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Martins Barbosa Couto Do Carmo E, Brazão N, Carvalho J. The Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Adolescents in School and Community Settings: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38940424 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2367562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Sexual Violence (SV) is a public health problem with serious long-term consequences for victims. This scoping review aimed at summarizing the implementation, methodology, characteristics, and efficacy of SV prevention programs conducted in school and community settings with middle and high school students. This study also gathered recommendations for future research. Studies were searched in three databases: EBSCOHOST, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Eighty-six peer-reviewed empirical studies about SV prevention programs applied in school and community settings with samples of middle and high school students were analyzed. Most original studies (46.3%) used sexual violence outcomes, although many approached sexual violence in the context of dating violence (43.3%). Most SV prevention programs were applied in the U.S.A. although studies were identified across the globe. Prevention programs tend to reduce SV attitudes, perpetration, and victimization and to increase SV knowledge, as well as bystander attitudes and behaviors. The evidence reveals the efficacy of these programs, although future studies are needed to clarify the specificities of SV prevention. This article provides recommendations considering the measurement of SV outcomes, the role of technology, the involvement of adults and communities, the timing of interventions, sexual education, and reporting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nélio Brazão
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, CINEICC - Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, University of Coimbra
| | - Joana Carvalho
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
- William James Center for Research, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro
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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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Kılıçarslan Ş, Çelik S, Güngör AY, Alkan Ö. The role of effective factors on suicidal tendency of women in Turkey. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1332937. [PMID: 38274522 PMCID: PMC10809711 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1332937] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim This study aims to identify the variables that influence the suicidal tendency of women who are married, have had a relationship or are currently in a relationship in Turkey. Methods This study uses cross-sectional data from the 2014 Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies National Research on Domestic Violence Against Women in Turkey. Data from 6,458 women between the ages of 15 and 49 were analyzed in this dataset. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors influencing women's suicidal tendencies. Results Based on the analysis's findings, age, education level, health status, number of children, the sector in which the spouse/partner works, the drinking status of the spouse/partner, the situation where the spouse/partner fights with another man in a way that involves physical violence, the cheating status of the spouse/partner, the controlling behaviour of the spouse/partner, exposure to various types of violence by both the spouse/partner and someone other than the partner, and the household income level variables were found to be associated with the suicidal tendency of women. Conclusion Prioritizing women who are, in particular, between the ages of 15 and 24, live in the south of Turkey, have a high school education, are in poor health, are childless, have low household incomes, live with an unemployed spouse or partner, and are exposed to various forms of violence from their partner or other sources can be achieved more effective results in reducing and preventing women's suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şerife Kılıçarslan
- Oltu Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Finance and Banking, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Sefa Çelik
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Business Administration, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Abdullah Y. Güngör
- Oltu Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Business Administration, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Ömer Alkan
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Econometrics, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
- Master Araştırma Eğitim ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti., Erzurum, Türkiye
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Seekles ML, Briegal E, Biggane AM, Obasi AI. Measuring alcohol use among adolescents in Africa: A systematic scoping review of consumption, screening and assessment tools. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1375-1394. [PMID: 37439392 PMCID: PMC10946979 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13715] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES Globally, adolescent drinking is a major public health concern. Alcohol measurements are influenced by local consumption practices, patterns and perceptions of alcohol-related harm. This is the first review to examine what tools are used to measure alcohol consumption, or screen for or assess harmful use in African adolescents, and how these tools take into account the local context. APPROACH A systematic scoping review was conducted in line with the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health and the Cochrane Database covered the period of 2000-2020. KEY FINDINGS The search identified 121 papers across 25 African countries. A range of single- and multi-item tools were identified. Very few adaptations of existing questions were specified, and this search identified no tools developed by local researchers that were fundamentally different from established tools often designed in the USA or Europe. Inconsistencies were found in the use of cut-off scores; many studies used adult cut-off scores. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION The possible impact of African drinking practices and culture on the accuracy of alcohol screening tools is currently unknown, but is also not taken into account by most research. This, in combination with a limited geographical distribution of alcohol-related research across the continent and inconsistent use of age- and gender-specific cut-off scores, points towards probable inaccuracies in current data on adolescent alcohol use in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike L. Seekles
- Department of International Public HealthLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Eleanor Briegal
- Department of International Public HealthLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Alice M. Biggane
- Department of International Public HealthLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Angela I. Obasi
- Department of International Public HealthLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
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Moss C, Smith SJ, Kim K, Hua N, Noronha N, Kavenagh M, Wekerle C. A global systematic scoping review of literature on the sexual exploitation of boys. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 142:106244. [PMID: 37244784 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106244] [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: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual exploitation of children (SEC) is a widespread crime which impacts the child victim across developmental, health and well-being domains. As victims, boys have received much less clinical and research attention. While context-specific factors likely shape the SEC risk, under-recognized gender norms can deny boys' vulnerability. Professional failures to recognize and respond adequately to boys' sexual exploitation may prevent access to support. OBJECTIVE This systematic scoping review updates and broadens a previous review of literature addressing prevalence, victim/offender/facilitator characteristics, control mechanisms, as well as the health correlates and outcomes regarding sexual exploitation of boys. This review included international peer-reviewed and gray literature from 38 countries in 14 languages. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Studies from the years 2000 to 2022 that included samples of boys under age 18, or sex-disaggregated data for children under 18, were included. Case studies, systematic reviews, and those reporting on retrospective experiences by adults over 18 were excluded. A total of 254,744 boys were represented across 81 studies. METHODS A systematic scoping review considered qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed publications from eight, English-language databases. English and non-English non-peer reviewed publications ('gray literature') was identified by both ECPAT International's global network of member organizations and citation chaining. RESULTS Overall, 81 peer-reviewed (n = 51) and gray literature (n = 30) documents from 38 countries were included. In total, 254,744 youth participated in peer-reviewed studies (N = 217,726) and gray literature (N = 37,018). General prevalence of sexual exploitation of boys was reported at up to 5 %, with higher rates noted in specifically vulnerable sub-populations (e.g., 10 %, trans youth; 26 %, street-connected youth). The literature indicates that sexual exploitation of boys is reported as occurring primarily between 12 and 18 years old. Multi-level factors are linked to SEC, including individual (e.g., disability status), relationship (e.g., child maltreatment, dating violence), community (e.g., community violence), and societal domains (e.g., discriminatory beliefs). SEC victimization is linked with youth mental and physical health concerns, particularly sexual health. Post-traumatic stress symptomatology or disorder was rarely evaluated. Evidence-based treatments were not available, which may be related to a lack of gender-based theoretical models for understanding SEC specifically. CONCLUSION The sexual exploitation of boys is a prevalent public health, child rights, and clinical issue. All young people experiencing sexual exploitation face sex- and gender-specific challenges, and this remains the case for boys with indications including family rejection, implicit community tolerance for abuse to service accessibility barriers. Actioning our duty to care for all children requires gender- and trauma-informed lenses. Ongoing surveillance of all forms of violence against children, with gender disaggregation, is essential for practice and policy advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Moss
- McMaster University, Department of Pediatrics, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Savanah Jordan Smith
- McMaster University, Offord Centre for Child Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Kim
- University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas Hua
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Noella Noronha
- McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Hamilton, ON, Canada; McMaster University, School of Interdisciplinary Science, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Christine Wekerle
- McMaster University, Department of Pediatrics, Hamilton, ON, Canada; McMaster University, Offord Centre for Child Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Chidumwa G, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Experiences of violence among female and male grade eight learners: baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial across three South African townships. Gates Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13276.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience disproportionally high rates of violence, with lifelong health, social and economic impacts. Few papers present risk factors associated with experiences of adolescent violence. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey was done (April 2017 – Sept 2018) with 3432 grade 8 learners in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 high schools in three townships (Soweto and Tembisa, Gauteng and Khayelitsha, Western Cape). Collected data on lifetime experiences of different types of violence, perpetrators, and place of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to enumerate experiences of, and factors associated with violence. Results: A total of 2383 respondents are included. Most (63.1%) were girls, 81.5% aged 12-14. In total 25.9% had ever experienced violence, higher among boys (p=<0.001). Physical violence was most common (35.7%), then psychological (21.8%), sexual (13.1%), neglect (10.6%), cyberbullying (7.6%), corporal punishment (6.5%) and economic abuse (4.8%). Boys experienced more physical violence (36.0%); girls experienced more psychological violence (22.2%). Gauteng had double the reports of sexual violence (18.4% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). Violence happened most at school (27.4%), followed by the park (19.8%) or their friends’ home (12.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that boys (aOR 1.68; 95% CV 1.32-2.14; p<0.001), those aged 15-17 years (aOR 1.41; 95% CV 1.04-1.89; p=0.025), those who ever used substances (aOR 1.90; 95% CI 1.9-2.28; p<0.001), and those who sometimes feel worthless (aOR 1.33; 95% CI 1.09-1.63, p=0.005) were at higher odds of ever experiencing violence. Those who had ever had sex were more likely to have ever experienced violence (aOR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10-1.83; p=0.008). Conclusion: Urgently need wider adoption, scaling, and sustaining of evidence-based primary violence prevention and structural interventions are required to reduce the high burden of adolescent violence. Stakeholders across the ecological model are needed to tackle harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
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Picchetti V, Stamatakis C, Annor FB, Massetti GM, Hegle J. Association between lifetime sexual violence victimization and selected health conditions and risk behaviors among 13-24-year-olds in Lesotho: Results from the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS), 2018. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105916. [PMID: 36215756 PMCID: PMC9691579 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105916] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual violence is a serious public health concern worldwide. In Lesotho, one in seven women and one in twenty men aged 18 years and older experienced sexual violence during childhood. Sexual violence victimization may lead to long-term mental and physical health issues among victims, regardless of gender. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of lifetime sexual violence victimization (SV) among 13-24-year-olds in Lesotho and assess its association with selected health conditions and risk behaviors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data from 13 to 24-year-old participants (n = 8568) of the 2018 Lesotho Violence Against Children and Youth Survey were analyzed. METHODS SV was defined as reporting one or more types of sexual violence at any age. Logistic regression analyses measured associations between SV and selected health conditions (suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, mental distress, STIs, and HIV), and risk behaviors (binge drinking in the past 30 days, drug use in the past 30 days, infrequent condom use in the past 12 months, multiple sex partners in the past 12 months, and transactional sex in the past 12 months). RESULTS After controlling for study covariates, SV was significantly associated with self-harm behaviors, suicidal thoughts, ever having an STI, binge drinking in the past 30 days, infrequent condom use in the past 12 months, and multiple sex partners in the past 12 months for both males and females; and mental distress and transactional sex in the past 12 months for females. CONCLUSIONS Preventing SV against children and youth in Lesotho may improve their health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viani Picchetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Caroline Stamatakis
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Francis B Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Greta M Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Hegle
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Nace A, Maternowska C, Fernandez B, Cravero K. The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS): Using VACS data to drive programmes and policies. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:2807-2825. [PMID: 34905473 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.2010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) are nationally representative surveys of males and females aged 13-24 years, designed to measure the burden of sexual, physical, and emotional violence experienced in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. As of 2020, 22 countries implemented or are implementing a VACS. Since the first article using VACS data was published in 2009, several peer-reviewed articles have been published on the VACS. However, no publications have analysed the breadth of the work and how the data are represented in the literature. We conducted a review of the peer-reviewed research which used VACS data or mentioned the VACS. Between 2009 and July 2020, 50 peer-reviewed articles with data from 11 countries were published. Two studies (2/50; 4.0%) focused on boys, while 14 studies (14/50; 28.0%) focused on violence against girls. Fourteen articles focused on sexual violence (14/50; 28.0%), compared to three on emotional violence (3/50; 6.0%), and two on physical violence (2/50; 4.0%). Lastly, 52% of the articles (26 of the 50) were first authored by someone at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We identified the need to support local authors, and additional research on violence against boys, and physical and emotional violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Nace
- University Research Co., Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen Cravero
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Experiences of violence among female and male grade eight learners: baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial across three South African townships. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13276.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience disproportionally high rates of violence, with lifelong health, social and economic impacts. Few papers present risk factors associated with experiences of adolescent violence. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey was done (April 2017 – Sept 2018) with 3432 grade 8 learners in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 high schools in three townships (Soweto and Tembisa, Gauteng and Khayelitsha, Western Cape). Collected data on lifetime experiences of different types of violence, perpetrators, and place of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to enumerate experiences of, and factors associated with violence. Results: A total of 2383 respondents are included. Most (63.1%) were girls, 81.5% aged 12-14. In total 25.9% had ever experienced violence, higher among boys (p=<0.001). Physical violence was most common (35.7%), then psychological (21.8%), sexual (13.1%), neglect (10.6%), cyberbullying (7.6%), corporal punishment (6.5%) and economic abuse (4.8%). Boys experienced more physical violence (36.0%); girls experienced more psychological violence (22.2%). Gauteng had double the reports of sexual violence (18.4% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). Violence happened most at school (27.4%), followed by the park (19.8%) or their friends’ home (12.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that boys (aOR 1.57; 95% CV 1.27-1.94; p=0.000), those aged 15-17 years (aOR 1.41; 95% CV 1.07-1.84; p=0.013), those who ever used substances (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.54-2.37; p=0.000), and those who sometimes feel worthless (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.10-1.64, p=0.003) were at higher odds of ever experiencing violence. Those who had never had sex were less likely to have ever experienced violence (aOR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51-0.83; p=0.001). Conclusion: Urgently need wider adoption, scaling, and sustaining of evidence-based primary violence prevention and structural interventions are required to reduce the high burden of adolescent violence. Stakeholders across the ecological model are needed to tackle harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
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Velloza J, Davies L, Ensminger A, Theofelus FM, Andjamba H, Kamuingona R, Nakuta J, Uiras W, Massetti G, Coomer R, Wolkon A, Forster N, O'Malley G. Disclosure and help-seeking behaviors related to sexual and physical violence in childhood and adolescence: Results from the Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 128:105624. [PMID: 35381545 PMCID: PMC9119951 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence disclosure and help-seeking can mitigate adverse health effects associated with childhood violence, but little is known about facilitators and barriers of disclosure and help-seeking behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE To understand factors associated with disclosure and help-seeking to inform care. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants aged 13-24 years old in the 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS). METHODS We assessed the prevalence of victimization, disclosure, and help-seeking and examined factors associated with violence disclosure and help-seeking, separately, by gender. RESULTS 4211 girls and 980 boys participated in the Namibia VACS. The prevalence of childhood sexual violence differed significantly by gender (15.7% among girls, 9.8% among boys), but physical violence prevalence did not differ by gender. Among victims of sexual violence, 57.3% of girls disclosed and 10.4% sought help, compared with only 30.7% and 3.2% of boys. Among victims of physical violence, 61.1% of girls and 53.4% of boys disclosed, and 16.9% of girls and 17.7% of boys sought help. Older age, social support, and experiencing more types of violence were associated with sexual violence disclosure among boys, but none of these factors were associated with sexual violence disclosure among girls. Lower education, perpetrator type, and witnessing violence were associated with physical violence disclosure among girls, while peer support and perpetrator type were associated with physical violence disclosure among boys. CONCLUSIONS Factors associated with childhood violence differed by gender and violence type in Namibia, highlighting a need for gender-specific violence services to facilitate violence disclosure and help-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Luke Davies
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alison Ensminger
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Helena Andjamba
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Rahimisa Kamuingona
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Joyce Nakuta
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Wilhencia Uiras
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Greta Massetti
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Violence Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Adam Wolkon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Norbert Forster
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Gabrielle O'Malley
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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da Costa EL, Faúndes A, Nunes R. The association between victim-offender relationship and the age of children and adolescents who suffer sexual violence: a cross-sectional study. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2022; 98:310-315. [PMID: 34469770 PMCID: PMC9432057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexual violence is a problem that affects children and adolescents regardless of social class, age, origin, religion, education level, marital status, race, or sexual orientation. This study aimed to analyze the associations between victim-offender relationships and the victim's age in cases of sexual violence involving female victims. METHODS This cross-sectional, retrospective observational study used data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Department of Public Health Surveillance in Brasília regarding the reportable crime of rape as informed by female victims in the Federal District between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. The age of the victim was classified as <15 years or 15-19 years. The offenders were classified into eight different categories according to their relationship with the victim: father, stepfather, brother, husband, boyfriend, friend, stranger, and others. The association between the victim-offender relationship and the victim's age was assessed. RESULTS Overall, there were 4,617 reported cases of sexual violence, with 78.3% of these (n = 3614) corresponding to children under 15 and 21.7% to adolescents 15-19 years old (n = 1003). Close relatives, including brothers, and friends were the main perpetrators in cases of girls < 15 years old. Strangers and friends were the principal perpetrators in the group of girls 15-19 years old. CONCLUSIONS Children under 15 are the group most affected by sexual violence. Strategies must be developed to prevent the sexual abuse of children and adolescents and to facilitate the rehabilitation of victimized children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evaldo Lima da Costa
- Universidade do Porto/Conselho Federal de Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anibal Faúndes
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Centro de Pesquisas em Saúde Reprodutiva de Campinas (CEMICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rui Nunes
- Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Medicina, Porto, Portugal
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Rahill GJ, Joshi M, Blanc J, Littlewood K, Salinas-Miranda A, Rice C. Self-reported sleep disturbance patterns in urban haitians: A latent class analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2022.2041266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guitele J. Rahill
- College of Behavioral & Community Sciences (CBCS), University of South Florida (USF), Tampa Florida, FL, USA
| | - Manisha Joshi
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Judite Blanc
- Center for Healthful Behavior, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Kerry Littlewood
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Christopher Rice
- School of Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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13
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Quarshie ENB. Boys should not be overlooked: Sexual violence victimization and associated factors among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 120:105227. [PMID: 34352684 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent sexual violence victimization is still less researched in countries within sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. OBJECTIVES To estimate the 12-month prevalence of sexual violence victimization and describe the differences and commonalities in the associated factors between school-going boys and girls in urban Ghana. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Students (n = 1692) aged 13-19 years attending Second Cycle Schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana participated in this study. METHODS This is a cross-sectional survey involving the use of a self-report anonymous questionnaire. Items measuring sexual violence victimization and correlates were adopted from the 2012 WHO-Global School-based Student Health Survey. Data analysis involved bivariable and multivariable approaches. RESULTS Overall, 17.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.7, 19.4) adolescents (males = 10.4% [95% CI 8.3, 13.6]; females = 24.3% [95% CI 21.5, 27.3]) reported sexual violence victimization during the previous 12 months. Girls (compared to boys) were nearly three times more likely to report sexual violence victimization (aOR = 2.74, 95% CI 2.01, 3.74, p < 0.001). Breakup, sexual minority status, and conflict with parents were uniquely associated with sexual violence victimization among females. Regardless of gender, adolescents who were in a romantic relationship (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.19, 2.24, p = 0.002) and reported physical abuse victimization (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.36, 2.49, p < 0.001) were more likely to report sexual violence victimization. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of sexual violence victimization among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana compares with estimates from sub-Saharan Africa, but also warrants the need for universal and targeted prevention regimes against the offence in both boys and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.
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Bartels SA, King C, Lee S. "When It's a Girl, They Have a Chance to Have Sex With Them. When It's a Boy…They Have Been Known to Rape Them": Perceptions of United Nations Peacekeeper-Perpetrated Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Against Women/Girls Versus Men/Boys in Haiti. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2021; 6:664294. [PMID: 34631870 PMCID: PMC8498325 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.664294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Peacekeeping missions have been marred by reports of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) against local community members. However, there is limited research on how SEA against women/girls versus men/boys is perceived in peacekeeping host societies. In 2017 we collected micro-narratives in Haiti and then conducted a thematic analysis to understand how peacekeeper-perpetrated SEA was perceived by local community members comparing SEA against women/girls versus SEA against men/boys. Both male and female participants used language which suggested the normalization, in Haitian society, of both transactional sex with and rape of women/girls by UN personnel. In contrast, peacekeeper-perpetrated SEA against men/boys was viewed as unacceptable and was associated with homosexuality and related stigmatization. Overall, our results suggest that in Haiti, inequitable gender norms, the commodification of female sexuality, and homophobia result in SEA against males being recognized as a wrong that elicits outrage, while SEA against women/girls has been normalized. It is important to address the normalization of SEA against women/girls to prevent future violence and to recognize that SEA is also perpetrated against men/boys. Survivor-centered programs, sensitive to the needs of both male and female survivors, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A. Bartels
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Carla King
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sabine Lee
- Department of History, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Catlin M, Scherr KC, Barlett CP, Jacobs E, Normile CJ. Bounded Blame: The Effects of Victim-Perpetrator Relationship and Victimization History on Judgments of Sexual Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP8800-NP8823. [PMID: 31046528 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519846863] [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: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Individuals often tend to irrationally blame victims for their plight. This research incorporated a bounded rationality framework to examine first-person perspectives (rather than third-person) of both victims' and nonvictims' perceptions and judgments of acquaintance and stranger sexual violence. Upon completing individual difference measures, including a just-world belief assessment, participants (N = 296) were randomly assigned to read a scenario in which the vignette victim was either acquainted with or had no prior relationship with the perpetrator. Then, taking the perspective of the vignette victim, participants offered four judgments: the likelihood of reporting the crime, self-blame, perceived control, and sympathy expected from others. Results showed that instances of acquaintance sexual violence were judged more negatively than instances of stranger sexual violence. Moreover, participants who had previously experienced sexual violence reported more negative judgments than nonvictims (except for sympathy expected from others). An exploratory path analysis indicated that as nonvictims', but not victims', just-world beliefs became stronger, they indicated a higher willingness to report the crime, perceived more control over the situation, and expected more sympathy from others. We end with a discussion of how the present research can advance our understanding of sexual violence by using a bounded rationality framework and discuss the practical implications that the observed effects have for professionals in the legal system, outside observers, and victims themselves.
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Trends in sexual violence patterns and case management: a sex disaggregated analysis in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Confl Health 2021; 15:59. [PMID: 34301289 PMCID: PMC8300987 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both conflict and non-conflict sexual violence have been well described in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, there is little empiric data comparing sexual violence patterns for males and females in the DRC, and little is known about how post-sexual assault care experiences may differ between the two sexes. Methods This was a retrospective, registry-based study at HEAL Africa Hospital. Researchers extracted and analyzed available data for all patients seeking post-sexual assault care between July 2013 and December 2017. Comparative analysis was conducted using SAS to document patterns of sexual violence among male and female survivors and to describe the clinical management of males and females seeking post-assault care. Results Between July 2013 and December 2017, the hospital provided post-sexual assault care to 1766 patients (1623 female and 93 male). Female survivors were more likely to be minors under the age 18 (p < 0.0001) with a mean age 16.5 years versus 22.3 years for males. For both sexes, approximately half of all perpetrators were civilians who were known to the survivor (friends, family members, colleagues or neighbors). After sexual assault, males (79.6%) were more likely than females (55.7%) to present to the hospital within 72 h (p-value < 0.0001). Among female patients, 12% had a positive pregnancy test at the time of presentation and another 43% received emergency contraception. Male survivors were more likely to test positive for HIV (p-value = 0.0032) and to receive HIV post-exposure prophylaxis as well as prophylactic antibiotics (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions In this single-centre registry, non-conflict-related sexual violence affected both women and girls as well as men and boys in North Kivu with civilian-perpetrated assaults being most common, and girls under the age of 18 being disproportionately affected. Overall, delays to seeking post-assault care appear to have decreased over time, although females presented later than males. These differences, as well as sex discrepancies in receiving HIV prophylaxis and prophylactic antibiotics, are not well understood. Additional research is needed to understand these phenomena such that equitable and optimal care can be ensured for both female and male sexual violence survivors.
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Experiences of violence among female and male grade eight learners: baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial across three South African townships. Gates Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13276.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience disproportionally high rates of violence, with lifelong health, social and economic impacts. Few papers present risk factors associated with experiences of adolescent violence. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey was done (April 2017 – Sept 2018) with 3432 grade 8 learners in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 high schools in three townships (Soweto and Tembisa, Gauteng and Khayelitsha, Western Cape). Collected data on lifetime experiences of different types of violence, perpetrators, and place of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to enumerate experiences of, and factors associated with violence. Results: A total of 2383 respondents are included. Most (63.1%) were girls, 81.5% aged 12-14. In total 26% had ever experienced violence, higher among boys (p=<0.001). Physical violence was most common (35.7%), then psychological (21.8%), sexual (13.1%), neglect (10.6%), cyberbullying (7.6%), corporal punishment (6.5%) and economic abuse (4.8%). Boys experienced more physical violence (36.0%); girls experienced more psychological violence (22.2%). Gauteng had double the reports of sexual violence (18.4% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). Violence happened most at school (27.4%), followed by the park (19.8%) or their friends’ home (12.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that boys (aOR 1.57; 95% CV 1.27-1.94; p=0.000), those aged 15-17 years (aOR 1.41; 95% CV 1.07-1.84; p=0.013), those who ever used substances (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.54-2.37; p=0.000), and those who sometimes feel worthless (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.10-1.64, p=0.003) were at higher odds of ever experiencing violence. Those who had never had sex were less likely to have ever experienced violence (aOR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51-0.83; p=0.001). Conclusion: Urgently need wider adoption, scaling, and sustaining of evidence-based primary violence prevention and structural interventions are required to reduce the high burden of adolescent violence. Stakeholders across the ecological model are needed to tackle harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
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Vollman BK. When Did I Become a Victim? Exploring Narratives of Male Childhood Sexual Abuse. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2021; 14:277-293. [PMID: 33986913 PMCID: PMC8099960 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This report presents narrative data of adult men self-identifying as victims of sexual abuse occurring in childhood or adolescence (CSA). Preliminary data were derived from written public stories posted by men to the Internet (n = 90). Many of these accounts indicate same-sex sexual abuse (male victim, male perpetrator). The primary research question: "how have adult male victims of childhood sexual abuse constructed written narratives of victimization?" The men in this study who posted public narratives about their sexual abuse demonstrated evidence in of two (turmoil and taking control) of six life course themes uncovered by Draucker and Martsolf (2010). Two temporally related additional subthemes emerged within the category "taking control": during the abusive event/relationship and after abuse in adulthood. Understanding how male victims organize and make sense of the trajectory of their victim and/or survivor identity may contribute to a more integrated healing for victims. This could also shape programs for outreach and support. The result of the study would aid in the development of diagnostic tools and frameworks for interviewing abuse victims who are not publicly presenting or formally reporting their stories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda K. Vollman
- Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice Department, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York, 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007 USA
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19
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Josenhans V, Kavenagh M, Smith S, Wekerle C. Gender, rights and responsibilities: The need for a global analysis of the sexual exploitation of boys. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 110:104291. [PMID: 31806378 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child confirmed child and youth rights globally. Their right to participation is a critical driver for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Youth prioritize the need to end violence against them, charging adults with safeguarding, and identify gender inequality as an underlying cause of child sexual exploitation (CSE). SDG 5 includes targets for ending sexual exploitation of girls; however, it is critical to review whether we are supporting both boys and girls adequately. Based on recent research, it is clear that male victims of CSE are prevalent, yet they have been relatively excluded in policy, research, and interventions. The aim is not to minimize the importance of understanding and eliminating CSE of girls, but to acknowledge that vulnerable sub-groups of boys exist in community (street-connected boys, refugees, sexual minorities) and service systems (justice, child welfare, humanitarian aid). Gender-based challenges persist in protection, disclosure, help-seeking, professional recognition, programming and prevention. In this discussion article, we outline responsibilities in human rights law to understand and address boys' CSE and overview key literature on its impact on boys. It is argued that gender-, trauma-, and violence-informed approaches are expanded to address the contribution of harmful gender norms, and to target prevention in the adolescent years for sexually transmitted infections, mental health, and substance abuse and violence problems. This discussion advances a pressing need for a global analysis of CSE among boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Josenhans
- ECPAT International, 328/1 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Mark Kavenagh
- ECPAT International, 328/1 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand.
| | - Savanah Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Wekerle
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Baiden P, Xiao Y, Asiedua-Baiden G, LaBrenz CA, Boateng GO, Graaf G, Muehlenkamp JJ. Sex differences in the association between sexual violence victimization and suicidal behaviors among adolescents. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2020.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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21
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Anwar Y, Sall M, Cislaghi B, Miramonti A, Clark C, Bar Faye M, Canavera M. Assessing gender differences in emotional, physical, and sexual violence against adolescents living in the districts of Pikine and Kolda, Senegal. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 102:104387. [PMID: 32036291 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally representative research and data on violence against children are important to understand the nature and scale of the issue and to inform effective prevention and response programs and policies. In Senegal, few population-level data estimating the prevalence of physical, emotional, or sexual violence against adolescents exist. OBJECTIVE This study assesses whether the gender of adolescents in two Senegalese districts is associated with having experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence and whether such associations vary depending on district of residence and poverty status. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The sample comprised of 833 adolescents aged 13-18 residing in the peri-urban district of Pikine and rural district of Kolda. METHODS Cross-sectional population-based household survey data were analyzed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Adolescent boys had 1.6 times greater odds than adolescent girls of having experienced emotional abuse in the past month (adjusted OR = 1.6, 95 % CI 1.1, 2.5) in Pikine. Adolescents living in Pikine and in households with low poverty scores were more likely to have experienced physical abuse in the past month. Gender was a significant predictor of sexual abuse in Kolda, where the prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescent girls was twofold higher compared to boys (adjusted OR = 2.09, 95 % CI 1.03, 4.23). CONCLUSIONS Boys in Pikine were more likely to experience emotional violence, and girls in Kolda were at a significantly higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. Prevention and response programs must consider gender and geographic variation to maximize their potential to effectively reduce violence against children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Anwar
- Care and Protection of Children (CPC) Learning Network, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, United States.
| | - Mohamoudou Sall
- Institut de Population, Développement et Santé de la Reproduction (IPDSR), Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal.
| | | | | | - Courtney Clark
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, United States.
| | - Moussé Bar Faye
- Ecole Nationale des Travailleurs Sociaux Spécialisés, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - Mark Canavera
- Care and Protection of Children (CPC) Learning Network, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, United States.
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Garba M, Umar L, Musa S, Makarfi H. Impacted corncob in the anus: An unusual presentation of child sexual abuse. SAHEL MEDICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/smj.smj_36_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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23
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Correia CM, Gomes NP, Diniz NMF, Andrade ICSD, Romano CMC, Rodrigues GRS. Child and adolescent violence: oral story of women who attempted suicide. Rev Bras Enferm 2019; 72:1450-1456. [PMID: 31644729 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To unveil expressions of intrafamily violence experienced in childhood and/or adolescence by women who attempted suicide. METHOD This is a study with a qualitative approach based on Oral Story. Participants were ten women with a history of suicide attempt, who experienced intrafamily violence in childhood and/or adolescence. The research was carried out at the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, linked to a Toxicological Information Center in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. RESULTS From the orality of women, the study allowed the emergence of the following representative categories of intrafamily abuse experienced in childhood and/or adolescence: psychological violence, rejection, neglect, physical violence and sexual violence. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS The study alerts to intrafamily violence as an aggravation related to suicidal behavior, offering elements that help in the identification of their expressions, which will raise awareness to suicidal behavior and consequently suicide prevention.
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Stark L, Seff I, Hoover A, Gordon R, Ligiero D, Massetti G. Sex and age effects in past-year experiences of violence amongst adolescents in five countries. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219073. [PMID: 31283760 PMCID: PMC6613770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To date, there has been insufficient focus on age and sex differences in studies of violence amongst adolescents and young adults in low- and middle-income countries. As adolescence is a formative period during which experiencing violence can have both short- and long-term consequences, we aim to investigate experiences of violence by age and sex across five countries. Methods Incidences of past-year violence victimization were estimated by sex across two-year age bands (13–24 years) using Violence Against Children Survey datasets from Cambodia, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania. Analyses were conducted separately for each country. The presence of an association with age and each type of violence was identified using logistic regressions separately by sex. Sex was then added to the models as an interaction term and adjusted Wald tests were used to assess differences between males and females in age effects. Results Risk of physical violence by both an adult caregiver and a community member decreased with age for both sexes in all countries. In contrast, risk of IPV increased with age for both sexes in all countries. Although some countries displayed a steeper increase in risk of IPV and sexual violence with age for males, females face higher overall levels of risk for these forms of violence. Conclusion Findings highlight how adolescents’ and young adults’ risk of violence changes with age and type of violence. The analysis underscores the importance of collecting violence data disaggregated by age and sex to best inform policies and programming. Implications and contributions We analyzed five Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) and found age effects for physical, sexual, and intimate partner violence for adolescents 13–24 years old. Age effects for sexual violence are stronger among females than males. Future policies targeting adolescents should consider how age and gender influence risk of violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Stark
- George Warren Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ilana Seff
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Anna Hoover
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Gordon
- Together for Girls, Washington D.C., United States of America
| | - Daniela Ligiero
- Together for Girls, Washington D.C., United States of America
| | - Greta Massetti
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Palermo T, Pereira A, Neijhoft N, Bello G, Buluma R, Diem P, Aznar Daban R, Fatoumata Kaloga I, Islam A, Kheam T, Lund-Henriksen B, Maksud N, Maternowska MC, Potts A, Rottanak C, Samnang C, Shawa M, Yoshikawa M, Peterman A. Risk factors for childhood violence and polyvictimization: A cross-country analysis from three regions. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 88:348-361. [PMID: 30554126 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding risk factors is important to ending childhood violence and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 16.2. To date, no study has examined patterns of risk factors across countries comprehensively for different types of childhood violence, and there is a dearth of evidence of polyvictimization in lower- and middle-income settings. We analyse risk factors of childhood emotional (EV), physical (PV), sexual violence (SV) and polyvictimization for children aged 13-17 from nationally-representative Violence Against Children Surveys across six countries. We examine risk factors at the community-, household-, and individual- levels for each violence type, stratified by gender using multivariable logistic regression models. Across countries, school enrolment increased violence risk among females and males (three countries), but was protective against violence among females (one country), and among males (three countries). Among females, increasing age was associated with increased risk of SV (five countries) and polyvictimization (three countries); among males this relationship was less salient. Non-residence with a biological father emerged as a risk factor for SV among girls. Few or inconsistent associations were found with other factors, including number of household members, wealth, and urban residence. These results underscore on the one hand, the need for country-specific research on risk factors to inform prevention strategies, as well as increased investment in data collection to provide a more complete and robust basis for evidence generation. High levels of polyvictimization highlight overlapping vulnerabilities children face, and may provide insights for policymakers and practitioners in designing strategies to protect children at greatest risk of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tia Palermo
- UNICEF Office of Research-Innocenti, Piazza SS Annunziata 12, 50121, Florence, Italy.
| | - Audrey Pereira
- International Food Policy Research Institute, 1201 Eye St., NW, Washington, DC. 20005-3915, USA
| | - Naomi Neijhoft
- UNICEF Mozambique, 1440 Av. do Zimbábwe, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Ghaji Bello
- National Population Commission, Plot 2031, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 7, Wuse, PMP 281, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Robert Buluma
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, P.O. Box 30266, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Pierre Diem
- Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches, 13, rue des Marguerites Turgeau, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Rocio Aznar Daban
- UNICEF Nigeria, UN House, Plot 617/618, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, PMB 2851, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Aminul Islam
- UNICEF Kenya, P O Box 44145-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - They Kheam
- Demographics Statistics Census and Survey Department, National Institute of Statistics, Ministry of Planning, #386 Preah Monivong Blvd, Boeung Keng Kong 1, Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Nankali Maksud
- UNICEF, UNICEF House, 3 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - M Catherine Maternowska
- Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, Avenue de la Paix 5 - 7, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alina Potts
- The Global Women's Institute, 2140 G Street, NW, Washington, DC. 20052, USA
| | - Chivith Rottanak
- UNICEF Cambodia, 5th Floor, Exchange Square, Building No. 19&20, St. 106, Phom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Chea Samnang
- Department of Social Work, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Russian Federation Boulevard, Toul Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Mary Shawa
- Formerly Principal Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Gemini House, City Centre, Private Bag 300, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Miho Yoshikawa
- UNICEF Cambodia, 5th Floor, Exchange Square, Building No. 19&20, St. 106, Phom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Amber Peterman
- UNICEF Office of Research-Innocenti, Piazza SS Annunziata 12, 50121, Florence, Italy
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Adverse Experiences in Childhood and Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk From Adolescence Into Adulthood. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:524-532. [PMID: 28809769 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment, particularly sexual abuse, has been found to be associated with sexual risk behaviors later in life. We aimed to evaluate associations between a broad range of childhood traumas and sexual risk behaviors from adolescence into adulthood. METHODS Using data from Waves I, III and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we used logistic regression to estimate the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR) for associations between 9 childhood traumas and a cumulative trauma score and three sexual risk outcomes (multiple partnerships, sex trade involvement, and sexually transmitted infection [STI]) in adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood. We also examined modification of these associations by gender. RESULTS Associations between cumulative trauma score and sexual risk outcomes existed at all waves, though were strongest during adolescence. Dose-response-like relationships were observed during at least 1 wave of the study for each outcome. Violence exposures were strong independent correlates of adolescent sexual risk outcomes. Parental binge drinking was the only trauma associated with biologically confirmed infection in young adulthood (AOR, 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.11), whereas parental incarceration was the trauma most strongly associated with self-reported STI in adulthood (AOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.11-2.58). A strong connection was also found between sexual abuse and sex trade in the young adulthood period (AOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.43-2.49). CONCLUSIONS A broad range of traumas are independent correlates of sex risk behavior and STI, with increasing trauma level linked to increasing odds of sexual risk outcomes. The results underscore the need to consider trauma history in STI screening and prevention strategies.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Haiti remains the poorest country in the Americas and one of the poorest in the world. Children in Haiti face many health concerns, some of which were exacerbated by the 2010 earthquake. This systematic review summarizes published research conducted since the 2010 earthquake, focusing on health outcomes for children in Haiti, including physical, psychological, and socioeconomic well-being. METHODS A literature search was conducted identifying articles published from January 2010 through May 2016 related to pediatric health outcomes in Haiti. Two reviewers screened articles independently. Included research articles described at least one physical health, psychological health, or socioeconomic outcome among children less than 18 years of age in Haiti since the January 2010 earthquake. RESULTS Fifty-eight full-length research articles were reviewed, covering infectious diseases (non-cholera [N=12] and cholera [N=7]), nutrition (N=11), traumatic injuries (N=11), mental health (N=9), anemia (N=4), abuse and violence (N=5), and other topics (N=3). Many children were injured in the 2010 earthquake, and care of their injuries is described in the literature. Infectious diseases were a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children following the earthquake, with cholera being one of the most important etiologies. The literature also revealed that large numbers of children in Haiti have significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), peri-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, and that food insecurity and malnutrition continue to be important issues. CONCLUSIONS Future health programs in Haiti should focus on provision of clean water, sanitation, and other measures to prevent infectious diseases. Mental health programming and services for children also appear to be greatly needed, and food insecurity/malnutrition must be addressed if children are to lead healthy, productive lives. Given the burden of injury after the 2010 earthquake, further research on long-term disabilities among children in Haiti is needed. Dube A , Moffatt M , Davison C , Bartels S . Health outcomes for children in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake: a systematic review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(1):77-88.
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Papas RK, Gakinya BN, Mwaniki MM, Lee H, Kiarie SW, Martino S, Loxley MP, Keter AK, Klein DA, Sidle JE, Baliddawa JB, Maisto SA. Rates and Covariates of Recent Sexual and Physical Violence Against HIV-Infected Outpatient Drinkers in Western Kenya. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2243-2252. [PMID: 28097617 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Victimization from physical and sexual violence presents global health challenges. Partner violence is higher in Kenya than Africa. Violence against drinkers and HIV-infected individuals is typically elevated, so dual vulnerabilities may further augment risk. Understanding violence risks can improve interventions. Participants were 614 HIV-infected outpatient drinkers in western Kenya enrolled in a randomized trial to reduce alcohol use. At baseline, past 90-day partner physical and sexual violence were examined descriptively and in gender-stratified regression models. We hypothesized higher reported violence against women than men, and positive violence association with HIV stigma and alcohol use across gender. Women reported significantly more current sexual (26.3 vs. 5.7%) and physical (38.9 vs. 24.8%) victimization than men. Rates were generally higher than Kenyan lifetime national averages. In both regression models, HIV stigma and alcohol-related sexual expectations were significantly associated with violence while alcohol use was not. For women, higher violence risk was also conferred by childhood violence, past-year transactional sex, and younger age. HIV-infected Kenyan drinkers, particularly women, endorse high current violence due to multiple risk factors. Findings have implications for HIV interventions. Longitudinal research is needed to understand development of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Papas
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Benson N Gakinya
- School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Michael M Mwaniki
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Hana Lee
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Steve Martino
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Alfred K Keter
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - John E Sidle
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Joyce B Baliddawa
- School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
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Reidy DE, Early MS, Holland KM. Boys are victims too? Sexual dating violence and injury among high-risk youth. Prev Med 2017; 101:28-33. [PMID: 28529159 PMCID: PMC5860635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior research with youth exposed to violence suggests that, in this high-risk population, boys may be victims of sexual teen dating violence (TDV) and injury as frequently as girls. We sought to replicate these findings with a demographically similar sample and to determine whether the findings could be attributed the high-risk nature of the sample by assessing the impact of violence exposure on sex differences. METHODS A cross-sectional sample of 2577 youth (ages 11-18, M=15.4, SD=1.9, 52% female, 25% Caucasian) collected in 2004 from a high-risk community reported on history of dating and exposure to multiple forms of violence. We conducted moderation analyses to test whether polyvictimization (PV) and age moderated the potential sex differences in perpetration and victimization of sexual TDV and injury. RESULTS No significant sex differences in victimization were observed regardless of degree of PV. Boys reported more frequent sexual TDV and injury perpetration relative to girls, but only for youth reporting high degree of PV. There were no sex differences in perpetration among low PV youth. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest boys from high-risk communities may disproportionately perpetrate severe acts of TDV but at this early age they are equally likely to be victimized. To interrupt the cycle of violence victimization and perpetration, comprehensive violence prevention interventions targeting high-risk youth should be implemented at schools, in homes, and in the community; and they should recognize the potential for girls and boys to be victims of even the most severe forms of TDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E Reidy
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, United States.
| | - Megan S Early
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, United States
| | - Kristin M Holland
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, United States
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Latent class analysis of violence against adolescents and psychosocial outcomes in refugee settings in Uganda and Rwanda. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2017; 4:e19. [PMID: 29230315 PMCID: PMC5719474 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2017.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about violence against children in refugee camps and settlements, and the evidence-base concerning mental health outcomes of youth in refugee settings in low and middle-income countries is similarly small. Evidence is needed to understand patterns of violence against children in refugee camps, and associations with adverse mental health outcomes. METHODS Surveys were conducted with adolescent refugees (aged 13-17) in two refugee contexts - Kiziba Camp, Rwanda (n = 129) (refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo) and Adjumani and Kiryandongo refugee settlements, Uganda (n = 471) (refugees from South Sudan). Latent Class Analysis was utilized to identify classes of violence exposure (including exposure to witnessing household violence, verbal abuse, physical violence and sexual violence). Logistic regressions explored the association between latent class of violence exposure and symptoms of depression and anxiety. RESULTS In Rwanda, a two-class solution was identified, with Class 1 (n = 33) representing high levels of exposure to violence and Class 2 (n = 96) representing low levels of exposure. In Uganda, a three-class solution was identified: Class 1 (high violence; n = 53), Class 2 (low violence, n = 100) and Class 3 (no violence, n = 317). Logistic regression analyses indicated that latent violence class was associated with increased odds of high anxiety symptoms in Rwanda (AOR 3.56, 95% CI 1.16-0.95), and high v. no violence class was associated with depression (AOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.07-7.61) and anxiety symptoms (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.96) in Uganda. CONCLUSIONS The present results support the existing evidence-base concerning the association between violence and adverse mental health outcomes, while identifying differences in patterns and associations between refugee youth in two different contexts.
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