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Jahangir T, Dahn C, Devakottai R, Livingston MD, Woods-Jaeger B. "There's room to do more": a mixed-methods study of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) diversion program and intimate partner violence in Georgia. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1326467. [PMID: 38741914 PMCID: PMC11090040 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1326467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a risk factor for homicides and suicides. As poverty is both a predictor and a consequence of IPV, interventions that alleviate poverty-related stressors could mitigate IPV-related harms. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a monthly cash assistance program, is one such potential intervention. In the state of Georgia, the TANF diversion program, which provides a non-recurrent lump-sum payment to deter individuals from monthly TANF benefits, is an understudied component of TANF that may influence the effectiveness of state TANF programs in supporting IPV survivors. Aim This study quantifies and qualifies the role of Georgia's TANF diversion program in shaping IPV-related mortality. Methods This study relies on a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Using data from the Georgia Violent Death Reporting System (GA-VDRS), an interrupted time series analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of TANF diversion on IPV-related homicides and suicides. Semi-structured interviews were then administered with TANF policy experts and advocates, welfare caseworkers, and benefit recipients (n = 20) to contextualize the quantitative findings. Results The interrupted time series analysis revealed three fewer IPV-related deaths per month after implementing TANF diversion, compared to pre-diversion forecasts (coefficient = -3.003, 95%CI [-5.474, -0.532]). However, the qualitative interviews illustrated three themes regarding TANF diversion: (1) it is a "band-aid" solution to the access barriers associated with TANF, (2) it provides short-term relief to recipients making hard choices, and (3) its limitations reveal avenues for policy change. Discussion While diversion has the potential to reduce deaths from IPV, it may be an insufficient means of mitigating the poverty-related contributors to IPV harms. Its limitations unveil the need for improved programs to better support IPV survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasfia Jahangir
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Wallace C, Smirl JD, Adhikari SP, Jones KE, Rieger M, Rothlander K, van Donkelaar P. Neurovascular coupling is altered in women who have a history of brain injury from intimate partner violence: a preliminary study. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1344880. [PMID: 38495125 PMCID: PMC10940333 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1344880] [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] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health crisis with 30% of women over the age of 15 experiencing at least one event in their lifetime. Brain injury (BI) due to head impacts and/or strangulation is a common but understudied part of this experience. Previous research has shown BI from other injury mechanisms can disrupt neurovascular coupling (NVC). To gain further insight into whether similar changes occur in this population, we assessed NVC responses in women with a history of IPV-BI. Methods NVC responses were measured for the middle and posterior cerebral arteries (MCA, PCA) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound while participants performed a complex visual search task. The lifetime history of previous exposure to IPV-BI was captured using the Brain Injury Severity Assessment (BISA) along with measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance use, and demographic information. Initial analyses of NVC metrics were completed comparing participants who scored low vs. high on the BISA or did or did not experience non-fatal strangulation followed by a stepwise multiple regression to examine the impact of PTSD, anxiety, and depression on the relationship between the NVC metrics and IPV-BI. Results Baseline and peak cerebral blood velocity were higher and the percentage increase was lower in the PCA in the low compared to the high BISA group whereas no differences between the groups were apparent in the MCA. In addition, those participants who had been strangled had a lower initial slope and area under the curve in the PCA than those who had not experienced strangulation. Finally, the stepwise multiple regression demonstrated the percentage increase in the PCA was significantly related to the BISA score and both depression and anxiety significantly contributed to different components of the NVC response. Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrated that a lifetime history of IPV-BI leads to subtle but significant disruptions to NVC responses which are modulated by comorbid depression and anxiety. Future studies should examine cerebrovascular function at the acute and subacute stages after IPV episodes to shed additional light on this experience and its outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Wallace
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Okanagan College, Penticton, BC, Canada
| | - Jonathan D. Smirl
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cerebrovascular Concussion Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shambhu P. Adhikari
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - K. Elisabeth Jones
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Matt Rieger
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Krystal Rothlander
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Choi NG, Marti CN, Choi BY. Suicide from intimate partner and other relationship conflicts: demographic and clinical correlates'. J Ment Health 2024; 33:84-91. [PMID: 37578139 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2023.2245886] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant portion of suicides are precipitated by interpersonal relationship problems. AIMS To examine demographic and clinical correlates of any intimate partner conflicts (IPC) and other interpersonal conflicts (OPC) as suicide precipitants. METHODS We analyzed data on 92,805 (72,628 male; 20,177 female) adult suicide decedents from the 2017 to 2019 U.S. National Violent Death Reporting System, using multinomial and binary logistic regression models. We included case examples from coroners/medical examiner (CME) and law enforcement (LE) agency reports. RESULTS Of all decedents, 23.6% had IPC and 8.0% had OPC as a suicide precipitant. Compared to those without any relationship conflict, those who had IPC or OPC were younger and more likely to have had previous suicide attempt(s), alcohol/other substance use problems, and job/finance/housing and legal problems. Compared to those with OPC, those with IPC were more likely to be male and Hispanic and had higher odds of previous suicide attempt, depression diagnosis, alcohol problems, and more acute crises. CME/LE reports showed distress of divorce/break-up, other life stressors, prior suicide attempt(s), alcohol/other substance involvement, and/or loss of family support. CONCLUSIONS Access to behavioral health treatment for those at risk of suicide in the face of IPC or OPC is essential for suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namkee G Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - C Nathan Marti
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bryan Y Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and BayHealth, Dover, DE, USA
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Chua S, Sabang JA, Chew KS, Nohuddin PNE. Textual Analysis of Tweets Associated with Domestic Violence. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:2402-2411. [PMID: 38106840 PMCID: PMC10719714 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i11.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Domestic violence is a global public health concern as stated by World Health Organization. We aimed to conduct a textual analysis of tweets associated with domestic violence through keyword identification, word trends and word collocations. The data was obtained from Twitter, focusing on publicly available tweets written in English. The objectives are to find out if the identified keywords, word trends and word collocations can help differentiate between domestic violence-related tweets and non-domestic violence-related tweets, as well as, to analyze the textual characteristics of domestic violence-related tweets and non-domestic violence-related tweets. Methods Overall, 11,041 tweets were collected using a few keywords over a period of 15 days from 22 March 2021 to 5 April 2021. A text analysis approach was used to discover the most frequent keywords used, the word trends of those keywords and the word collocations of the keywords in differentiating between domestic violence-related or non-domestic violence-related tweets. Results Domestic violence-related tweets and non-domestic violence-related tweets had differentiating characteristics, despite sharing several main keywords. In particular, keywords like "domestic", "violence" and "suicide" featured prominently in domestic-violence related tweets but not in non-domestic violence-related tweets. Significant differences could also be seen in the frequency of keywords and the word trends in the collection of the tweets. Conclusion These findings are significant in helping to automate the flagging of domestic-violence related tweets and alert the authorities so that they can take proactive steps such as assisting the victims in getting medical, police and legal help as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chua
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Janice Allison Sabang
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Keng Sheng Chew
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Dang LN, Kahsay ET, James LN, Johns LJ, Rios IE, Mezuk B. Research utility and limitations of textual data in the National Violent Death Reporting System: a scoping review and recommendations. Inj Epidemiol 2023; 10:23. [PMID: 37161610 PMCID: PMC10170777 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-023-00433-w] [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] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies of injury deaths rely on mortality data that contain limited contextual information about decedents. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) is unique among such data systems in that each observation includes both quantitative variables and qualitative texts (called "narratives") abstracted from original source documents. These narratives provide rich data regarding salient circumstances that can be used to inform prevention efforts. This review provides a comprehensive summary of peer-reviewed research using NVDRS narratives over the past 20 years, including the limitations of these texts and provides recommendations on utilizing and improving narrative quality for researchers and practitioners. MAIN BODY Studies that used narratives to examine deaths related to suicide, homicide, undetermined intent, accidental firearm, or legal intervention were identified by a title/abstract screening, followed by a full-text review. The search was conducted on English-language, peer-reviewed literature and government reports published from 2002 to 2022 in PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Abstracted elements focused on the methodologies used to analyze the narratives, including approaches to explore potential biases in these texts. Articles were abstracted independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved through consensus discussion. During the 20-year period, 111 articles used narratives. Two-thirds studied suicide (n = 48, 43%) and homicides (n = 25, 23%). Most studies analyzed the narratives using manual review (n = 81, 73%) and keyword searches (n = 9, 8%), with only 6 (5%) using machine learning tools. Narratives were mainly used for case finding (n = 49, 44%) and characterization of circumstances around deaths (n = 38, 34%). Common challenges included variability in the narratives and lack of relevant circumstantial details for case characterization. CONCLUSION Although the use of narratives has increased over time, these efforts would be enhanced by detailed abstraction of circumstances with greater salience to injury research and prevention. Moreover, researchers and practitioners would benefit from guidance on integrating narratives with quantitative variables and standardized approaches to address variability in the completeness and length of narratives. Such efforts will increase the reliability of findings and set the stage for more widespread applications of data science methods to these texts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh N Dang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eskira T Kahsay
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - LaTeesa N James
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lily J Johns
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Isabella E Rios
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Briana Mezuk
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Mejías-Martín Y, Martí-García C, Rodríguez-Mejías Y, Esteban-Burgos AA, Cruz-García V, García-Caro MP. Understanding for Prevention: Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Suicide Notes and Forensic Reports. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2281. [PMID: 36767647 PMCID: PMC9915324 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032281] [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] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Suicide risk is associated with vulnerabilities and specific life events. The study's objective was to explore the relevance of data from forensic documentation on suicide deaths to the design of person-centered preventive strategies. Descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted of forensic observations of 286 deaths by suicide, including some with suicide notes. Key findings included the influence of health-and family-related adverse events, emotional states of loss and sadness, and failures of the health system to detect and act on signs of vulnerability, as confirmed by the suicide notes. Forensic documentation provides useful information to improve the targeting of preventive campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Mejías-Martín
- Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Hygia Research Group, ibs.GRANADA, Health Research Institute, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Celia Martí-García
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Ana Alejandra Esteban-Burgos
- Hygia Research Group, ibs.GRANADA, Health Research Institute, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Víctor Cruz-García
- Cinebase, Cinema and Audiovisual School of Catalonia (ESCAC), 08222 Terrassa, Spain
| | - María Paz García-Caro
- Hygia Research Group, ibs.GRANADA, Health Research Institute, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Adult abuse and poor prognosis in Taiwan, 2000-2015: a cohort study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2280. [PMID: 36474217 PMCID: PMC9724336 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14663-y] [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] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the risk of poor prognosis regarding schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, suicide, self-inflicted injury, and mortality after adult violence from 2000 to 2015 in Taiwan. METHODS This study used data from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) on outpatient, emergency, and inpatient visits for two million people enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI) from 2000 to 2015. The case study defined ICD-9 diagnosis code N code 995.8 (abused adult) or E code E960-E969 (homicide and intentional injury of another). It analyzed first-time violence in adults aged 18-64 years (study group). 1:4 ratio was matched with injury and non-violent patients (control group). The paired variables were sex, age (± 1 year), pre-exposure to the Charlson comorbidity index, and year of medical treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4 and Cox regression for data analysis. RESULTS In total, 8,726 individuals experienced violence (case group) while34,904 did not experienced violence (control group) over 15 years. The prevalence of poor prognosis among victims of violence was 25.4/104, 31.3/104, 10.5/10,4 and 104.6/104 for schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, suicide or self-inflicted injury and mortality, respectively. Among adults, the risks of suicide or self-inflicted injury, schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, and mortality after exposure to violence (average 9 years) were 6.87-, 5.63-, 4.10-, and 2.50-times (p < 0.01), respectively, compared with those without violence. Among males, the risks were 5.66-, 3.85-, 3.59- and 2.51-times higher, respectively, than those without violence (p < 0.01), and they were 21.93-, 5.57-, 4.60- and 2.46-times higher than those without violence (p < 0.01) among females. CONCLUSION The risk of poor prognosis regarding schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, suicide, or self-inflicted injury and mortality after adult violence was higher than in those who have not experienced a violent injury. Adults at the highest risk for violent suicide or self-inflicted injuries due to exposure to violent injuries -males were at risk for schizophrenia and females were at risk for suicide or self-inflicted injuries. Therefore, it is necessary for social workers and medical personnel to pay attention to the psychological status of victims of violence.
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Muthulingam T, Edirisinghe PAS, Wijewardhane HP, Thivaharan Y, Jayasundara MMS, Borukgama N, Kulathunga DL, Alwis DN, Govinnage PS, Kitulwatte IDG. A Study on Victims of Intimate Partner Violence Reported to Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka During 2019-2021. Acad Forensic Pathol 2022; 12:95-111. [PMID: 36093371 PMCID: PMC9459399 DOI: 10.1177/19253621221119074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common issue in any society and the reported cases are just the tip of an iceberg as most of the victims are reluctant to come to the criminal justice system. Forensic experts are often encountering the victims who chose to seek justice. Evaluation of the nature, consequences, and underlying factors are needed in planning preventive measures. Objectives To describe the patterns and associated factors of IPV among victims who reported to Office of the Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo North Teaching Hospital and to specifically describe the patterns prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A retrospective descriptive study based on 471 medicolegal records of the victims who had undergone medicolegal examination following IPV during last two years (March 2019 to February 2021). Results Out of 471, 206 cases were reported prepandemic and 265 reported postpandemic periods. Even though majority were females there were 21 males. Types of abuse were complex and often interrelated. There were 463 who had experienced physical injuries while there were 20 who had been subjected to sexual violence. Face was the commonest target of assault (63%). Substance abuse was identified as the commonest predisposing factor (56%). Even though repeated abuse was common, 42.5% of the victims had never made any complaints to the police. Despite multiple complains, 39.7% had experienced repeated violence. Conclusion Victims of IPV are silently suffering for many long years. Failure in the response from authorities was identified. COVID-19 pandemic has become an additional risk factor for IPV. Strengthening of legal and social responses is the need of the hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanushan Muthulingam
- Thanushan Muthulingam, MBBS, DLM, Office of
Judicial Medical Officer, Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, LK-1 Western
Province 001400, Sri Lanka;
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Shoib S, Khan S, Baiou A, Chandradasa M, Swed S, Turan S, Yusha’u Armiya’u A. Exposure to violence and the presence of suicidal and self-harm behaviour predominantly in Asian females: scoping review. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-022-00225-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Exposure to violence is associated with psychological distress, mental disorders such as depression, and suicidal behaviour. Most of the studies are conducted in the West, with limited publications from Asia. Thus, we conducted a scoping review of studies investigating the association between experiences of violence and later suicidal ideation/attempts from Asia in the twenty-first century.
Results
Many studies focused on domestic violence toward women in the Southeast Asian region. Sociocultural factors such as family disputes, public shaming, dowry, lack of education opportunities, and marriage life perceptions mediated the association. Many women exposed to violence and attempted suicide suffered from mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The small number of suitable studies and the possible effect of confounders on participants were limitations in the review. Future studies would have to focus on specific types of violence and ethnoreligious beliefs.
Conclusion
Women in Asia exposed to violence appear to have an increased risk of suicidal behaviour and mental disorders. The early screening of psychological distress with culturally validated tools is essential for preventing suicides in Asian victims of violence.
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Female Homicide in Italy in 2021: Different Criminological and Psychopathological Perspectives on the Phenomenon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127537. [PMID: 35742784 PMCID: PMC9223675 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The intentional homicide of female victims, which is most commonly perpetrated by intimate partners or family members, has been recognized in recent years as a matter of grave public concern that needs to be addressed from the cultural and judicial perspectives. To allow an in-depth criminological and psychopathological evaluation of female homicide in Italy in 2021 to be conducted, the authors performed a newspaper report analysis of the phenomenon. All female homicides that occurred in Italy in 2021 (n = 119) were included in the study. The analysis confirmed the low rate of female homicides in Italy when compared with other countries and also showed the phenomenon to be more complex than usually described. The highest rate of homicides was observed in elderly females when compared with other age groups, implying different criminological considerations and suggesting that gender-based violence may only explain some of the identified cases. The high incidence of suicide or attempted suicide among offenders, together with the high incidence of reported mental disorders in that population, suggests that a psychopathological perspective on the phenomenon of female homicide could help with the development and implementation of preventive strategies that focus on managing mental health at a territorial level and intervening in difficult domestic situations.
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Fitzpatrick SJ, Brew BK, Handley T, Perkins D. Men, suicide, and family and interpersonal violence: A mixed methods exploratory study. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2022; 44:991-1008. [PMID: 35500037 PMCID: PMC9543582 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Research has shown a link between gender, violence, and suicide. This relationship is complex, and few empirical studies have explored suicide and family and interpersonal violence perpetrated by men. Drawing on a coronial dataset of suicide cases and a mixed methods design, this study integrated a quantitative analysis of 155 suicide cases with a qualitative analysis of medico-legal reports from 32 cases. Findings showed different types and patterns of family and intimate partner violence for men who died by suicide. Men used violence in response to conflict, but also to dominate women. Cumulative, interwoven effects of violence, mental illness, alcohol and other drug use, socioeconomic, and psychosocial circumstances were observed in our study population. However, the use of violence and suicidal behaviour was also a deliberate and calculated response by which some men sought to maintain influence or control over women. Health and criminal justice interventions served as short-term responses to violence, mental illness, and suicidal behaviour, but were of limited assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J. Fitzpatrick
- Centre for Mental Health ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
- Centre for Rural and Remote Mental HealthThe University of NewcastleOrangeAustralia
| | - Bronwyn K. Brew
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics UnitCentre for Big Data Research in Health and School of Women's and Children's HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Tonelle Handley
- Centre for Rural and Remote Mental HealthThe University of NewcastleOrangeAustralia
| | - David Perkins
- Centre for Rural and Remote Mental HealthThe University of NewcastleOrangeAustralia
- Health Research InstituteUniversity of CanberraCanberraAustralia
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Özümerzifon Y, Ross A, Brinza T, Gibney G, Garber CE. Exploring a Dance/Movement Program on Mental Health and Well-Being in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence During a Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:887827. [PMID: 35722545 PMCID: PMC9204421 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.887827] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and benefits of a 12-session dance/movement program for intimate partner violence survivors' mental health and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The specific purposes were fourfold: (1) To determine the feasibility of delivering a virtual dance/movement workshop program; (2) to examine the effects of the program on symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress; (3) to determine whether heart rate variability improves; and (4) to describe the individual and shared experiences of a subgroup of participants of the program. METHODS Forty-five women ages 23-48 years were randomized to a 12-session virtual creative dance/movement program or a usual care control group, and completed questionnaires about PTSD and mental health symptoms, general health, physical activity, and underwent a brief measurement of heart rate variability. A subset of the intervention group participated in a semi-structured focus group. RESULTS The results of the study showed that the female survivors of intimate partner violence who participated in the virtual workshops felt better, and they experienced improved affect and reduced tension. They found new ways to express themselves, attune to their bodies, learn new self-care habits, and build community as they engaged in the workshops. Over the course of the study, the participants' symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress lessened. There were no changes in heart rate variability. CONCLUSIONS This complex study was successfully completed during a global pandemic and resulted in improvements in some mental health symptoms and overall well-being. Given the importance of this work with intimate partner violence survivors, further work exploring dance/movement workshops for participants virtually and in-person is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison Ross
- Sanctuary for Families, Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Tessa Brinza
- Gina Gibney Dance, Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Gina Gibney
- Gina Gibney Dance, Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Carol Ewing Garber
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Mezuk B, Kalesnikava VA, Kim J, Ko TM, Collins C. Not discussed: Inequalities in narrative text data for suicide deaths in the National Violent Death Reporting System. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254417. [PMID: 34270588 PMCID: PMC8284808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rate of suicide in the US has increased substantially in the past two decades, and new insights are needed to support prevention efforts. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), the nation’s most comprehensive registry of suicide mortality, has qualitative text narratives that describe salient circumstances of these deaths. These texts have great potential for providing novel insights about suicide risk but may be subject to information bias. Objective To examine the relationship between decedent characteristics and the presence and length of NVDRS text narratives (separately for coroner/medical examiner (C/ME) and law enforcement (LE) reports) among 233,108 suicide and undetermined deaths from 2003–2017. Methods Generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic and quasi-Poisson modeling was used to examine variation in the narratives (proportion of missing texts and character length of the non-missing texts, respectively) as a function of decedent age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, military history, and homeless status. Models adjusted for site, year, location of death, and autopsy status. Results The frequency of missing narratives was higher for LE vs. C/ME texts (19.8% vs. 5.2%). Decedent characteristics were not consistently associated with missing text across the two types of narratives (i.e., Black decedents were more likely to be missing the LE narrative but less likely to be missing the C/ME narrative relative to non-Hispanic whites). Conditional on having a narrative, C/ME were significantly longer than LE (822.44 vs. 780.68 characters). Decedents who were older, male, had less education and some racial/ethnic minority groups had shorter narratives (both C/ME and LE) than younger, female, more educated, and non-Hispanic white decedents. Conclusion Decedent characteristics are significantly related to the presence and length of narrative texts for suicide and undetermined deaths in the NVDRS. Findings can inform future research using these data to identify novel determinants of suicide mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Mezuk
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Viktoryia A. Kalesnikava
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jenni Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Tomohiro M. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Cassady Collins
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Disparities in potential years of life lost due to intimate partner violence: Data from 16 states for 2006-2015. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246477. [PMID: 33596226 PMCID: PMC7888591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intimate partner violence can lead to deaths of one or both partners and others (i.e., corollary victims). Prior studies do not enumerate the societal cost of intimate partner violence-related fatalities, exclude corollary victims from most analyses, and do not describe groups who bear the highest societal costs from intimate partner violence. Objective We examine racial/ethnic and gender-based disparities in potential years of life lost (PYLL) among intimate partners and corollary victims of intimate partner violence-related mortality. Methods We used 16 US states’ 2006–2015 National Violent Death Reporting System data to estimate PYLL among intimate partners (n = 6,282) and corollary victims (n = 1,634) by victims’ race/ethnicity and sex. We describe fatalities by sex, race/ethnicity, age, and victim-suspect relationships and used hierarchical linear models to examine PYLL per death differences by victims’ sex and race/ethnicity. Results Nearly 290,000 years of potential life were lost by partner and corollary victims as a result of IPV in 16 states during the decade of study. Most partner victims were female (59%); most corollary victims were male (76%). Female intimate partners died 5.1 years earlier (95% CI: 4.4., 5.9) than males, and female corollary victims died 3.6 years (1.9, 5.5) earlier than males. Racial/ethnic minorities died nine or more years earlier than their White counterparts. White males had the lowest PYLL per death of all sex/race groups. Implications Intimate partner violence-related fatalities exact a high societal cost, and the burden of that cost is disproportionately high among racial/ethnic minorities. Future interventions targeting specific sex and race/ethnic groups might help reduce disparities in intimate partner violence burden.
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Petrosky E, Ertl A, Sheats KJ, Wilson R, Betz CJ, Blair JM. Surveillance for Violent Deaths - National Violent Death Reporting System, 34 States, Four California Counties, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 2017. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT. SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES (WASHINGTON, D.C. : 2002) 2020; 69:1-37. [PMID: 33270620 PMCID: PMC7713989 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.ss6908a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM/CONDITION In 2017, approximately 67,000 persons died of violence-related injuries in the United States. This report summarizes data from CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) on violent deaths that occurred in 34 states, four California counties, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in 2017. Results are reported by sex, age group, race/ethnicity, method of injury, type of location where the injury occurred, circumstances of injury, and other selected characteristics. PERIOD COVERED 2017. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM NVDRS collects data regarding violent deaths obtained from death certificates, coroner and medical examiner reports, and law enforcement reports. This report includes data collected for violent deaths that occurred in 2017. Data were collected from 34 states (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin), four California counties (Los Angeles, Sacramento, Shasta, and Siskiyou), the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. NVDRS collates information for each death and links deaths that are related (e.g., multiple homicides, homicide followed by suicide, or multiple suicides) into a single incident. RESULTS For 2017, NVDRS collected information on 45,141 fatal incidents involving 46,389 deaths that occurred in 34 states, four California counties, and the District of Columbia; in addition, information was collected on 961 fatal incidents involving 1,027 deaths in Puerto Rico. Data for Puerto Rico were analyzed separately. Of the 46,389 deaths in the 34 states, four California counties, and District of Columbia, the majority (63.5%) were suicides, followed by homicides (24.9%), deaths of undetermined intent (9.7%), legal intervention deaths (1.4%) (i.e., deaths caused by law enforcement and other persons with legal authority to use deadly force acting in the line of duty, excluding legal executions), and unintentional firearm deaths (<1.0%). (The term "legal intervention" is a classification incorporated into the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and does not denote the lawfulness or legality of the circumstances surrounding a death caused by law enforcement.) Demographic patterns and circumstances varied by manner of death. The suicide rate was higher among males than among females and was highest among adults aged 45-64 years and ≥85 years and non-Hispanic American Indians/Alaska Natives and non-Hispanic Whites. The most common method of injury for suicide was a firearm among males and poisoning among females. Suicide was most often preceded by a mental health, intimate partner, or physical health problem or a recent or impending crisis during the previous or upcoming 2 weeks. The homicide rate was highest among persons aged 20-24 years and was higher among males than females. Non-Hispanic Black males had the highest homicide rate of any racial/ethnic group. The most common method of injury for homicide was a firearm. When the relationship between a homicide victim and a suspect was known, the suspect was most frequently an acquaintance or friend for male victims and a current or former intimate partner for female victims. Homicide most often was precipitated by an argument or conflict, occurred in conjunction with another crime, or, for female victims, was related to intimate partner violence. Among intimate partner violence-related homicides, the largest proportion occurred among adults aged 35-54 years, and the most common method of injury was a firearm. When the relationship between an intimate partner violence-related homicide victim and a suspect was known, most female victims were killed by a current or former intimate partner, whereas approximately half of male victims were killed by a suspect who was not their intimate partner. Almost all legal intervention deaths were among males, and the legal intervention death rate was highest among men aged 25-29 years. Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native males had the highest legal intervention death rate, followed by non-Hispanic Black males. A firearm was used in the majority of legal intervention deaths. When a specific type of crime was known to have precipitated a legal intervention death, the type of crime was most frequently assault/homicide. The most frequent circumstances for legal intervention deaths were reported use of a weapon by the victim in the incident and a mental health or substance use problem (other than alcohol use). Unintentional firearm deaths more frequently occurred among males, non-Hispanic Whites, and persons aged 15-24 years. These deaths most often occurred while the shooter was playing with a firearm and most frequently were precipitated by a person unintentionally pulling the trigger or mistakenly thinking the firearm was unloaded. The rate of death when the manner was of undetermined intent was highest among males, particularly among non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native males, and persons aged 30-34 years. Poisoning was the most common method of injury in deaths of undetermined intent, and opioids were detected in nearly 80% of decedents tested for those substances. INTERPRETATION This report provides a detailed summary of data from NVDRS on violent deaths that occurred in 2017. The suicide rate was highest among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White males, whereas the homicide rate was highest among non-Hispanic Black males. Intimate partner violence precipitated a large proportion of homicides for females. Mental health problems, intimate partner problems, interpersonal conflicts, and acute life stressors were primary circumstances for multiple types of violent death. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION NVDRS data are used to monitor the occurrence of violence-related fatal injuries and assist public health authorities in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and policies to reduce and prevent violent deaths. For example, South Carolina VDRS and Colorado VDRS are using their data to support suicide prevention programs through systems change and the Zero Suicide framework. North Carolina VDRS and Kentucky VDRS data were used to examine intimate partner violence-related deaths beyond homicides to inform prevention efforts. Findings from these studies suggest that intimate partner violence might also contribute to other manners of violent death, such as suicide, and preventing intimate partner violence might reduce the overall number of violent deaths. In 2019, NVDRS expanded data collection to include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, providing more comprehensive and actionable violent death information for public health efforts to reduce violent deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Petrosky
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
| | - Allison Ertl
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
| | - Kameron J. Sheats
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
| | - Rebecca Wilson
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
| | - Carter J. Betz
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
| | - Janet M. Blair
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
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Johnson DM, Tzilos Wernette G, Miller TR, Muzik M, Raker CA, Zlotnick C. Computerized intervention for reducing intimate partner victimization for perinatal women seeking mental health treatment: A multisite randomized clinical trial protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 93:106011. [PMID: 32305456 PMCID: PMC7254924 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Intimate partner victimization (IPV) is a significant social and public health problem among perinatal women. Research suggests that 21% to 33% of perinatal women report IPV and there is an enormous amount of morbidity associated with IPV. Moreover, IPV places women at high risk for several psychiatric disorders, which transforms the perinatal period from an already challenging process into a potentially overwhelming one. Further, IPV and untreated mental illness during the perinatal period pose a dual risk of adverse physical and emotional outcomes for women and their developing fetus/infant. Given the high rates of IPV among women who seek mental health treatment, mental health clinics compared to other medical settings are more effective sites for focused case finding and intervention. Our team has successfully tested an innovative, computerized intervention, Strength for U in Relationship Empowerment (SURE). SURE is a brief, interactive program consistent with motivational interviewing and incorporates empowerment strategies. The proposed multisite randomized clinical trial (N = 186) will test whether SURE relative to control is associated with reduced IPV, greater positive affect and well-being, and greater perceived emotional support. We will also evaluate the role of theoretical mediators of empowerment and self-efficacy. Finally, we will estimate the resources needed and costs to deliver SURE, as well as the incremental cost effectiveness of SURE compared with treatment as usual. If SURE is found to be efficacious and cost effective, it can be easily integrated into clinical care and will fill a critical gap for a vulnerable, high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-4301, USA.
| | - Golfo Tzilos Wernette
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ted R Miller
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, MD, USA; School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Maria Muzik
- Department of Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christina A Raker
- Division of Research, Women and Infant's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Caron Zlotnick
- Department of Medicine, Women and Infant's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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