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After decades of advocacy, prosecution of elder abuse has increased, a trend that is likely to continue. However, the increased scrutiny of elder abuse has raised questions about the consequences of prosecution on victims, perpetrators, and society, calling for a careful analysis of when and how the criminal justice system intervenes in these cases. To understand the nature and characteristics of elder abuse perpetrators, the article briefly reviews three sources of administrative data on perpetrators, followed by a concise review of the perpetrator research, most of which does not draw from criminal justice samples. To explain how the criminal justice system responds to elder abuse perpetrators, the article describes the criminal justice system's philosophy, the careful balancing of multiple factors when exercising prosecutorial discretion and provides a compilation of criminal justice responses that may be available to prosecutors in elder abuse cases. Recommendations for improvements in administrative data and increases in the quantity and quality of perpetrator research are presented. Where prosecution may be warranted, this paper argues that prosecutors would benefit from having a range of pre- and post-charging perpetrator interventions available. Filling research gaps identified in this paper could form the foundation for developing targeted criminal justice responses that both address the underlying causes of perpetrator criminal behavior and consider victim's wishes and may ultimately increase the safety and well-being of older adults and the communities in which they live. • Concise review of elder abuse perpetrator research. • Analysis of criminal justice philosophy and prosecutorial discretion within this context. • Research agenda for elder abuse perpetrator criminal justice interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex trauma is a significant public health problem in the United States (U.S.), occurring in families with chronic and compounding exposures to traumatic stressors like substance misuse, intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment (Cook et al., 2017). Yet, few programs exist to treat their intersection, challenging our ability to respond effectively and restore positive trajectories for children and families. In this context, there is a need for innovative approaches to treat these intersecting phenomena. In this conceptual paper, we identify three innovative programs that offer integrative approaches to these intersecting challenges. We analyze common elements among these programs, offering a theoretical foundation for fundamental elements of transformative services. Finally, we consider how the Families First Prevention Act could be leveraged for states to adopt and implement these programs. The goal of this conceptual paper is to advance empirical and practical discussions regarding programmatic and policy options for more effectively responding to substance misuse, and IPV in families, and the associated traumas incurred by maltreated children and their caregivers. • Substance misuse, IPV, and child maltreatment, frequently co-occur. Yet, few programs exist to address their inter-related effects. • This conceptual paper reviews three exemplar integrative programs: Child Development Community Policing, Family-Based Recovery, and Child Parent-Psychotherapy. • We identify key and common elements of these integrative programs. Specifically, we find that: 1 warm handoffs, 2) removing barriers to access, 3) relationship-based practice, 4) a trauma-informed approach, 5) strong case management, 6) providing access to services when families are in crisis, and 7) breaking down silos are important components for integrated approaches. • The federal Family First Prevention Act (FFPSA) could be leveraged to fund innovative, integrative approaches to substance misuse, intimate partner violence, and child maltreatment. • Integrative programs are important for promoting resilience and restoring positive trajectories for children and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent decades, homicide has so truncated life expectancy in the United States that homicide victimization should be considered a public-health problem worthy of addressing via preventive programs and policies. Evidence in the literature roots homicide victimization deep within the social structure, in problematic social inequalities and disadvantages. The evidence suggests homicide victimization is associated with six demographic, social, and lifestyle factors: being male, African-American, young, of low socioeconomic status, without adequate social support, and mentally ill or a substance user. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this paper outlines theoretical mechanisms leading to racial differences in homicide victimization. It hypothesizes that Black Americans (a) are likelier than Whites to become homicide victims and, if victimized, (b) are likelier to be younger than victimized Whites. To understand these racial differences, the paper examines whether and how multiple disadvantages—at both the macro and micro level—operate against Blacks disproportionately. The paper concludes by noting further research needs and policy implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern that has profound impacts on women across the globe. Though it cuts across race, socioeconomic status, age, geography and sexual orientation, those communities plagued by poverty experience disproportionate rates. Poverty creates unique circumstances of vulnerability for individuals, families, and communities and is disproportionately experienced by Black communities in both developed and developing countries. The impact of poverty on Black communities is significant and pervasive, with deep historical roots. Both IPV and poverty have profound effects on women's physical and psychosocial health and well-being. Black women who live at the intersection of experiencing poverty and IPV are in an especially disadvantaged position. This paper will explore the impact of poverty on Black women's experiences of violence in the United States and on the African continent and present a call to action for necessary structural, community and individual level intervention to address this pervasive concern. • Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major concern and global human rights violation. • IPV and poverty have profound effects on women's physical & psychosocial well-being. • Black women who live at the intersection of poverty & IPV are especially vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of the current review was to examine sexual assault in the United States military. The current paper reviews prevalence rates, factors that may contribute to the high rates of sexual assault within the military, and the effects of military sexual violence. The paper also investigates the military''s response to combating sexual assault among its servicemembers as well as recommendations for further improvement. Sexual assault continues to be a problem within the armed forces. And, although the military has recently implemented many new programs and prevention efforts, there continues to be a need for change within the military in order to reduce sexual victimization and perpetration. There also needs to be more evaluation of the current programs in order to determine their effectiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current paper provides a comprehensive research review of gender differences in rates of and risk factors for adolescent suicidal behavior in four main U.S cultural subgroups: African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino Americans. The paper highlights substantial findings from the most recent literature and provides direction for future research and clinical work. The data presented suggest that clinicians and interventionists relying on nonfatal expressions of suicide will continue to fail to identify adolescent males at risk for suicide, as females are more likely to report suicide ideation and attempts across all cultural groups reviewed. We conclude that researchers and clinicians should utilize indirect, broad measures of suicide proneness, as opposed to the traditional direct self-report tools. Although past research has examined cultural and gender differences in risk factors for suicidal behavior, these investigations have been primarily isolated from each other. Therefore, we sought to examine adolescent suicidal behavior and how it operates as a function of both gender and culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bullying experiences and male sexual violence (SV) perpetration are major public health problems, and while extant literature suggests that they may share some developmental correlates, there is no established empirical link between being a perpetrator or victim of bullying and SV perpetration in the literature. Nonetheless, some SV prevention programs in the U.S. include bullying prevention components for elementary and middle-school aged children. Research is needed to test the hypothesized links between bullying experiences and SV perpetration to determine whether bullying prevention programs are likely to prevent SV perpetration. The purpose of this paper is to present results from a review of research on each of these topics and to discuss the potential shared and unique risk and protective factors within a social-ecological framework. The paper concludes with suggested directions for future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The torture of detainees at Abu Ghraib has been characterized as an isolated incident and blamed on a few “bad apples.” However, as similar reports of war crimes throughout Iraq continue to surface, it seems increasingly apparent that in the anxious post-9/11 context, the low-level agents who carried out such violence were designed to function in this way. This paper suggests that the U.S. military transformed ordinary soldiers into the cruel and ruthless guards at Abu Ghraib through the use of basic recruitment and training strategies, general authorizations for increased aggression and violence after 9/11, specific authorizations for more aggressive interrogations, a range of pressures and protections, and the dehumanization of prisoners. While the legitimate needs of an effective Army must be preserved, this paper offers several specific ways we might reform the U.S. military and prevent such abuses in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Much work has been undertaken to publicize the plight of female rape survivors, but until recent years the rape and sexual assault of adult males received little research or public attention. The aim of this paper is to selectively review the literature on male survivors of sexual violence highlighting, where relevant, timely implications for policy and practice. First, changes in UK legislation relating to male rape are discussed, with cross-national comparisons made against United States, Australian and Canadian statute to overview developing definitions and legal good practice. Second, prevalence issues relating to the under-reporting and long-term consequences of male sexual victimization are outlined. Third, the current dearth of UK service provision for male rape survivors is reported. Finally, literature on how male rape myth acceptance, victim blaming and homophobia relate to the secondary victimization of male survivors is considered. Suggestions for continued research in this developing area of work are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past two decades have witnessed an increase in ethnicity-related peer aggression, driven by the intensification of the migration phenomenon and rise of information and communication technologies. The goal of the current study is to extend the scope of previous reviews on peer aggression to examine the emerging evidence on the role of technological tools in the prevention, detection, and handling of ethnicity-related peer aggression among young people. We have identified 14 relevant papers published between 2005 and 2020 that help us answer the following research questions: What forms of aggression among young ethnic minorities do these technological interventions try to address? What types of technological interventions are being used? The results indicate that the technological tools are being used to tackle both intergroup as well as intragroup peer aggression, in which ethnic minorities youth is involved (as a victim, perpetrator or bystander). Most studies have focused on adolescents and young adults in the US or in Europe. The technological tools reported on, include: online games, videos, social media, and chat-based programmes, or machine learning algorithms aimed at tackling online and offline peer aggression. They can be used either as stand - alone tools, or as part of intervention programmes (at the school, family or community level). These findings can be useful to improve and elaborate future digital technologies developed to address ethnicity-related peer aggression. • The review maps the existing literature on the role of technological tools in tackling ethnicity-related peer aggression. • All forms of peer aggression are considered in which ethnic minorities youth was involved. • Three groups of technological interventions are identified and categorized into intra- or intergroup ethnicity-related peer aggression. • The digital tools presented include: online games, video, social media, chat-based programmes, and machine learning algorithms. • Our study reveals some follow-up research questions needed to expand current knowledge on digital technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the immigrant population grows in the US, the plight of abused immigrant women may present particular challenges to practitioners. Specifically, due to cultural and religious values and other immigrant-specific barriers, abused immigrant women may not seek help from formal resources. This paper discusses the impact of cultural and religious values and other barriers on abused immigrant women's help-seeking behaviors to posit that natural resources in immigrant communities can play important roles in addressing intimate partner violence. An examination of potential roles for the faith community in addressing intimate partner violence in immigrant communities will be followed by suggestions for engaging the faith community in collaborative efforts to address intimate partner violence in immigrant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The public narrative of juvenile offenders has oscillated between images of the misguided and the superpredator. Consequently, public policy discussions have followed a similar path — swinging between offering treatment and implementing punishment. This paper discusses the impact of neoliberalism, high profile events, and recent legislative responses to posit that the discussion changes dyad of punishment and rehabilitation to a method to work with youth. Restorative justice used in Australia provides a starting point in discussing the types of programs necessary to change the conversation and improve the lives of juveniles in America. Policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parent-child physical aggression, including both physical punishment and abuse, remains a prevalent problem in the United States. In this paper, we briefly review the prevalence and harms of parent-child aggression and discuss changes in social norms and policies over the past several decades. Then, we discuss broad social policies influencing risk for parent-child physical aggression, policies relevant to reducing and preventing physical abuse, and policies relevant to reducing and preventing physical punishment. We close by considering future directions to strengthen research and evaluation and accelerate progress toward ending parent-child physical aggression. • Physical punishment and abuse can cause short- and long-term harm to children. • Changes to public policies can reduce and prevent physical punishment and abuse. • The United States should consider banning all physical punishment of children. • Parents must be educated and empowered to use safe and effective discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the domains of youth risk behavior, suicidality is a significant concern for parents and professionals alike, requiring ongoing efforts to better understand and prevent rising trends. Recent examinations of suicidal behaviors in the United States over the last decade revealed an increase in emergency and inpatient hospital settings. Of importance, seasonal variations were demonstrated, finding the lowest frequency of suicidality encounters in summer months, and observed peaks in the fall and spring, during the school year. Given these findings and the fact that youth spend nearly half of their time at school, consideration of youth suicide in the school environment is critical. This paper will review the trends of youth suicide within the school context, exploring factors such as at-risk youth, bullying, relevant legal issues, and the current state of crisis response in school settings. Recommendations for prevention, intervention, and postvention will be provided. The authors propose that school professionals play a vital role in addressing youth suicide and will aim to provide guidance on effective crisis response within the school context. • Recent research supports the growing rates of youth suicidality and the school context is an ideal setting for prevention. • Variety of prevention programming available, requiring additional research and replication. • Prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts are imperative and are implemented variably across school districts. • School professionals are an integral part of the prevention of and crisis response to youth suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of great concern is the existence of instructional manuals circulating online that provide pedophiles with guidance on how to sexually abuse children. To better understand the role this material may play in the exploitation of children, the United States Marshals Services Behavioral Analysis Unit conducted a qualitative analysis on the content of all known pedophile manuals. From the cumulative content of these manuals we derived a model of victim selection and identified specific strategies used by this population to harm children. The manuals reveal that although external situational factors are given consideration during victim selection, the internal vulnerabilities of the victim are emphasized for active exploitation. The graphic content found within the documents and the ability to obtain them anonymously exacerbate the danger these manuals pose by reinforcing cognitive distortions, fostering networking opportunities, and normalizing the sexual abuse of children. The "education" provided in the manuals may bolster pedophilic identification as well as increase criminal efficacy. In the current paper we present important insights we obtained about the mentality and methodologies of pedophiles and other individuals interested in sexually exploiting children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullying is a social phenomenon. About 30% of school children are involved in bullying as victims, bullies, or bully/victims. The victims of bullying suffer multiple negative consequences, including poor social and academic adjustment, depression, and anxiety. This paper extends Farrington and Ttofi's (2009) meta-analysis of controlled trials of 44 bullying interventions, which suggests that bullying programs are effective in decreasing bullying and victimization. We review controlled trials of bullying interventions published from June, 2009 through April, 2013, focusing on substantive results across 32 studies that examined 24 bullying interventions. Of the 32 articles, 17 assess both bullying and victimization, 10 assess victimization only, and 5 assess bullying only. Of the 22 studies examining bullying perpetration, 11 (50%) observed significant effects; of the 27 studies examining bullying victimization, 18 (67%) reported significant effects. Although the overall findings are mixed, the data suggest that interventions implemented outside of the United States with homogeneous samples are more successful than programs implemented in the United States, where samples tend to be more heterogeneous. Few studies have measured bullying with sufficient precision to have construct validity. Finding strong measures to assess the complex construct of bullying remains a major challenge for the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific study of genetic contributions to chronic antisocial behavior has stemmed from many lines of research in recent years. Genetic research involving twin, family, and adoption studies has traditionally been used to compare the health and behavior outcomes of individuals who share the same environment or hereditary lineage; several of these studies have concluded that heredity plays some role in the formation of chronic antisocial behavior, including various forms of aggression and chronic norm-defiance. However, the ethical, social, and legal environment surrounding research on the biological contributions to antisocial behavior in the United States is contentious. Although there has been some discussion in the last few decades regarding the ethical, social, and legal concerns around this type of research within academic and policy circles, analysis and discussion of these concerns rarely appear together. This paper explores the main themes that interact to form the basis of much of the resistance to positing biological contributions to antisocial behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Female gang membership is increasing in the United States. Prevention and treatment interventions are needed to help protect girls from gang membership. Research suggests that the mother/daughter relationship can provide a protective resource for girls at higher risk for gang involvement. Discussion of female gang activity, its causes, and parent/child relationship of female gang members is included. This paper develops a theoretical model based on collective efficacy (CE), family resilience, and the Core and Balance Model of Family Leisure Functioning, which serves as a guideline for developing preventative and treatment interventions for girls at-risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Weapons are used in approximately one quarter of all violent incidents and the majority of homicides in the US, and the UK. Despite their overwhelming contribution to violent harm, theories of weapon related behaviors are scarce, and little is known of their correlates. This paper reviews available theories of weapon related behavior and identifies a number of motivations for weapon carrying, such as self defense, victim coercion, causing harm and self presentation. Correlates of weapon carrying and weapon use such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, exposure to weapons and history of aggression are explored and a number of limitations to current research approaches are identified. The review concludes with a discussion of future directions for research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]