomes. Findings directly linking CSA to cholesterol levels are mixed, and identifying mediating pathways is the next logical step. Body mass index (BMI) is one possible mediator, given its association with both CSA and cardiometabolic outcomes. Gendered effects of CSA indicates that BMI may operate differently in men and women. OBJECTIVE We tested BMI as a mediator linking CSA to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using a multiple group structural equation model stratified across gender to test the indirect effects. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We utilized a sample of 1054 adults (54.7 % women) from the study of Midlife Development in the United States, who were drawn from the general population. METHODS Using two waves of data, participants responded to a questionnaire assessing CSA, provided measurements from which to calculate BMI, and a fasting blood sample from which cholesterol levels were measured. RESULTS The indirect effects in the overall sample yielded a significant effect from CSA to HDL via BMI (β = -0.03, 95 % CI [-0.050, -0.010]), but not LDL (β = 0.006, 95 % CI [-0.002, 0.014]). The indirect effect from CSA to HDL cholesterol was significant among women (β = -0.04, 95 % CI [-0.066, -0.012]) only. Indirect effects to LDL among both genders were both non-significant. CONCLUSIONS BMI appears to be a possible mediator linking CSA to lower HDL cholesterol among women suggesting BMI could be a point of trauma-informed prevention and intervention especially impactful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haley Hall
- Oklahoma State University, United States of America
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2
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Girard M, Fernet M, Godbout N. "Like A Mouse Pursued By the Snake": A Qualitative Metasynthesis on the Experiences of Revictimization Among Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Partner Violence. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:2407-2420. [PMID: 38049952 PMCID: PMC11155201 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231214783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
A metasynthesis was performed on 15 qualitative studies to document the experience of revictimization by an intimate partner among women, based on survivors' perspectives on their sustained childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner violence victimization. Results identified two main conceptual categories: (a) Barriers to action: A belief system reflecting learned helplessness that hinders women's abilities to protect themselves and prevent further abuses, and (b) Broken internal compass: Cognitive elements blurring women's risk evaluation capacities and reference points limiting their ability to break the cycle of revictimization. These findings support the need to examine cognitive distortions and false beliefs in intervention practices and suggest valuable guidelines for practitioners. As the responsibility for violence always lies with the perpetrator, this study should not be interpreted as blaming women for their victimization, but instead, as a way to give women a voice about their experiences and give them a sense of power in the prevention of violence.
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3
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McMinn LE, Kloess JA, Stephenson Z. Empowering Young People with Special Educational Needs to Recognize and Report Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: A Mixed-Methods Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:2503-2520. [PMID: 38164801 PMCID: PMC11155205 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231217047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Young people with special educational needs (SEN), such as intellectual disability and/or autism, are particularly vulnerable to child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). This mixed-methods systematic literature review consolidates findings in respect to how young people with SEN are currently being taught about CSEA in the UK, incorporating empirical and practice-based findings to counteract publication bias. Key databases were searched, and relevant organizations were contacted regarding studies published between 2015 and 2022 (inclusive). Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 adopted a qualitative methodology, and three a mixed-methods approach. The thematic synthesis of the qualitative studies identified the following themes: (a) beliefs and stereotypes about CSEA, vulnerability. and risk have led to young people with SEN being misinformed and misunderstood, and (b) anxiety about the topic of sex and abuse creates polarized views regarding CSEA education in adult guardians of young people with SEN. Themes are discussed in the context of societal biases in respect to vulnerability and risk, and these biases are considered to have a negative effect on how young people with SEN are supported. The findings of this review encourage providers of CSEA awareness education to be mindful of not endorsing harmful stereotypes, and to involve parent-carers as much as possible. This review additionally encourages services and organizations to increase focus on practitioner reflexivity and regular training to counteract potential biases in respect to gender, vulnerability, and risk.
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Nivison MD, Filetti CR, Carlson EA, Jacobvitz DB, Roisman GI. Agreement between retrospective and prospective assessments of childhood abuse revisited. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38832550 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424001032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
A recent meta-analytic review demonstrated that retrospective assessments of childhood abuse acquired during adulthood - typically via self-report - demonstrate weak agreement with assessments of maltreatment gathered prospectively. The current report builds on prior findings by investigating the agreement of prospectively documented abuse from birth to age 17.5 years in the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation with retrospective, Adult Attachment Interview-based assessments of childhood abuse administered at ages 19 and 26 years. In this sample, an agreement between prospective and retrospective assessments of childhood abuse was considerably stronger (κ = .56) than was observed meta-analytically. Retrospective assessments identified prospectively documented sexual abuse somewhat better than physical abuse, and the retrospective approach taken here was more sensitive to identifying abuse perpetrated by primary caregivers compared to non-caregivers based on prospective records.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa D Nivison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Clarissa R Filetti
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Carlson
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Deborah B Jacobvitz
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Glenn I Roisman
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Hietamäki J, Husso M, Arponen T, Lahtinen HM. Differences Between Girls and Boys in the Disclosure of Sexual Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:2629-2654. [PMID: 38254297 PMCID: PMC11071602 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231221283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
This article addresses the differences between girls and boys in the disclosure of sexual violence. The dataset combines data from the Finnish Child Victim Survey (FCVS) of 2008 (N = 13,459) and 2013 (N = 11,364), focusing on victims of sexual violence, ages 11 to 17 years, from the perspectives of disclosure and gender. Frequency and percentage analysis, cross tabulation, and a Chi-square test were used in the analysis. In the FCVS for both years, around 85% of the victims were girls. In almost two-thirds of the cases, the offender was a relative, friend, or some other known person, while in more than one-third of the cases, the offender was unknown to the victim. The second most common case was that the victim knew the offender, who was not, however, a friend. Sexual violence was found to be, in many ways, gendered. Most of the victims were girls, and most of the offenders were men. There was also a gender difference in the disclosure of experiences. Twenty-one percent of the girls and 45% of the boys reported that they had not told anyone about their experiences. Irrespective of the type of offender, the victims most often (63%) told a peer about their experiences, while 23% told parents, and only 10% told authorities. Moreover, victims reported shame and fear, distrust toward adults, and disbelief that disclosure would be helpful as reasons for not disclosing their experiences. To address this problem, raising awareness of the phenomenon, promoting an atmosphere that supports disclosing experiences of sexual violence, and improving readiness to address them are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Hietamäki
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marita Husso
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Tiia Arponen
- City of Lappeenranta, Lappeenranta, Finland
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna-Mari Lahtinen
- School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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6
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Spaducci G, Oram S, Thiara R, Robson D, Peeren S, Gibbs A, Trevillion K. The mental health and substance use treatment experiences of racially and ethnically minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:546-559. [PMID: 38131433 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The mental health and substance use treatment experiences of racially and ethnically minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence is not well understood. To address this we conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Our search strategy included electronic searches of 18 databases and grey literature, citation tracking and reference list screening. Studies were eligible if they presented qualitative data from racially and/or ethnically minoritised women or girls, who had experienced sexual violence at any age and described their experiences of receiving treatment from statutory mental health and/or substance use services. Studies were analysed using meta-ethnography. Fourteen papers based on 12 individual studies were included. Analysis developed three main themes: (1) understanding minoritised women holistically, (2) processing the trauma and beginning the healing and (3) the need for social connectedness and empowering relationships. For minoritised women to benefit from treatment, mental health and substance use services need to challenge the dynamics of the multiple traumas minoritised women experience. Knowledge and understanding of the racial trauma minoritised women experience is limited and many are subjected to further harm from racist practices occurring in some treatment services. Offering culturally safe, trauma-informed care which promotes anti-racist practices may help improve mental health and substance use service responses to minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Spaducci
- Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sian Oram
- Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Debbie Robson
- Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Siofra Peeren
- Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kylee Trevillion
- Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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7
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Helpingstine CE, Jadue Zalaquett VC, Murphy CA, Merrick MT, Fickler W, Bernier J, Klika JB. Prevention of child sexual abuse in the United States: Scoping review of United States legislative policies. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 152:106747. [PMID: 38552558 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND States in the United States (US) have passed and enacted legislation for the purpose of preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) since 2000, but it is unknown whether these legislative policies reduce adult-perpetrated CSA. OBJECTIVE Review the literature from 2000 to 2023 to understand which US CSA prevention policies have been evaluated, the effectiveness of these policies, study populations, and barriers and facilitators associated with the implementation of CSA prevention policies. METHODS The study protocol was published prior to undertaking the review: PMC10603531. The review follows Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and is reported according to the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. We searched 27 databases, hand searched reference lists of included studies, and sent notice via listserv to other researchers in the field. Articles were included if the content focused on CSA prevention policies and the effects. No limits to methodology were applied. Methodological rigor was assessed. RESULTS 2209 potentially relevant articles were identified; 20 articles advanced to full-text review, three satisfied the inclusion criteria. Three eligible studies focused on CSA prevention education policies, while the other focused on mandated reporting policies. Effects of these policies were mixed in relation to CSA reporting and substantiation rates. No study considered child demographics. CONCLUSIONS Despite decades of legislative action for CSA prevention across the US, only a few studies have assessed the effects of these policies. These findings highlight the need for additional research to ensure that CSA prevention policies such as CSA prevention education in schools and mandated reporting practices are working as intended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wade Fickler
- National Conference of State Legislatures, United States
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8
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Zhang Y, Xu W, McDonnell D, Wang JL. The relationship between childhood maltreatment subtypes and adolescent internalizing problems: The mediating role of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 152:106796. [PMID: 38631188 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106796] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While childhood maltreatment is understood to be a significant risk factor for adolescent internalizing problems (depression and anxiety), underlying mechanisms linking each type of maltreatment to internalizing problems in adolescents remain unclear. Moreover, the current state of knowledge regarding the associations between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and each type of maltreatment, as well as their impact on adolescent internalizing problems, is limited. Additionally, it remains unclear whether these maladaptive strategies mediate this relationship. OBJECTIVE This study sought to investigate the effects of childhood maltreatment types on adolescent internalizing problems and to explore whether the overall and specific types of maladaptive strategies mediate these associations. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, adolescents (N = 7071, Mage = 14.05 years, SDage = 1.54) completed online questionnaires assessing childhood maltreatment, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (including rumination, catastrophizing, self-blame, and other-blame), anxiety, and depression. The hypothesized mediating effects were tested using the Lavaan package in R software (4.1.2). RESULTS Different maltreatment types had varying effects on adolescent internalizing problems. Emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse significantly affected anxiety and depression, whereas physical neglect and physical abuse did not. Other than physical neglect and physical abuse, overall maladaptive strategies mediated the relationship between the other three types of maltreatment (emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse) and internalizing problems (anxiety and depression). For specific maladaptive strategies, rumination mediated the effects of physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse on internalizing problems (anxiety and depression). In contrast, catastrophizing mediated the relationship between physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse and internalizing problems (anxiety and depression). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the effects of maltreatment types on internalizing problems are different and that maladaptive strategies, particularly rumination and catastrophizing, are important mechanisms through which childhood maltreatment affects internalizing problems. This is a reminder that mental health workers need to consider the different effects of maltreatment types when intervening and recognize the importance of prioritizing interventions for rumination and catastrophizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Zhang
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, South East Technological University, Carlow R93 V960, Ireland
| | - Jin-Liang Wang
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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9
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Villeneuve É, Paradis A, Brassard A, Vaillancourt-Morel MP, Fernet M, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Godbout N. Dissociation and Sexual Concerns in Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Role of Identity Cohesion. J Trauma Dissociation 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38766998 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2024.2356597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Research on male survivors of childhood sexual abuse is notably deficient when it comes to addressing their sexual concerns, such as experiences of sexual distress, negative thoughts, and feelings related to their sexuality. Dissociation, a known consequence of childhood sexual abuse, could be associated with higher sexual concerns through identity cohesion. Precisely, dissociation can potentially be related to lower identity cohesion (e.g., not knowing what you want or need). In return, lower identity cohesion may be related to higher sexual concerns by impeding the capacity to know and accept oneself, which tends to promote a positive and healthy sexuality. This study aimed to examine the role of identity cohesion in the link between dissociation and sexual concerns in 105 men consulting for their history of childhood sexual abuse. Men completed questionnaires assessing dissociation, sexual concerns, and identity cohesion at admission in a community setting. Results of a path analysis revealed an indirect association between dissociation and higher sexual concerns through lower identity cohesion. The model explained 27.6% of the variance in sexual concerns. This study highlights the relevance of interventions targeting dissociative symptoms to improve identity cohesion and sexual health in male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élise Villeneuve
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alison Paradis
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Mylène Fernet
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Natacha Godbout
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Dutcher EG, Verosky SC, Mendes WB, Mayer SE. Localizing somatic symptoms associated with childhood maltreatment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318128121. [PMID: 38687795 PMCID: PMC11087768 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318128121] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment has been linked to adult somatic symptoms, although this has rarely been examined in daily life. Furthermore, the localization of somatization associated with childhood maltreatment and its subtypes is unknown. This large-scale experience sampling study used body maps to examine the relationships between childhood maltreatment, its subtypes, and the intensity and location of negative somatic sensations in daily life. Participants (N = 2,234; 33% female and 67% male) were part of MyBPLab 2.0, a study conducted using a bespoke mobile phone application. Four categories of childhood maltreatment (emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and physical neglect) were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Using gender-matched human silhouettes, participants indicated the location and intensity of feelings of negative activation in the body. Childhood maltreatment generally and its four measured subtypes were all positively associated with heightened negative activation on both the front and back body maps. For females, total childhood maltreatment was associated with negative activation in the abdomen and lower back, while for males, the association was localized to the lower back. Similarly, each of the four subscales had localized associations with negative activation in the abdomen and lower back in females and lower back in males, except for emotional abuse, which was also associated with negative activation in the abdomen in males. These associations likely reflect increased somatization in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment, suggesting a role for psychotherapeutic interventions in alleviating associated distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan G. Dutcher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94107
| | | | | | - Stefanie E. Mayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94107
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11
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de Heer C, Bi S, Finkenauer C, Alink L, Maes M. The Association Between Child Maltreatment and Loneliness Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-Analysis. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024; 29:388-404. [PMID: 35652822 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221103420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While there is evidence that child maltreatment is positively associated with loneliness, the strength of this association is not yet clear. It is also unclear whether the magnitude and statistical significance of this association varies across groups of individuals. Therefore, this meta-analysis examines whether there are differences in loneliness between individuals with and without maltreatment histories, and which factors may influence the association between child maltreatment and loneliness. A three-level meta-analysis was conducted on 52 studies reporting 116 effect sizes (N = 1,705,493; Mage = 30.93; 49.6% females). Results showed a medium overall effect (g = 0.45, p < .001, 95% CI [0.36, 0.53]), indicating that individuals with maltreatment histories, on average, feel lonelier than individuals without maltreatment histories. Moderator analyses showed that effect sizes were larger for emotional abuse and emotional neglect as compared to other types of child maltreatment and decreased when participants were older at the time of loneliness assessment. These findings suggest that individuals with maltreatment histories, especially those who have been emotionally abused and/or emotionally neglected, are vulnerable to experiencing loneliness across the lifespan. The results also suggest that feelings of loneliness warrant attention in prevention and intervention programs for individuals with maltreatment histories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marlies Maes
- Utrecht University, the Netherlands
- KU Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Lutz-Zois CJ, Selvey AM, Anderson KL, Smidt AM. The Role of Mistrust in Sexual Revictimization: An Analysis of Serial Indirect Effects. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:1477-1497. [PMID: 36540934 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221145294] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
A sample of 819 female college students completed measures of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), adult sexual victimization (ASV), mistrust, trauma-related symptoms, and drinking problems. Using a serial indirect effects model, we hypothesized that CSA would be associated with ASV through the indirect effects of mistrust → trauma-related symptoms → drinking problems. The results indicated that this serial indirect effects model was significant. When the order of the first two indirect effects was reversed, the model was not significant. These results highlight the importance of examining potential factors involved in sexual revictimization in tandem rather than in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia M Selvey
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kirsten L Anderson
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Alec M Smidt
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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13
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Shinyemba TW, Shiode S, Devries K. Application of geospatial analysis in health research: A systematic review of methodological aspects of studies on violence against children and young people. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106730. [PMID: 38461708 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106730] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geographical variation exists in violence experienced by children and young people; however, there is limited research applying geospatial techniques to study this variation, and the methodological quality of this body of work is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the application of geospatial analysis in research on violence against children (VAC) and evaluate how essential methodological aspects are reported. METHODS Twelve databases were searched for studies on VAC using geospatial techniques. Two independent reviewers screened the papers for eligibility. Findings were narratively synthesised. RESULTS Sixty studies were included. Six studies estimated the prevalence of VAC and 54 investigated the associations between VAC and covariates. Most studies were conducted in the US (68 %), and the broad definition of 'child maltreatment' (53 %) was the most common form of violence explored. Most studies (83 %) used administrative data, whereas 23 % used an ecological study design to estimate the associations between risk factors and official reports of VAC. Frequentist modelling approaches were used in 54 % of the studies, and 47 % investigated VAC at census tract level. Model fit metrics were reported in 69 % of studies. CONCLUSIONS Current knowledge of the geographical distribution of VAC is severely limited because of the reliance on administrative data, which vastly underestimates the prevalence of VAC compared with self-reports and poor reporting of quality characteristics. There is a huge opportunity for applying geospatial methods in VAC research in diverse geographic contexts. Future research must adopt rigorous and standardised approaches to model fitting and validation and make better use of self-reported data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Willem Shinyemba
- Department of Geography, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK; Department of Computing, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia.
| | - Shino Shiode
- Department of Geography, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Karen Devries
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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14
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Slep AMS, Rhoades KA, Lorber MF, Heyman RE. Glimpsing the Iceberg: Parent-Child Physical Aggression and Abuse. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024; 29:219-232. [PMID: 36469944 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221112921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite evidence that parents' physical aggression abuse has long-lasting negative consequences, information about the true population prevalence of aggression and physical abuse is limited. We have even less information about how parental aggression and abuse vary by child age, parent gender, and how that aggression and abuse might be clustered within families. To address these gaps, an anonymous, computer-based assessment was administered to nearly 40,000 parents of more than 60,000 children in the United States Air Force, which included a detailed assessment on up to four minor children of aggression and its impact. The survey was the largest of its type ever conducted in the United States, allowing for stable, crossvalidated estimation of rates of both corporal punishment and physical abuse. Approximately 39% of children experienced corporal punishment, peaking at three years of age, and 7% experienced physical abuse, peaking at age six. About 45% of parents reported perpetrating corporal punishment and 8% abuse; these rates were higher in multi-child families and most often involved more than one child. Parent gender was not associated with physical aggression or abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Smith Slep
- Family Translational Research Group, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kimberly A Rhoades
- Family Translational Research Group, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Lorber
- Family Translational Research Group, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard E Heyman
- Family Translational Research Group, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Sigad LI, Gosen NB, Golan L, Lusky-Weisrose E, Shaibe J, Tener D, Moshon-Cohen TE, Roe D. 'A kindergarten teacher must have 100 eyes and 100 ears!': Kindergarten teachers' experiences coping with child sexual abuse and problematic sexual behavior. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106713. [PMID: 38447239 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106713] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse (CSA) and problematic sexual behavior (PSB) are worldwide phenomena that occur across all ages. Kindergarten teachers' proactive involvement can be crucial to the prevention, disclosure and intervention of CSA and PSB. However, research on their experiences of contending with CSA and PSB remains limited. OBJECTIVE This study examines kindergarten teachers' experiences in Israel with the CSA and PSB of their students. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 teachers: 11 secular Jewish, seven religious Jewish, nine Druze Arab, and four Muslim Arab. METHODS A qualitative analysis was conducted using the interview transcripts as data. RESULTS The analysis revealed three themes illustrating teachers' professional transformations regarding their knowledge of these phenomena: 1) initial shock, uncertainty and sense of responsibility when exposed to CSA and PSB due to missing knowledge, 2) implementation of prevention and intervention strategies regarding CSA and PSB, and 3) embracing a social role to disseminate CSA and PSB knowledge. The findings indicated that the majority of the teachers went from overwhelming shock and fear due to a lack of knowledge in coping with CSA and PSB to a sense of responsibility as a community leader. CONCLUSIONS The fragmentation of the Israeli education system isolates kindergartens, and the lack of training and education for the teachers left them alone when contending with the CSA and PSB of their students. Nevertheless, the participants exhibited remarkable agency and resourcefulness, gaining the necessary knowledge and acting as knowledge agents within their communities.
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Abufarsakh B, Okoli CTC, Darville AK, Williams LB, Garcia AR, Martin C. Tobacco use behavior among adults exposed to cumulative adverse childhood experiences: A systematic review and meta analysis. Addict Behav 2024; 152:107948. [PMID: 38277993 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107948] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco use remains one of the most used substances among adults globally and substantially impacts individuals and society. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to tobacco use. However, the association between cumulative ACEs and tobacco use behaviors (TUB) has not been established in the literature. In this review, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of ACEs among adult tobacco users and evaluated the relationship between cumulative ACEs and TUB. METHODS We identified original articles published before October 2022 by searching PubMed, CINAHL, and Psych INFO databases. Inclusion criteria were: English language, adults and used instruments assessing for cumulative ACEs defined as four or more ACEs. RESULTS Forty-two studies, totaling 674,087 participants; predominantly cohort and cross-sectional in study design (n = 33). Exposure to 4 ≥ ACEs was significantly associated with increasing the odds of current tobacco use (n = 35), ever or former tobacco use (n = 13), tobacco use initiation, (n = 3) nicotine dependence (n = 1), and ever using electronic cigarettes (n = 1). In the meta-analysis, as compared to those without ACEs, those with 4 ≥ ACEs were twice as likely to have ever used tobacco (OR = 2.16, 95 %CI:1.73-2.70) and approximately four times more likely to have used tobacco currently (OR = 3.73, 95 %CI:2.69-5.18). CONCLUSION The cumulative ACEs exposure can increase the risk for TUB. However, the evidence is limited primarily to cigarette use. Ongoing research into the effects of cumulative ACEs on TUB is needed to integrate trauma-informed intervention in treating tobacco use and guide public health initiatives aimed to reduce the prevalence of ACEs and TUB among adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Audrey K Darville
- University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | | | - Antonio R Garcia
- University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
| | - Catherine Martin
- University of Kentucky Health Care Good Samaritan Hospital, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
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Schaathun IL, Nenseth IR, Rognmo K, Hafstad GS. Factors differentiating risk of sexual abuse victimization by adults and peers among adolescents. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106707. [PMID: 38430619 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106707] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that around half of all cases of sexual abuse among children and adolescents are perpetrated by peers. Yet, there is limited understanding of the distinct risk factors associated with adult versus peer offenders. OBJECTIVE To identify factors that increase the risk of sexual abuse victimization and explores variations in these factors depending on whether the perpetrator was an adult or a peer. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 9240 secondary school students aged between 12 and 16 years (M = 14, SD = 0.88) in Norway participated. METHODS An electronic questionnaire was administered in schools to investigate experiences of sexual abuse and potential risk factors. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Two factors were related to a greater risk of being a victim of sexual abuse committed by an adult than a peer: background from a non-European country (OR = 1.93, p = 0.038) and other experiences of violence (OR = 1.63-2.91, p < 0.005). The use of alcohol was found to be related to a greater risk of victimization by peers than by adults (OR = 0.53, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents vulnerable to sexual abuse exhibit common traits, regardless of whether the perpetrator is an adult or peer. Yet, specific factors heighten the risk with peers over adults, and vice versa. Recognizing distinct risk factors for abuse by adults and peers enables decision-makers and community workers to create targeted prevention strategies for children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Linnea Schaathun
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway; UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ian Revhaug Nenseth
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway; UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Nivison MD, Labella MH, Raby KL, Doom JR, Martin J, Johnson WF, Zamir O, Englund MM, Simpson JA, Carlson EA, Roisman GI. Insights into child abuse and neglect: Findings from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38646885 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (MLSRA) is a landmark prospective, longitudinal study of human development focused on a sample of mothers experiencing poverty and their firstborn children. Although the MLSRA pioneered a number of important topics in the area of social and emotional development, it began with the more specific goal of examining the antecedents of child maltreatment. From that foundation and for more than 40 years, the study has produced a significant body of research on the origins, sequelae, and measurement of childhood abuse and neglect. The principal objectives of this report are to document the early history of the MLSRA and its contributions to the study of child maltreatment and to review and summarize results from the recently updated childhood abuse and neglect coding of the cohort, with particular emphasis on findings related to adult adjustment. While doing so, we highlight key themes and contributions from Dr Dante Cicchetti's body of research and developmental psychopathology perspective to the MLSRA, a project launched during his tenure as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa D Nivison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - K Lee Raby
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jenalee R Doom
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Osnat Zamir
- Social Work, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, SR, USA
| | - Michelle M Englund
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jeffry A Simpson
- Old Dominion University, NorfolkNFK, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Carlson
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Glenn I Roisman
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Eimer C, Buschmann C, Deeken J, Kerner T. Mechanical trauma in children and adolescents in Berlin. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00814-7. [PMID: 38625460 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00814-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Management of severe pediatric trauma remains challenging. Injury patterns vary according to patient age and trauma mechanism. This study analyzes trauma mechanisms in deceased pediatric patients. Fatal pediatric trauma cases aged 0-18 years who underwent forensic autopsy in the Federal State of Berlin, Germany, between 2008 until 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Autopsy protocols were analyzed regarding demographic characteristics, trauma mechanisms, injury patterns, resuscitation measures, survival times as well as place, and cause of death. 71 patients (73% male) were included. Traffic accidents (40%) were the leading cause of trauma, followed by falls from height > 3 m (32%), railway accidents (13%), third party violence (11%) and other causes (4%). While children under 14 years of age died mostly due to traumatic brain injury (59%), polytrauma was the leading cause of death in patients > 14 years (55%). Other causes of death were hemorrhage (9%), thoracic trauma (1%) or other (10%). A suicidal background was proven in 24%. In the age group of > 14 years, 40% of all mortalities were suicides. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out in 39% of all patients. 42% of the patients died at the scene. Children between 0 and 14 years of age died most frequently from traumatic brain injury. In adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, polytrauma was mostly the cause of death with a high coincidence of suicidal deaths. The frequency of fatal traffic accidents and suicides shows the need to improve accident and suicide prevention for children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Eimer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Claas Buschmann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel / Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jonas Deeken
- Asklepios Medical School GmbH, Lohmühlenstraße 5, Haus P, Hamburg, 20099, Germany
| | - Thoralf Kerner
- Department for Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pain Therapy, Asklepios Medical Centre, Harburg, Germany
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20
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Fernandes D, Gomes JP, Albuquerque PB, Matos M. Forensic Interview Techniques in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:1382-1396. [PMID: 37272340 PMCID: PMC10913353 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231177317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is widely recognized as a global public health problem with negative consequences for victims, their families, and society. The child's testimony is essential to the case outcome, given the frequent absence of physical or biological evidence of the abusive acts. Thus, the child forensic interview plays a decisive role in criminal investigation. The present scoping review aims to identify and describe the judicial procedures for collecting CSA victims' testimony using an evidence-based approach and a structured methodology. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis-Scoping Review guidelines. Studies were identified through manual reference checking and in four electronic databases: PsycARTICLES, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. In all, 146 studies were identified according to the defined inclusion criteria, that is, empirical studies identifying judicial procedures to collect CSA victims' testimony, published in English or Portuguese. In total, 30 different forensic interview procedures to collect the child victim's testimony were found. The National Institute for Child Health and Human Development investigative interview protocol was the most frequently mentioned. Despite the variety of protocols, it was possible to conclude that they have a similar general structure. This review also identified gaps in interviewing practices with CSA victims. The scoping review corroborates the importance of forensic interviews with CSA victims, stating its implications for criminal investigation, the legal system, and the child's recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfina Fernandes
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - João P. Gomes
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Pedro B. Albuquerque
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Marlene Matos
- Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
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21
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Otterman G, Nurmatov UB, Akhlaq A, Korhonen L, Kemp AM, Naughton A, Chalumeau M, Jud A, Vollmer Sandholm MJ, Mora-Theuer E, Moultrie S, Lamela D, Tagiyeva-Milne N, Nelson J, Greenbaum J. Clinical care of childhood sexual abuse: a systematic review and critical appraisal of guidelines from European countries. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 39:100868. [PMID: 38420107 PMCID: PMC10899013 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Background The clinical management of Child sexual abuse (CSA) demands specialised skills from healthcare professionals due to its sensitivity, legal implications, and serious physical health and mental health effects. Standardised, comprehensive clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) may be pivotal. In this systematic review, we examined existing CSA national CPGs (NCPGs) from European countries to assess their quality and reporting. Methods We systematically searched six international databases and multiple grey literature sources, reporting by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. Eligible guidelines were CSA guidance from national health agencies or societies in 34 COST Action 19106 Network Countries (CANC), published between January 2012 and November 2022. Two independent researchers searched, screened, reviewed, and extracted data. NCPGs were compared for completeness with reference WHO 2017 and 2019 guidelines. We used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) to appraise quality and reporting. PROSPERO: CRD42022320747. Findings Of 2919 records identified by database searches, none met inclusion criteria. Of 4714 records identified by other methods, 24 NCPGs from 17 (50%) of CANC countries were included. In 17 (50%) of eligible countries, no NCPGs were found. Content varied significantly within and between countries. NCPGs lacked many components in state-of-the art clinical practice compared to WHO reference standards, particularly in safety and risk assessment, interactions with caregivers, and mental health interventions. Appraisal by AGREE II revealed shortcomings in NCPG development, regarding scientific rigour, stakeholder involvement, implementation and evaluation. Interpretation A notable number of European countries lack an NCPG; existing NCPGs often fall short. The healthcare response to CSA in Europe requires a coordinated approach to develop and implement high-quality CPGs. We advocate for a multidisciplinary team to develop a pan-European CSA guideline to ensure quality care for survivors. Funding Funding was provided by the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Otterman
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulugbek B. Nurmatov
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ather Akhlaq
- Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alison M. Kemp
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Aideen Naughton
- National Safeguarding Service, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Child Protection Unit - Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, France
| | - Andreas Jud
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ulm University Clinics, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Eva Mora-Theuer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Moultrie
- Pediatric Trauma Services, Benioff Children's Hospitals- Oakland, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Diogo Lamela
- Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-Lab), Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nara Tagiyeva-Milne
- Department of Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanne Nelson
- Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service, Barnahus West, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jordan Greenbaum
- International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - the COST Action 19106 Research Team
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
- National Safeguarding Service, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
- Child Protection Unit - Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, France
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ulm University Clinics, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Pediatric Trauma Services, Benioff Children's Hospitals- Oakland, Oakland, CA, USA
- Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-Lab), Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service, Barnahus West, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway, Ireland
- International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexandria, VA, USA
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22
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Yang Y, Yu J, Zhang S, Xie Q. Childhood maltreatment and psychopathy in Chinese juvenile offenders: person-centered perspective. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:134. [PMID: 38459519 PMCID: PMC10924405 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01634-8] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment stands as a salient risk factor in the etiology of juvenile delinquency, with a profound impact on the behavioral trajectories of young offenders. However, there is limited research on latent profile analysis to explore distinctive patterns of childhood maltreatment in Chinese juvenile offenders. Consequently, there is a lack of understanding regarding the associations between maltreatment profiles and relevant variables in this context. The present study aimed to explore meaningful subgroups of childhood maltreatment in juvenile offenders, and we further examined the associations between subgroups and multiple outcomes especially psychopathy. METHODS The data was obtained from a sample of Chinese juvenile offenders (N = 625, M age = 17.22, SD = 1.23). This study employed a latent profile analysis (LPA) based on factor scores of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form to identify the subgroups and examined the differences across subgroups using outcomes variables including psychopathy, callous-unemotional traits, aggression and anxiety. This study includes three self-report measures to evaluate psychopathy, with due regard for the nuanced considerations on the factor structure inherent in the conceptualization of psychopathy. RESULTS Two subgroups were identified, including the non-maltreatment subgroup (80.2%) and the maltreatment subgroup (19.8%). Maltreatment subgroup was characterized by a greater level of all types of maltreatment with particularly higher of emotion neglect. Besides, we found that maltreatment subgroup showed a significantly higher level of psychopathy across multiple self-report measures, and greater callous-unemotional traits, lack of empathy, aggression and anxiety. We found two subgroups of child maltreatment in Chinese juvenile offenders. CONCLUSIONS These findings may provide a further understanding of childhood maltreatment and the clinical intervention on psychopathy in the early period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhua Yang
- Department of Management, Hunan Police Academy, 410138, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Mental Health Education and Consulting Center, Hunan Normal University, 36 Lushan Road, 410081, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Suxian Zhang
- Department of Management, Hunan Police Academy, 410138, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Management, Hunan Police Academy, 410138, Changsha, Hunan, China
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23
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Wolf E, Priebe G. The self-perceived impact of sexual abuse on daily life and general health - an issue to consider in dental care. Dent Traumatol 2024; 40 Suppl 2:43-52. [PMID: 37818985 DOI: 10.1111/edt.12890] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM To analyse, from the perspective of adults with a history of sexual abuse, the impact of the experience on their general health and well-being. MATERIAL AND METHODS The participants comprised 12 strategically selected informants (10 women), aged 19-56; all sexually abused during child- and/or adulthood. They were interviewed in-depth and encouraged to describe the impact of the sexual abuse on their daily lives. The consequences of sexual abuse on oral health have previously been reported. The interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed according to qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS The overall theme illustrating the latent content was Sexual abuse experience-limiting long-term consequences, always present in body and mind. The first category covering the manifest content was 'A lost foothold', with two subcategories: (i) emotional repercussions and (ii) physical health repercussions. The second category was 'The significance of distance to trauma', with two subcategories (i) keeping a distance and tending to escape and (ii) processing the trauma experience-a struggle towards balance. CONCLUSIONS A history of sexual abuse cannot be understood in isolation: the long-term repercussions pervade daily life. However, after disclosure of the abuse and processing the trauma, it is possible to ameliorate some of the negative effects. In this context, the dental setting emerges as a potentially important venue for disclosure as almost every person, sooner or later, visits the dentist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Wolf
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gisela Priebe
- Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
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24
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Lupariello F, Lauria B, Mirri F, Aguzzi S, Castagno E, Bondone C, Di Vella G. Child Sexual Abuse: Comparison of Male and Female Victims. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024; 45:33-39. [PMID: 38064319 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In the scientific literature, few authors deal with child sexual abuse (CSA) in boys. In addition, these authors debate this phenomenon in most available articles without statistically evaluating the occurrence of different or similar distributions of variables under sex. In light of the above, the authors compared multiple variables between female and male samples. The aim was to explore the characteristics of boys' CSA, identifying the main differences existing compared with the same phenomenon occurring in girls. The authors selected 2 samples for sex: group A, females; group B, males. The authors statistically compared the main variables between the 2 groups. The study yielded the following main results: the population was characterized by 607 children (476 were females-group A; 131 were males-group B); the variables' source of the referral and the type of anogenital findings were statistically significant. These data gave new insights into the CSA phenomenon. Because this study pointed out that sexual abuse does not have the same characteristics in boys and girls, researchers and safeguarding agencies should consider the abovementioned differences when planning preventive strategies against CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lupariello
- From the Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Sezione di Medicina Legale, "Università degli Studi di Torino," corso Galileo Galilei 22, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Lauria
- Dipartimento di Pediatria d'Urgenza, "A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza" di Torino, Corso Bramante 88-89, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Mirri
- From the Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Sezione di Medicina Legale, "Università degli Studi di Torino," corso Galileo Galilei 22, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Sonia Aguzzi
- Dipartimento di Pediatria d'Urgenza, "A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza" di Torino, Corso Bramante 88-89, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuele Castagno
- Dipartimento di Pediatria d'Urgenza, "A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza" di Torino, Corso Bramante 88-89, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Bondone
- Dipartimento di Pediatria d'Urgenza, "A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza" di Torino, Corso Bramante 88-89, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Di Vella
- From the Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Sezione di Medicina Legale, "Università degli Studi di Torino," corso Galileo Galilei 22, 10126 Torino, Italy
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25
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Melamed DM, Botting J, Lofthouse K, Pass L, Meiser-Stedman R. The Relationship Between Negative Self-Concept, Trauma, and Maltreatment in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2024; 27:220-234. [PMID: 38386241 PMCID: PMC10920440 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-024-00472-9] [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] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Experiencing trauma in childhood is a global public health issue linked to worse physical and mental health outcomes, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Self-concept is a transdiagnostic concept linked to various psychopathologies and understanding its unique relationship to trauma is important. This meta-analysis aimed to understand the size of the effect between trauma and maltreatment and self-concept in children and adolescents. The current meta-analysis searched PubMed, PILOTS, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria involved studies with defined trauma exposure, valid measures of self-concept, and participants' mean age under 18 years old. One-hundred-and-thirty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis (N = 255,334). A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. A small negative relationship was observed between trauma exposure and self-concept (r = - 0.20, 95% CI - 0.22, - 0.18). This relationship was significantly moderated by some variables (type and nature of trauma exposure) but not others (participant gender, type of self-concept measure, quality of studies, country economic status). A small relationship between trauma exposure and negative self-concept in children and adolescents was detected, with repeated trauma exposure and type of trauma exposure moderating this relationship. This provides important directions for clinical practice around providing support for those exposed or most vulnerable to experiencing trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M Melamed
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Jessica Botting
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Katie Lofthouse
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Laura Pass
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Richard Meiser-Stedman
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Fraser JM, Bradford JM, Pritchard C, Moulden HM. Childhood Sexual Abuse by Women of Boys Who Go On to Sexually Offend: Review and Critical Analysis. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:45-52. [PMID: 38329571 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01486-4] [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] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sexual offending perpetrated by women has historically been overlooked and understudied, and the potentially unique impact of that abuse is even more so. RECENT FINDINGS Women who have sexually offended against children typically do so against older boys, use little or no forms of force or coercion during the abuse, and are unlikely to be prosecuted or sentenced following the abuse. Boys whom women have sexually abused are unlikely to report or disclose the abuse that they have experienced, perhaps because social structures surrounding sexual abuse of boys by women are designed to minimize, excuse, or even encourage such sexual contact. The intersection of these unique features may help understand the role of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by women in subsequent sexual offending among adult men. Men who have sexually offended experience high rates of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by women. The relationship between experienced sexual abuse and subsequent perpetration of sexual abuse is neither linear nor causal; however, the characteristics associated with this form of abuse, such as non-disclosure and lack of sentencing, may contribute to adulthood sexual maladjustment and vulnerability to offending among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Fraser
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - John M Bradford
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Chanie Pritchard
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Integrated Forensic Program, Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Heather M Moulden
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Hemanth P, Fang L, Chong S, Tan LJ. Factors related to delayed disclosure among victims of child sexual abuse in Singapore. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106647. [PMID: 38281408 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106647] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed disclosure is a prevalent and serious issue among victims of child sexual abuse (CSA). Identifying the factors associated with delayed disclosure can identify the profile of children who are at risk of delaying disclosures and inform measures to facilitate timely disclosure. OBJECTIVE The current study represented a pioneering effort to investigate factors that are related to disclosure of CSA in Singapore. It examined the influence of various victim and abuse characteristics on the time taken for a victim to disclose CSA. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A total of 252 CSA cases that were referred to the psychology department of Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) from 2017 to 2021 were analyzed. METHODS Cases were coded for the study variables and multivariate Cox regression was conducted to analyze the impact of each variable of interest on the time taken to disclose the abuse. RESULTS It was found that the following sub-populations of CSA victims were associated with delayed disclosure: younger victims, female victims (as compared to male victims), victims with higher severity of sexual abuse (e.g., forced intercourse), and victims who were abused by in-home caregivers (as compared to acquaintances). CONCLUSIONS The findings from the study generated practical implications to help reduce the time victims take to disclose CSA in the Singaporean context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Hemanth
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore.
| | - Lue Fang
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore
| | - Sophie Chong
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore
| | - Li Jen Tan
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore
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Morrison M, Pettus C, Drake B, Roth K, Renn T. Trauma and Incarceration: A Latent Class Analysis of Lifetime Trauma Exposures for Individuals in Prison. J Trauma Dissociation 2024; 25:168-184. [PMID: 38083864 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2289189] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge base about the lives of individuals who experience incarceration in the U.S. in order to advance post-release intervention services. Research has shown that among the millions of Americans who cycle through prisons and jails each year, the majority are poor, in poor health, living in contexts of chronic violence, often with mental illness, and more than half are people of color. Of particular concern for this population are high rates of trauma exposure and PTSD, though the research in this area is underdeveloped, particularly for men. Using survey data gathered during a large (n = 1,516, 90% male) multi-state randomized control trial of a reentry intervention, this study used latent class analysis (LCA) to explore types and timing of trauma exposures across the life course. LCA has been found to be an effective statistical tool in intervention research for identifying high-risk groups and for informing the tailoring of interventions. This study found three latent classes: 1) Lifetime Interpersonal Polyvictimization, 2) Lifetime Environmental Exposures, and 3) Low Exposure. About one third of the sample fell within each class. Study findings indicate that not only should trauma-informed and trauma-specific interventions be the norm in reentry services, including for men, but that these interventions should target both individual and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Morrison
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Finkelhor D, Turner H, Colburn D. The prevalence of child sexual abuse with online sexual abuse added. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106634. [PMID: 38227986 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106634] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Research efforts are measuring various forms of online sexual abuse. There is a need to incorporate such measures of online sexual abuse into the calculation of overall prevalence rates for child sexual abuse. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 2639 respondents aged 18-to-28 was recruited from a nationally representative online panel. METHODS Using an online questionnaire, respondents were assessed via self-report about 9 types of online sexual abuse in childhood and were also assessed with 2 questions that have been used to assess generic child sexual abuse prevalence in previous surveys. RESULTS The addition of the online abuse to the generic questions about child sexual abuse raised the overall prevalence rate from 13.5 % to 21.7 %. The rate for females increased from 19.8 % to 31.6 % and for males from 6.2 % to 10.8 %. The largest independent contribution to the overall combined increase were the offenses involving non-consensual image sharing and voluntary online sexual interactions with an impermissibly older adult partner. The inclusion of the online sexual abuse exposures also increased the ability to identify the survivors with the highest levels of current psychological distress. CONCLUSION The study highlights the importance of counting and including online sexual abuse in efforts to estimate the overall prevalence of childhood sexual abuse. The paper proposes 2 or 3 questions that could be added to sexual abuse questionnaires to assess these online offenses efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Finkelhor
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America.
| | - Heather Turner
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America
| | - Deirdre Colburn
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America
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Kok Kendirlioglu B, Ipekcioglu D, Havle N, Ilnem MC. Paraphilias, Sociodemographic and Forensic Profiles of Men Convicted of Sexual Offenses in Turkey. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:59-75. [PMID: 37635404 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231199318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the psychiatric, paraphilic, and forensic profiles of men who were convicted of sexual offenses. It also examined childhood trauma exposure in the group with potential paraphilia. The study was performed in the closed prison located in the Istanbul Silivri Penal Institutions Campus. The interview data of 100 men convicted of sexual offenses were obtained from the psychiatric interview notes based on the DSM-5 criteria, the results of the 28-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire administered to the participants with paraphilia, and the forensic profiles from examination files. It was found that 39% of individuals were drug users and 36% were alcohol users. Considering the crime scenes, 42% of men convicted of sexual offenses committed the offense in their own house. Pedophilia was the most common among men with paraphilia (59%). The victim age was significantly lower (p < .001), and the male victim ratio was higher (p < .05) in the group with paraphilia than in the group without paraphilia. Sexual offenses against children aged 10 years and below and against males may be suggestive of paraphilia and an increased risk of recidivism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Kok Kendirlioglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
- Department of Neuroscience, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Ipekcioglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakırkoy Mental Health Research and Teaching Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nedim Havle
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul Bahcelievler State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Cem Ilnem
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakırkoy Mental Health Research and Teaching Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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Lee KS, Wolke D, Bärnighausen T, Ouermi L, Bountogo M, Harling G. Sexual victimisation, peer victimisation, and mental health outcomes among adolescents in Burkina Faso: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:134-142. [PMID: 38245018 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual victimisation and peer victimisation are pervasive and increase risk for mental illness. Longitudinal studies that compare their unique and cumulative effects are scarce and have been done predominantly in high-income countries. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence, prospective associations, and gender differences in sexual and peer victimisation and mental health in a low-income, African setting. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, data were obtained from the 2017 ARISE Adolescent Health Study, a population-representative, two-wave, prospective study of adolescents (aged 12-20 years) from Burkina Faso. A random sample of adolescents was drawn from ten villages, selected to capture the five main ethnic groups, and from one of the seven sectors of Nouna town, Burkina Faso, at two timepoints: Nov 12 to Dec 27, 2017, and Nov 15 to Dec 20, 2018. Standardised interviews were conducted in French or a local language by trained researchers. We measured victimisation exposure as sexual victimisation, peer victimisation, and polyvictimisation, using lifetime frequency of exposure, and we measured mental health symptoms and disorders using the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale, the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder screen IV and 5, and a question on lifetime self-harm and number of incidents in the past year. We calculated prevalence of victimisation and mental health symptoms and disorders at the two timepoints, and we used lifetime victimisation at the first timepoint to predict mental health at the second timepoint using logistic and negative binomial regressions. Gender differences were examined using interaction terms. FINDINGS Of 2544 eligible adolescents, 1644 participated at time 1 and 1291 participated at time 2. The final sample with data at both timepoints included 1160 adolescents aged 12-20 years (mean 15·1, SE 0·2), of whom 469 (40·4%) were girls and 691 (59·6%) were boys. The majority ethnic group was Dafin (626 [39·1%]), followed by Bwaba (327 [20·5%]), Mossi (289 [16·0%]), Samo (206 [13·0%]), Peulh (166 [9·7%]), and other (30 [1·6%]). After survey weight adjustment, sexual victimisation (weighted percentages, time 1, 256 [13·8%] of 1620; time 2, 93 [7·2%] of 1264) and peer victimisation (weighted percentages, time 1, 453 [29·9%] of 1620; time 2, 272 [21·9%] of 1264) were common, whereas polyvictimisation was more rare (weighted percentages, time 1, 116 [6·6%] of 1620; time 2, 76 [5·7%] of 1264). Longitudinally, sexual victimisation was associated with probable clinical disorder (adjusted odds ratio 2·59, 95% CI 1·15-5·84), depressive symptoms (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1·39, 95% CI 1·12-1·72), and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (aIRR 2·34, 1·31-4·16). Peer victimisation was associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (aIRR 1·89, 1·13-3·17) and polyvictimisation was associated with depressive symptoms (aIRR 1·34, 1·01-1·77). Girls reported more sexual victimisation (weighted percentages, 130 [17·3%] of 681 vs 126 [11·4%] of 939), boys reported more peer victimisation (weighted percentages, 290 [33·1%] of 939 vs 163 [25·2%] of 681), and there was a significant interaction between lifetime victimisation and gender for probable clinical disorder (F [degrees of freedom 7, sample 376] 2·16; p=0·030). INTERPRETATION Sexual and peer victimisation were common in the study setting and increased risk for mental health problems. Adolescent girls who have been sexually victimised are especially at risk of mental health problems. Interventions targeting sexual and peer violence in low-income settings are needed. FUNDING Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, Fondation Botnar, and Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty S Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK; Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK; Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucienne Ouermi
- Département de Santé Publique, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Guy Harling
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK; Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa; Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Dion J, Attard V, Guyon R, De La Sablonnière-Griffin M, Perreault É, Hébert M. Implementing a sexual violence prevention program in two Canadian Indigenous communities: Challenges and lessons learned. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 148:106271. [PMID: 37357071 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106271] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of child sexual violence remains overwhelming, particularly among Indigenous populations, despite increased awareness. Therefore, implementing efficient initiatives is crucial in preventing and reducing sexual violence rates among these groups. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the processes involved in the implementation of a sexual violence prevention program in two Indigenous communities in Canada and assess application of culturally safe practices. METHOD Eight Indigenous and non-Indigenous project managers underwent semi-structured interviews before the program's implementation; five of them also participated in the follow-up interviews. Moreover, thirteen Indigenous service providers from the two communities answered open-ended questions when the included training ended. RESULTS Thematic analysis revealed the importance of following an ongoing process (not only before implementing a program) to assess the needs of community members and involving them in decision-making. Administrative injunctions were also identified as a significant challenge during implementation. Results showed that participants reported the taboo of sexual violence as a challenge but that constant discussions about the prevention of sexual violence helped defuse the discomfort and foster trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals. Finally, participants provided recommendations to improve research and intervention practices. CONCLUSIONS Several takeaways were discussed to improve research practices with, by, and for Indigenous peoples, such as using collaborative communication, developing common understanding relative to work agendas, and increasing cultural competencies to build trust within the partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinthe Dion
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 555 bl. Université, Saguenay, Québec G7H 2B1, Canada; Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, C.P 6128, succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
| | - Virginie Attard
- Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), INRS-UQAT Joint Research Unit in Indigenous Studies, Val-d'Or Campus, 663, 1re Avenue, Val-d'Or, Québec J9P 1Y3, Canada.
| | - Roxanne Guyon
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, C.P 6128, succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, 455, boul. René-Lévesque Est, Montréal, Québec H2L 4Y2, Canada.
| | - Mireille De La Sablonnière-Griffin
- Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), INRS-UQAT Joint Research Unit in Indigenous Studies, Val-d'Or Campus, 663, 1re Avenue, Val-d'Or, Québec J9P 1Y3, Canada.
| | - Émilie Perreault
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 555 bl. Université, Saguenay, Québec G7H 2B1, Canada.
| | - Martine Hébert
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, C.P 6128, succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, 455, boul. René-Lévesque Est, Montréal, Québec H2L 4Y2, Canada.
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Letourneau EJ, Schaeffer CM, Bradshaw CP, Ruzicka AE, Assini-Meytin LC, Nair R, Thorne E. Responsible Behavior With Younger Children: Results From a Pilot Randomized Evaluation of a School-Based Child Sexual Abuse Perpetration Prevention Program. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024; 29:129-141. [PMID: 36179677 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221130737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many efforts to prevent child sexual abuse (CSA) aim to teach children strategies for recognizing, resisting, and reporting victimization. There is limited evidence that victimization-focused efforts actually prevent CSA. Moreover, these efforts often overlook the fact that many children and adolescents engage in problem sexual behavior against younger children. Responsible Behavior with Younger Children (RBYC) is a novel universal school-based perpetration-focused intervention that aims to prevent the onset of inappropriate, harmful, or illegal sexual behavior by adolescents against younger children.1 Responsible behavior with younger children was designed to provide adolescents and their parents with the knowledge and tools to help adolescents interact appropriately with younger children and avoid CSA behaviors. In this paper we describe intervention development, summarize lessons learned from implementing RBYC in four urban schools, and report results from our pilot randomized waitlist-controlled trial (RCT) with 160 6th and 7th grade students. Results indicate RBYC was associated with increased accuracy in youth knowledge about CSA and CSA-related laws, and with increased behavioral intention to avoid or prevent CSA with younger children and peer sexual harassment. Although the sample was small and the effects were relatively modest, the findings do suggest that RBYC holds promise for preventing the onset of problem sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cindy M Schaeffer
- National Center for School Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Catherine P Bradshaw
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Amanda E Ruzicka
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Reshmi Nair
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Evelyn Thorne
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Rong Z, Jing H, Lin Y, Rongzhe C, Maoxu L, Xin L, Ping Z. Sex differences in the association of childhood sexual abuse severity with premarital sex among Chinese college students in Luzhou, China. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:290. [PMID: 38267877 PMCID: PMC10809740 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17767-9] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The adverse health consequences of premarital sex and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are both global public health problems. Based on a random sample of college students from a Chinese city, this study investigated the relationship between CSA severity and premarital sex among students, focusing on sex differences. METHODS A total of 2722 college students from 4 schools in Luzhou were recruited by multistage random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure CSA experiences and premarital sex. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyse the relationship between CSA and premarital sex. RESULTS The prevalence of CSA was 9.39%, and that of mild, moderate and severe CSA was 4.04%, 2.90% and 2.46%, respectively. The premarital sex reporting rate was 22.42%. After adjusting for confounding variables, CSA was positively associated with premarital sex. Notably, a cumulative effect of CSA on premarital sex was observed among students. Further stratification analyses showed that males who experienced CSA had a higher premarital sex rate than females, and this sex difference was also observed among students with different CSA severities. CONCLUSION CSA and its severity were associated with premarital sex among college students. Furthermore, this association was stronger for males than females. Therefore, it is important to emphasize CSA prevention, especially for boys. These findings can promote understanding of the effects of CSA on premarital sex, and CSA prevention and intervention strategies should consider CSA severity and sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Rong
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, China
| | - He Jing
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, China
| | - Yang Lin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, China
| | - Cao Rongzhe
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, China
| | - Liao Maoxu
- Information and Education Technology Center, Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, China
| | - Lin Xin
- School of Nursing, Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhou Ping
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, No. 25, TaiPing Street, Jiangyang District, 646000, Luzhou, China.
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Xu K, Fu J, Yang J. Enhancing Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Knowledge With an Educational Toolkit -Evaluation of the Chinese Doll Program. Int J Public Health 2024; 69:1606641. [PMID: 38322304 PMCID: PMC10838781 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1606641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: In countries with conservative attitudes towards sex and limited resources to prevent child sexual abuse, culturally adapted CSA prevention programs are essential. This study outlines a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the Doll program for preventing CSA in the specific context of China. Method: 181 children were pre-tested and post-tested (5 weeks later) for knowledge of sexual abuse prevention. Children were assigned to one of three groups; 1) child only (n = 60); 2) child and parent (n = 60); and 3) control (n = 61). Results: Children in groups 1 and 2 showed significant increases (p < 0.001) in scores on the Appropriate Touch Scale (ATS) and the Inappropriate Touch Scale (ITS), whereas those in the control group did not show a significant increase in ATS scores, but their scores on ITS significantly increased (p < 0.001). Children in group 2 showed significantly increased ITS scores compared to group 1 (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Doll program effectively enhances children's CSA prevention knowledge, with parental engagement demonstrating a positive impact on the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketong Xu
- Tangshan Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Jiuqiang Fu
- School of Design and Arts, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Yang
- School of Design and Arts, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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Abdul Latiff M, Fang L, Goh DA, Tan LJ. A systematic review of factors associated with disclosure of child sexual abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 147:106564. [PMID: 38056036 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106564] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Disclosure of CSA is key to victims having access to support and protection, but the current understanding of what factors play a key role is still limited. The present review aims to understand a range of socio-ecological factors that can either facilitate or obstruct the disclosure of CSA. METHODS AND RESULTS Through a systematic review of 27 quantitative studies published from 2000 to 2022, the current review identified 17 significant predictors of CSA disclosure. Facilitators of disclosure included older age, being female, higher IQ, recent abuse, resistance during abuse, clergy perpetrator, non-offending caregiver support, and acculturation. Barriers to disclosure included intellectual disability, avoidant coping, romantic relationships with the perpetrator, family criminality, domestic violence, adherence to traditional Asian values, and ethnic minority identity. The findings also suggested that the relationship between predictors and disclosure tends to be mixed, contradictory, or indirect/interactional, emphasizing the importance of situating the findings in specific social-ecological contexts. CONCLUSIONS The findings can inform future research and practice by providing a comprehensive understanding of the predictors of CSA disclosure and highlighting the importance of considering the socio-ecological context when interpreting findings. Moreover, the review provides a valuable resource for professionals who work with victims of CSA, helping them better identify factors that may facilitate or hinder disclosure and allowing for tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahirah Abdul Latiff
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore.
| | - Lue Fang
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore.
| | - Deborah A Goh
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore.
| | - Li Jen Tan
- Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore.
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Lussier P, McCuish E, Chouinard Thivierge S, Frechette J. A meta-analysis of trends in general, sexual, and violent recidivism among youth with histories of sex offending. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:54-72. [PMID: 36594653 PMCID: PMC10666491 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221137653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent research suggests that sexual recidivism rates have been declining, which contrasts with observations regarding general recidivism rates as well as perceptions of sexual reoffending risk. If sexual recidivism rates are in decline, it raises fundamental policy questions about the youth justice system's tendency to operate on the assumption that juvenile sexual offending is a risk marker for sexual reoffending in adulthood. A systematic review and a quantitative meta-analysis were conducted to determine the general, violent, and sexual recidivism rates of adolescent perpetrators of sexual offenses with data stemming from studies published worldwide between 1940 and 2019. A total of 158 empirical studies including 30,396 adolescent perpetrators of sexual offenses were retrieved to examine estimates of general, violent, and sexual recidivism. The study findings highlight that the risk of general recidivism (weighted pooled mean = .44) is substantially higher than violent (weighted pooled mean = .18) and sexual recidivism (weighted pooled mean = .08). The study did not observe convincing evidence that sexual recidivism rates for adolescent perpetrators are declining, but rather that these rates have been consistently low over the years. There was strong evidence that multiple study characteristics moderate the recidivism rates observed. Given the low weighted pooled sexual recidivism rate reported in the study, the use of adult-like strategies to increase public safety and prevent sexual recidivism seems misguided, not only because sexual recidivism is unlikely, but also because such strategies are not developed to address general criminogenic needs that may explain general recidivism rates observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evan McCuish
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Rudolph JI, van Berkel SR, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ, Walsh K, Straker D, Campbell T. Parental Involvement in Programs to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review of Four Decades of Research. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:560-576. [PMID: 36927293 PMCID: PMC10666487 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231156408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review is the first to synthesize knowledge of parental involvement in child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention programs. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, 24 intervention evaluations met the inclusion criteria of aiming to change parental knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, behavioral intentions, self-efficacy, response-efficacy, or capabilities for prevention of CSA. Included papers were identified via a combination of electronic database searches (PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, google.com.au, open.grey.eu, Global ETD, Open Access Theses & Dissertations, EThOS, and Trove) and direct communication with researchers. Improvement post intervention was found most commonly for parental behavioral intentions and response-efficacy, closely followed by parental behaviors, then capabilities, self-efficacy, knowledge, and lastly, parental attitudes. Improvements in behaviors, intentions, and response-efficacy occurred in 88 to 100% of the studies in which they were addressed, improvements in self-efficacy and capabilities occurred in 67 to 75%, and improvements in knowledge and attitudes occurred in only 50 to 56%. Many of the included evaluation studies suffered from methodological and reporting flaws, such as high participant attrition, lack of control group, lack of statistical tests, missed testing time points, and a lack of (or short) follow-up. Future parent-focused CSA prevention evaluations must address these concerns by conducting rigorous empirical research with sound methodologies and comprehensive reporting. Furthermore, study designs should consider measuring the real-world impact of increases in assessed parent variables, including their ability to prevent sexual victimization of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia I. Rudolph
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Sheila R. van Berkel
- Leiden University, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kerryann Walsh
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Drew Straker
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tia Campbell
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Petrov ME, Calvin S, Wyst KBV, Whisner CM, Meltzer LJ, Chen ACC, Felix KN, Roe-Sepowitz D. Sleep Disturbances and Hygiene of Adolescent Female Survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. J Pediatr Health Care 2024; 38:52-60. [PMID: 37610406 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.07.006] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This cross-sectional quantitative study investigated the sleep hygiene and disturbances of adolescent female survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) compared to an online sample of community-dwelling adolescent females. METHOD Community-dwelling adolescent females (aged 13-17 years, n = 61) and survivors of DMST housed in residental care (aged 12-17 years, n = 19) completed the Children's Report of Sleep Patterns (adolescent version). Descriptive statistics on sleep health in both samples were computed and compared using chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS Among the survivors of DMST, the majority reported insufficient sleep duration, okay-to-poor sleep quality, waking thirsty, and frequent nightmares. Compared with community-dwelling adolescents, survivors of DMST had more symptoms of insomnia, sleepiness, nightmares, and waking thirsty (p < .05). DISCUSSION Sleep disturbances among adolescent female survivors of DMST may be more prevalent than in community-dwelling adolescent females. Further empirical research on appropriate assessment and trauma-informed treatment of sleep in this population is needed.
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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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Zhu B, Xiao C, Ding C, Yan H, Wang L, Jiang Q, Tian J, Wei L. Adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms among lesbian and bisexual women in China. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:679. [PMID: 38114972 PMCID: PMC10731884 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02686-5] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the relationship between Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depressive symptoms, which has been well researched in general populations, little is known about homosexual and bisexual populations, especially lesbian and bisexual women in China. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of ACEs and depressive symptoms and to analyze the relationship between them among lesbian and bisexual women in China. METHODS The eligible participants were aged 16 years or older who report their sexual orientation as homosexual or bisexual. The data was collected through anonymous questionnaires with the help of Lespark in Beijing from July 18 to December 29, 2018, and all participants had informed consent to this study. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms among lesbian and bisexual women. All statistical analyses were conducted by the software of SPSS 22.0. RESULTS Among 301 lesbian and bisexual women, 81.4% were lesbian, 18.4% were bisexual women, and the majority were 21-30 years. As for ACEs, 51.5% reported at least one ACE, in which emotional neglect (22.6%) and emotional abuse (22.3%) were common ACEs. As for depressive symptoms of lesbian and bisexual women, the detection rate was 56.1%. The multiple linear regression analyses showed that abuse (β = 2.95, 95%CI:1.07-4.83) and neglect (β = 3.21, 95%CI:1.09-5.31) were positively associated with depressive symptoms and lesbian and bisexual women with three (β = 4.11, 95%CI: 0.99-7.22) or more (β = 6.02, 95%CI: 3.23-8.78) ACEs suffered from more depressive symptoms than others. CONCLUSION Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depressive symptoms were at high prevalence among lesbian and bisexual women in China. ACEs were associated with depressive symptoms, especially childhood abuse and neglect experiences that have a significant effect on lesbian and bisexual women mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zhu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | | | - Changmian Ding
- Department of Medical Record, The People's Hospital of Dehong, Dehong, China
| | - Hong Yan
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Liyin Wang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Jiawei Tian
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liqing Wei
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Nurmatov U, Cowley LE, Rodrigues LB, Naughton A, Debelle G, Alfandari R, Lamela D, Otterman G, Jud A, Ntinapogias A, Laajasalo T, Soldino V, Stancheva V, Caenazzo L, Vaughan R, Christian CW, Drabarek K, Kemp AM, Hurt L. Consensus building on definitions and types of child maltreatment to improve recording and surveillance in Europe: protocol for a multi-sectoral, European, electronic Delphi study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076517. [PMID: 38086601 PMCID: PMC10729059 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Child maltreatment (CM) is a complex global public health issue with potentially devastating effects on individuals' physical and mental health and well-being throughout the life course. A lack of uniform definitions hinders attempts to identify, measure, respond to, and prevent CM. The aim of this electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) study is to build consensus on definitions and types of CM for use in surveillance and multi-sectoral research in the 34 countries in the Euro-CAN (Multi-Sectoral Responses to Child Abuse and Neglect in Europe) project (COST Action CA19106). METHODS AND ANALYSIS The e-Delphi study will consist of a maximum of three rounds conducted using an online data collection platform. A multi-disciplinary expert panel consisting of researchers, child protection professionals (health and social care), police, legal professionals and adult survivors of CM will be purposefully recruited. We will approach approximately 100 experts, with between 50 and 60 of these anticipated to take part. Participants will rate their agreement with a range of statements relating to operational definitions and types of CM, and free-text comments on each of the statements to give further detail about their responses and areas of uncertainty. Consensus has been defined a priori as ≥70% of the panel agreeing or disagreeing with the statement after the final round. The responses to the open-ended questions will be analysed using a 'codebook' approach to thematic analysis, and used to refine the statements between rounds where no consensus is reached. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been granted from the Cardiff University School of Medicine ethics committee (reference number SMREC22/96). Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at workshops (including for the participants) and international academic conferences. The Euro-CAN network will also be used to disseminate the results, with results briefings and presentations to key public health and other relevant organisations in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulugbek Nurmatov
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Diogo Lamela
- Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-LAB), Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Otterman
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Athanasios Ntinapogias
- Department of Mental Health and Social Welfare, Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Taina Laajasalo
- Competence Cluster for Violence Prevention Work, Special Services Unit, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virginia Soldino
- University Research Institute of Criminology and Criminal Science, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vaska Stancheva
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, South-West University Neofit Rilski, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rachael Vaughan
- Children's Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Cindy W Christian
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katarzyna Drabarek
- Empowering Children Foundation, Warszawa, Poland
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Alison Mary Kemp
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lisa Hurt
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Hartill M, Rulofs B, Allroggen M, Demarbaix S, Diketmüller R, Lang M, Martin M, Nanu I, Sage D, Stativa E, Kampen J, Vertommen T. Prevalence of interpersonal violence against children in sport in six European countries. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106513. [PMID: 37931542 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106513] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating prevalence of child abuse in sport is a relatively new field of research, born from the need for credible data on this phenomenon. OBJECTIVE To establish prevalence rates of interpersonal violence against children in sport in six European countries. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The sample (N = 10,302) consists of individuals aged 18-30 who had participated in organized sport prior to age 18 (49.3 % male, 50 % female). METHODS A self-report questionnaire was developed (the Interpersonal Violence Against Children in Sport Questionnaire or IVACS-Q) to measure prevalence of five categories of interpersonal violence (neglect, psychological violence, physical violence, non-contact sexual violence, and contact sexual violence) against children who participate in sport. Validation testing (published separately) showed reasonable levels of convergent and divergent validity. Prevalence rates are calculated by national context, whether inside or outside sport, and by sex (male/female). RESULTS Prevalence of IVACS inside sport differed by category: psychological violence (65 %, n = 6679), physical violence (44 %, n = 4514), neglect (37 %, n = 3796), non-contact sexual violence (35 %, n = 3565), and contact sexual violence (20 %, n = 2060). Relatively small geographical differences were found. Across all categories, males (79 %, n = 4018) reported significantly more experiences inside sport than females (71 %, n = 3653) (χ2(1) = 92.507, p < .000). Strong correlations were found between experiencing violence inside and outside sport. CONCLUSIONS Interpersonal violence against children in sport is widespread. The sector's approach to prevention must recognize the risks to female and male children (and all children) and the additional vulnerabilities of abused children. Further comparative and longitudinal research within sport is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Hartill
- Centre for Child Protection & Safeguarding in Sport, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom; Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
| | - Bettina Rulofs
- Institute of Sociology and Gender Studies, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marc Allroggen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry / Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stephanie Demarbaix
- Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rosa Diketmüller
- Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie Lang
- Centre for Child Protection & Safeguarding in Sport, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom; Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Montserrat Martin
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Group, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Ioana Nanu
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health "Alessandrescu-Rusescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Sage
- Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Ecaterina Stativa
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health "Alessandrescu-Rusescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jarl Kampen
- Biometris, Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tine Vertommen
- Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport, Antwerp, Belgium; Safe Sport Lab, Center of Expertise Care and Well-being, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
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Naidoo L, Rasool S, Van Hout MC. Non-offending caregivers reflections on the use of a film encompassing child sexual abuse perpetrator's testimonies for potential child protection initiatives in South Africa. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106485. [PMID: 37844457 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106485] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a challenge in South Africa, despite various legislative developments to address child abuse. Despite non-offending caregivers (NOC) playing a critical role in child safeguarding, and supporting disclosure and recovery, very little research has focused on understanding what works in assisting them in supporting child victims in South Africa. OBJECTIVES The study examines the exposure of NOC who watched a short film based on the testimonies of four CSA perpetrators in therapy, with a view to exploring whether this film could be useful for CSA prevention, disclosure and support initiatives. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A convenience sample of eight NOC attending a community support service in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS After viewing the film, the NOC completed a questionnaire, and were asked to discuss usefulness of film content based on perpetrator testimonials in sensitizing NOC around disclosure of sexual abuse and support of the child. Thematic data analysis combined their perceptions of sexual abuse experienced by their children/grandchildren and the effect that content of the film had on their perceptions. RESULTS Five themes emerged; Awareness of CSA and available child protection programs; Views toward CSA disclosure; Emotive responses; Lessons learnt for identification of CSA and child protection; and Recommendations for future programs. CONCLUSIONS The process of viewing and discussing the film stimulated a shift for NOC to identify risk, facilitate disclosure of CSA, and become more supportive toward child victims. The study highlights the potential of using film to guide NOC targeted child protection and safeguarding initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Naidoo
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Shahana Rasool
- Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Nation A, Pacella R, Monks C, Mathews B, Meinck F. Prevalence of violence against children in the United Kingdom: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106518. [PMID: 37944361 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106518] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against children can have extensive, long-term, and far-reaching adverse impacts on survivors and society. There is currently little consensus in the United Kingdom around the prevalence of violence against children: maltreatment, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, bullying, and community violence, and most existing studies focus on only a single or a few forms of violence. This study aims to produce data to highlight the current magnitude of the problem in the UK, to inform policy, drive action and allow for monitoring of progress over time. OBJECTIVE To produce weighted prevalence estimates by violence type, as well as gender and age sub-categories, to give as full a picture as possible of the current prevalence of violence against children in the UK. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The prevalence of violence against children from 23 self-report studies conducted in the United Kingdom was gathered through a systematic review. METHODS Databases were searched from inception to 24th June 2022. Studies were reviewed systematically for appropriate data and meta-analyses were conducted to give pooled prevalence data based on a quality effects model. RESULTS The most prevalent self-reported experience of childhood violence was community violence at 27.33 % (95 % CI [9.84, 48.97]). Prevalence of bullying was also high at 22.75 % (95 % CI [13.25, 33.86]). The most prevalent forms of child maltreatment were domestic violence exposure at 11.9 % (95 % CI [6.34, 18.84]) and emotional maltreatment at 11.84 % (95 % CI [5.58, 19.89]). CONCLUSION National child maltreatment surveys are needed in the UK, using a comprehensive and conceptually robust approach, and valid and reliable instruments, to provide data for researchers and policymakers on the prevalence of all types of violence against children including exposure to multiple types. This allows monitoring of trends over time, can inform strategies for prevention, and can enable monitoring of future progress in reducing violence against children and its associated health and economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Nation
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom.
| | - Rosana Pacella
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Monks
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Mathews
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, 130 Victoria Park Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia; Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Optentia, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
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Mileva B, Goshev M, Georgieva M, Braynova I, Alexandrov A. Child Sexual Abuse: Forensic Medical Assessment of the Traumatic Injuries Over the Victim's Body. Cureus 2023; 15:e49873. [PMID: 38170050 PMCID: PMC10760938 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a public health problem that affects children worldwide in all ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic groups. These assaults are extremely dangerous not only due to their direct physical traumas received at the time of the abuse, but they also have long-term consequences that can worsen the future quality of the victim's life. A retrospective study of all cases related to child sexual abuse for five years was performed by materials of the Clinic of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Sofia, Bulgaria. Ninety-five cases involve children from both genders. The traumatic injuries were carefully examined and classified according to their localization over the victim's bodies and based on the time that had passed after the reported assaults. In cases of sexual violence, the most informative and pointing at the exact type of violence are the injuries situated in the anogenital area. Too often, there is a lack of physical findings, depending on the type of sexual violence or associated with the prolonged time that passes after the crime. Children are unaware of what they have to do after suffering such traumas, or they are scared to share their experience with different family members, which can lead to late forensic examination and lack of physical and biological findings, which are the most critical traces in the criminal prosecution of the crimes and this can be a possibility for the perpetrator not to be charged for his unlawful actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biliana Mileva
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
| | - Metodi Goshev
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
| | - Mihaela Georgieva
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
| | - Ilina Braynova
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
| | - Alexandar Alexandrov
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR
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Luan H, Wan G, Sun X, Niu J. A Scoping Review of Programs to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse in Mainland China. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:3647-3661. [PMID: 36453168 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221137043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide public health concern. With the widespread dissemination of prevention approaches to end CSA, numerous CSA prevention programs exist in developed countries, but there is little evidence on how these programs are performing in Mainland China. The aim of this study was to review the existing research focusing on CSA prevention programs in Mainland China. Studies of CSA prevention programs were identified by conducting a comprehensive search of major academic databases for Chinese and English research. Articles were retained if they were original empirical studies that conducted programs to prevent CSA in Mainland China and measured related outcomes. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. A child-targeted, universally focused, and school-based educational program was the most common (n = 7), followed by specifically focused programs that covered migrant and left-behind children using group-based intervention strategies (n = 2) and ordinary parents with self-learning strategies (n = 2); one study delivered agency-based face-to-face education to parents with disabled children. However, the shortcomings in research design limited its replication to the broader population. CSA prevention program research in Mainland China is in an early stage due to the limited target populations, lack of large-scale government-led initiatives, and low involvement of multicomponent collaboration. We provide suggestions for conducting future research involving more inclusive programs for other populations, comprehensive programs with multiple targets and stakeholders, large-scale evidence-based research, culturally tailored and contextual adaptation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Luan
- Tianjin University of Technology, China
| | - Guowei Wan
- East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Chen S, Yin Y, Zhang Y, Yue Y, Jiang W, Hou Z, Yuan Y. Abnormal spontaneous activity of regions related to mood regulation mediates the effect of childhood emotional neglect on major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2023; 336:111729. [PMID: 37890409 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111729] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the mediating factors between childhood emotional neglect (EN) and major depressive disorder (MDD) and whether combining multi-indicator could help diagnose MDD. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and clinical features were compared between 33 MDD patients and 36 healthy controls (HC). Mediation analysis was employed to explore whether social support or ReHo mediates the association between EN and MDD. The linear discriminant analysis model was constructed with EN, social support, and ReHo, and applied to distinguish MDD from HC in both primary and replication cohorts. We found that MDD patients experienced severer EN and poorer social support, and exhibited lower ReHo in the left middle occipital gyrus and bilateral postcentral gyrus, and higher ReHo in the right cerebellum crus1. EN could affect MDD directly and indirectly through ReHo in these discrepant brain regions and social support. Combining ReHo values of these four distinct brain regions, EN, and objective support could classify MDD patients from HC, and the 10-fold cross-validation accuracy within-study replication and in the independent cohort was 83.78 % ± 1.49 % and 82.72 % ± 2.22 %, respectively. These findings suggested that childhood EN, social support, and emotional-related regions' ReHo were associated with risks of MDD, providing new insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzhen Chen
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Yin
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqun Zhang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Yue
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhao Jiang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenghua Hou
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yonggui Yuan
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Glucklich T, Attrash-Najjar A, Massarweh N, Katz C. What do adults who experienced child sexual abuse want to convey about therapy? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106435. [PMID: 37722294 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106435] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse (CSA) studies have significantly advanced the understanding of its prevalence and adverse consequences. Tremendous efforts worldwide have been devoted to CSA interventions. However, surprisingly, there is a lack of research dedicated to learning about experiences with therapy among adults who experienced CSA. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to address this gap by exploring the perspectives and experiences with therapy among adults who experienced CSA. METHODS Thirty-nine written testimonies comprised the current sample. All of the testimonies were provided to the Israeli Independent Public Inquiry into CSA by adults who experienced CSA and received therapy at one point in their lives. A qualitative inductive thematic analysis guided the exploration of the testimonies. RESULTS The testimonies provided an important glance into significant characteristics of therapy, such as the timing and reasons leading to therapy, and perceptions regarding what constitutes appropriate therapy. Although beneficial and rehabilitating therapy experiences were mentioned by some of the participants, the majority of the testimonies focused on experiences related to the obstacles and challenges to accessing and engaging in therapy faced by those who experienced CSA. CONCLUSIONS The testimonies not only addressed essential aspects of therapy, but also highlighted the importance of thoroughly comprehending the broad context of a person's life that leads them to seek therapy. The discussion points to grave social and policy lacunas that prevent people who experienced CSA from receiving therapy that is accessible, timely, subsidized, stigma-free and multifaceted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Glucklich
- The Haruv Institute, The Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 9765418, Israel
| | - Afnan Attrash-Najjar
- The Bob Shapell School of Social Work at Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- The Al-Qasemi Educational College of Education, Baqa-El-Gharbia 3010000, P.O. Box 124, Israel
| | - Carmit Katz
- The Bob Shapell School of Social Work at Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Singh A, Morrison BW, Morrison NMV. Psychologist attitudes towards disclosure and believability of childhood sexual abuse: Can biases affect perception, judgement, and action? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106506. [PMID: 37862733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106506] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perception of CSA disclosure belief is critical to long-term outcomes for CSA survivors. Despite disclosures often occurring in clinical settings CSA survivors do not always report a sense of clinician belief in response to their disclosure. Ascertaining the factors that influence clinician belief is essential to improving outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study examined whether language (i.e., word choice to describe abuse) and ongoing relationship status with a perpetrator impact perceptions of CSA belief amongst psychologists. METHODS This 2 × 2 within subject's study examined relationship effects (ongoing verses estranged) and language effects (consensual verses abusive), embedded in fictitious vignettes, on believability. Seventy-five participants completed demographic surveys, rated and discussed belief in four vignettes, and completed validated scales capturing clinician trauma history and CSA myth endorsement. RESULTS A significant main effect for relationship was found with ongoing victim-perpetrator relationships being less believed than depictions of estranged relationships (F(1,3) = 15.57, p = .001, h2 = 0.174). While no main effect for language was found (F(1,3) = 0.06, p = .801, h2 = 0.001) content analysis of the open-ended items revealed 80 % of psychologists reported being influenced by the language manipulations. Correlations revealed male psychologists were less likely to believe disclosures and more likely to endorse CSA myths than females, and psychologists who had engaged in trauma training appeared to have heightened disclosure belief and lower myth endorsement. CONCLUSIONS While psychologists generally report belief in CSA disclosures they appear to evaluate specific disclosure aspects to inform this level of belief. Issues around social desirability, measure sensitivity, and learning effects are discussed alongside the importance of trauma training for psychologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Singh
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Natalie May Virginia Morrison
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia; Translational Health Research Unit, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia.
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