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Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in decades-long conflict that has resulted in the forced displacement of millions of people and extremely high rates of gender-based violence (GBV). While much attention has understandably focused on conflict-related sexual violence, intimate partner violence (IPV) is in fact one of the most pervasive forms of GBV, including in conflict settings. This paper presents results of a large, randomised survey looking at both sexual and intimate partner violence. Formerly displaced women had 11 per cent greater odds of reporting past-year IPV (p < 0.05), and currently displaced women reported 20 per cent greater odds of IPV in the past-year (p < 0.001). Women who reported ever being displaced also reported 8.5 per cent greater odds (p < 0.001) of past-year sexual violence. Both displacement and war-related experiences are highly and significantly associated with lifetime and past-year IPV and sexual violence. By acknowledging and creating programs that explicitly address the high risk of violence faced by displaced women, we may more effectively break the cycles of violence in fragile settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Displacement and conflict substantially heighten the risk of gender-based violence including intimate partner violence (IPV), experienced by women and girls. This study aims to examine the links between conflict, forced displacement and IPV using nationally representative survey data measuring IPV combined with data on conflict-related violence from two different conflict-affected settings: Colombia and Liberia. We find that forced displacement is strongly associated with increased lifetime and past year IPV. Displaced women and girls in Colombia and Liberia have a 36 and 55 per cent, respectively greater risk of experiencing past year IPV and 39 and 49 per cent greater risk of experiencing lifetime IPV in each country respectively, compared to their non-displaced counterparts. Both conflict and displacement are independently and significantly associated with past year IPV. Taking conflict intensity into account increases the associated IPV risk to 40 and 60 per cent in Colombia and Liberia respectively. Recognising the increased prevalence of IPV for displaced women is vital to providing effective assistance. Humanitarian, state and peace-building efforts, should encompass the provision of a range of assistance services to help displaced and conflict-affected women heal from the impacts of the violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has significant social and economic consequences in addition to health implications. Alcohol and drug use are linked to violence, particularly intimate partner violence and domestic violence. Identifying the characteristics of individuals with AUD and a history of domestic violence is important. Our study aimed to investigate differences between AUD patients with and without domestic violence. This retrospective study examined the medical records of individuals diagnosed with AUD participating in a central Taiwan alcohol treatment program from 2019 to 2020. Utilizing the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener questionnaire (CAGE), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), and a question on suicidal ideation, we collected data on diverse variables, including a history of domestic violence. A total of 136 individuals were included in the analysis. Twenty participants had a history of domestic violence, while 116 did not. Those with a history of domestic violence had significantly higher MAST scores, lower quality of life, and higher caregiver burden compared to those without a history of domestic violence. They also had a higher proportion of adverse consequences related to alcohol use and higher suicidal ideation scores. It is important to assess the risk of domestic violence in individuals with AUD, particularly those with higher MAST scores. Questions 4 and 10 of the MAST, which relate to adverse consequences of alcohol use, such as losing friends or being arrested for drunk driving, could serve as warning questions for domestic violence. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of interventions in reducing domestic violence risk in individuals with AUD. • AUD patients with domestic violence history had higher MAST scores, lower quality of life, and increased caregiver burden. • AUD patients with domestic violence history showed more adverse alcohol use consequences and higher suicidal ideation. • AUD patients with domestic violence history experienced greater mental health challenges, including more severe suicidal thoughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Official estimates of violence prevalence in England exclude older people. There are few studies of elder abuse and these excluded violence from acquaintances and strangers and lack comparability with younger adults. To estimate prevalence of past-year violence victimisation in older people, identify factors associated with violence in older age, quantify the extent to which experience of violence in older people was associated with common mental disorder (CMD). Analysis of a 2014 general population probability sample survey of 2570 adults aged 60+ and 4484 16–59 year olds. Modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale measured domestic violence and List of Threatening Experiences captured bullying and serious assault. CMD were assessed using the revised Clinical Interview Schedule. Associations were examined using regression models adjusted for childhood victimisation and other adversities. 2.0 % (n = 52,CI:1.4–2.6) of older people experienced violence in the past year, with intimate partner violence the most prevalent form. Older people of non-white ethnicity, those who were socially isolated or lonely, and the formerly married were more likely to experience violence. Violence was associated with CMD in older people (adjusted odds ratio 2.2, CI:1.0–4.8), controlling for impairments, adversities and other factors. Violence, especially from an intimate partner, is evident in later life and strongly associated with poor mental health. Better instruments for the identification of violence and abuse in older people in research and safe enquiry in practice settings are needed, with recognition of and attention to ethnic and other inequalities among older people in exposure. • The study measured prevalence of and risk factors for violence in older people. • We used large and nationally representative general population sample • The associations between violence and mental health in later life were examined • Violence is evident in later life and strongly associated with poor mental health [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research suggests that prior victimizations during a person's lifetime, particularly childhood traumas and maltreatment, are risk factors for abuse and revictimization in adulthood, although longitudinal evidence is sparse. Using data from a 30-year ongoing longitudinal study of the long-term consequences of childhood maltreatment, this paper describes the extent to which childhood maltreatment predicts subsequent victimization and partner violence victimization at two time points in adulthood. Data were obtained from a prospective cohort design study in which children with court-substantiated cases of maltreatment (ages 0–11 years) and demographically matched controls were followed into adulthood and interviewed over several waves. Childhood maltreatment was assessed through juvenile and adult court records from 1967 to 1971 in a midwestern county area in the United States. Victimization experiences were assessed from 2000 to 2002 (M age = 39.5 years) and 2009 to 2010 (M age = 47.5) and included two types based on information from the lifetime trauma and victimization history instrument and questions about past year partner violence victimization. Individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment were more likely to report physical and sexual assaults and kidnapping and stalking victimization than controls through age 39.5. In contrast, the two groups did not differ at the later assessment at age 47.5, except maltreated individuals reported greater risk for sexual assault/abuse than controls. For intimate partner violence victimization at age 39.5, maltreated and control groups differed only in terms of victimization involving injury. Later in adulthood, more individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment reported partner physical violence victimization compared to controls. Although these longitudinal findings showed a general decline in victimization experiences over the two time points, these results demonstrate that childhood maltreatment increases risk for subsequent revictimization in middle adulthood, specifically for sexual assault/abuse and intimate partner physical violence victimization. These findings have implications for prevention and intervention efforts targeting maltreated children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the leading cause of death in pregnant women. Although it can be difficult to identify patients experiencing IPV, injuries to the head, neck, or face due to an assault are known to correlate with intentional injury. The objective of this study is to assess the contemporary burden of IPV in pregnancy and describe the patient characteristics. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all pregnant women between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: suspected IPV (SIPV) and no-SIPV groups.We defined SIPV as any pregnant patient with an identified head, neck, or face injuries categorized as intentional assault. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between SIPV and variables of interest. Results: A total of 28,540 pregnant patients presented with traumatic injuries with 530 (.02%) identified as SIPV. Suspected IPV patients were younger (25 vs 27 years, P = .012), more likely to be of Black race (46% vs 28%, P = .002), more likely to be in the lowest income quartile (51% vs 38%, P = .031), less likely to have private insurance (12% vs 34%, P < .001), and have higher rates of substance use disorder (35% vs 18%, P < .001). Black race and history of substance use disorder were associated with increased odds of SIPV-related injuries (odds ratio [OR]: 2.01, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.27-3.16, P = .003 and OR: 2.30, IQR 1.54-3.43, P < .001, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that there are significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in potential risk for IPV during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite global, regional, and national efforts to address intimate partner violence (IPV), physical IPV persists as a significant challenge in Kenya. This study employs geospatial analysis to examine the spatial distribution and determinants of physical intimate partner violence among women, aiming to inform targeted interventions and policies. Methods: The study used a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study design based on the 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey. Analyses were conducted using Stata version 17.0 and ArcMap version 10.8. Spatial autocorrelation and hotspot assessment were conducted in the geospatial analysis, while a multilevel logistic regression model was used to examine determinants of physical violence among reproductive-aged women. Results: The study found 28.8% (10,477) of the surveyed women reported experiencing physical intimate partner violence. The spatial analysis identified significant clusters in the southwest and central regions, with women in sub-counties like Chepaluugu, Konion, Sotik, Bumula, and Metayos among others experiencing more violence. Conversely, women in areas in the North East and South East corners such as Kisauni, Tarabaj, Waijir North, Lafey, and Mandera North and South among others showed little or no physical intimate partner violence. Multivariable logistic regression identified age, education, wealth index, partner domineering indicators, and justification of wife beating to be associated with physical intimate partner violence. Higher education and wealth were associated with lower violence odds, while partner domineering indicators and justification of wife beating increased odds. Conclusion: Spatial variations in intimate partner violence risk for women in Kenya underscore the need for targeted government interventions. Focusing on hotspot regions, especially among women with the poorest wealth index, no formal education, and older age, is crucial. Implementing behavior change campaigns addressing violence justification and partner dominance is vital. Active involvement of male partners in programs aiming to eliminate intimate partner violence is essential for comprehensive impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue in Nepal. IPV has social and economic impacts on women, family, and the wider society. In this study, we aimed to determine factors associated with IPV among currently partnered women aged 15–49. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022. The study examines the lifetime prevalence of IPV. IPV was measured in three domains: experience of physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence. Weighted univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied to determine factors associated with IPV. The results of logistic regression were presented as crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of 3853 women, 27.2% had experienced any form of IPV. The lifetime prevalence of physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence were 23.2%, 12.8%, and 7.1%, respectively. Higher odds of physical violence were reported among women aged 35–49 years (AOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.58–2.87), women without formal education (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.10–2.06), and women who justified wife-beating (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00–1.52). Women from poor households (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.12–2.35) and women with uneducated partners (AOR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08–2.58) were at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. Women with unemployed husbands reported a higher risk of physical violence (AOR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.45–5.06) and emotional violence (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.12–2.35). Conclusion: Almost one in three currently partnered women experienced some form of IPV in their lifetime. Various sociodemographic, partner-related, and women's empowerment-related factors were associated with experiencing IPV. Acknowledging and addressing these factors is essential to mitigating the high rates of IPV among reproductive aged women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In order to gain a better understanding of the individual and joint impact of testosterone and cortisol on behavior, the present study was developed to test the differences in each hormone alone and conjointly between perpetrators of IPV and non-violent controls. Method: Perpetrators of IPV on probation were compared to a control group of non-aggressive males from Hidalgo County in the Rio Grande Valley on baseline testosterone and cortisol, as well as several relevant questionnaires measuring aggression and trait anger. Differences in cortisol following exposure to a stressful event were also examined. Procedures included two laboratory visits consisting of questionnaires, a number of salivary testosterone and cortisol collections, and exposure to a stressor. Results: Perpetrators had higher basal testosterone and post stressor cortisol levels than non- violent controls as well as a higher T/C ratio. In addition, trait anger moderated the relationship between both testosterone alone, and the testosterone/cortisol ratio and perpetration of IPV. Conclusion: Results are consistent with the hypothesis that testosterone leads to antisocial behavior, including perpetration of violence. The results are also consistent with the dual hormone hypothesis, i.e., that testosterone and cortisol work together to jointly regulate social dominance and aggression. Both the increased freestanding testosterone and the increased cortisol following exposure to stress places these men at risk for perpetrating violence. Clinical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a sexual health clinic in Perth to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics and intimate partner violence (IPV) and reproductive coercion among women. Of the 2,623 participants, 17.3% reported experiencing IPV or reproductive coercion at some point in their lives, with 3.5% reporting current abuse. The study found that women born in Australia, those with female partners, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women had higher rates of IPV. The findings highlight the need for effective screening programs and emphasize that clinicians should not rely solely on demographic characteristics to assess the risk of abuse. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence, is a significant Concern for public health as well as a violation of the human rights of women especially in low and middle-income countries. However, there was limited evidence how soon an ever-married women experience intimate partner violence in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the timing of first intimate partner violence (FIPV) among ever-married women in 30 SSA countries and to identify the risk factors of the timing. Methods: The present study has utilized 125,731 weighted samples, who participated in the domestic violence module of the survey from Demographic and Health Surveys of 30 SSA countries. The Gompertz gamma shared frailty model was fitted to determine the predictors. For model evaluation, the theta value, Akaike Information Criteria (AIC), Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC), and deviance were used. The Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported in the multivariable Gompertz gamma shared frailty model to highlight the strength and statistical significance of the associations. Result: One-third (31.02%) of ever-married women had reported experiencing IPV. The overall incidence rate of FIPV was 57.68 persons per 1000 person-years (95% CI = 50.61–65.76). Age at marriage, age difference, educational status, employment, residence, women's decision-making autonomy, husband who drink alcohol and wealth status were significantly associated with the timing of FIPV. Conclusion: The findings show that ever-married women are at high and increasing risk of violence. Thus, we recommend establishing effective health and legal response services for IPV, strengthening laws governing the sale and purchase of alcohol, empowering women, raising the educational attainment of women, and putting policies in place to combat the culture of societal tolerance for IPV all contribute to the empowerment of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has emphasized the importance of addressing specific victim-related factors to reduce victims' vulnerability and prevent future revictimization experiences. This study aimed to analyze the vulnerability profiles of women who were victims of intimate partner violence, including those who had experienced a single incident of violence and those who had endured revictimization. Participants were 338 women with active judicial protection measures registered in the system of support for victims of gender violence (VioGén) in Madrid, Spain. The analysis considered sociodemographic characteristics, victimization history, perceived triggers of violence, women's responses and feelings, as well as clinical outcomes linked to revictimization history. The study revealed that many victims faced socioeconomic vulnerability. Furthermore, the findings underscored the intricate link between the likelihood of enduring chronic violence and women's awareness of early indicators of violence risk, their initial responses to aggression, communication skills, and recurrent behaviors in the context of an established violent dynamic. This study offers valuable insights for law enforcement to identify the risk of revictimization. Furthermore, findings raise awareness about the particularly vulnerable situation of some women to repeated victimization experiences and provide relevant information for clinical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has found that childhood maltreatment predicts increased risk for violence and partner violence and there is some evidence for poorer executive functioning and low self-esteem. To date, there have been no longitudinal studies that have examined the extent to which executive functioning and self-esteem play a role in the relationship between child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. This study aims to fill this gap by utilizing data from a prospective longitudinal study of children with documented court cases of abuse and neglect (ages 0–11 years) from a metropolitan county area in the Midwest (during the years 1967–1971) and demographically matched controls. Both maltreated individuals and matched controls were followed up and assessed over several waves of the study in young and middle adulthood. At mean age 39 years, inhibition and cognitive control were evaluated, while cognitive flexibility and nonverbal reasoning were assessed at mean age 41. Self-esteem was also assessed at mean age 41. Physical IPV perpetration was evaluated at age 47 using two different scoring strategies in separate models: the number of acts and variety of acts, ensuring avoidance of potential score skewness. Childhood maltreatment predicted lower executive functioning and self-esteem, and both independently predicted intimate partner violence perpetration. Lower executive functioning and self-esteem mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and physical IPV perpetration in midlife, irrespective of the scoring method. Findings suggest that executive functioning and self-esteem play a role in the cycle of violence. Implications and suggestions for future directions are discussed. • Little is known about whether childhood maltreatment, executive function, and self-esteem predict IPV perpetration. • Individuals with documented childhood maltreatment had lower executive function and self-esteem than matched controls. • Executive function and self-esteem mediated the link between childhood maltreatment and IPV. • New evidence suggests that executive functioning and self-esteem play a role in the cycle of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a significant public health concern. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent one risk factor for IPV, however, the results of existing research on the association between ACEs and IPV demonstrate mixed findings. The present research sought to meta-analytically examine the association between ACEs and (a) IPV perpetration and (b) IPV victimization. Moderator analyses were conducted to determine factors that may impact the association between ACEs and IPV involvement. Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO in August of 2021. One-hundred and twenty-three records were screened for inclusion. All studies included a measure of ACEs and IPV victimization or perpetration. Among the 27 studies and 41 samples included in the meta-analysis, 65,330 participants were included. The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that ACEs were positively associated with IPV perpetration and victimization. Significant methodological and measurement moderators further inform our understanding of ACEs and IPV involvement. The present meta-analyses demonstrates that trauma-informed approaches to IPV screening, prevention, and intervention may be useful, given that individuals who are involved with IPV may be more likely to possess a history of ACEs exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Despite representing 4% of the global population, the US has the fifth highest number of intentional homicides in the world. Peripartum people represent a unique and vulnerable subset of homicide victims. This study aimed to understand the risk factors for peripartum homicide. STUDY DESIGN: We used data from the 2018 to 2020 National Violent Death Reporting System to compare homicide rates of peripartum and nonperipartum people capable of becoming pregnant (12 to 50 years of age). Peripartum was defined as currently pregnant or within 1-year postpartum. We additionally compared state-level peripartum homicide rates between states categorized as restrictive, neutral, or protective of abortion. Pearson's chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used. RESULTS: There were 496 peripartum compared with 8,644 nonperipartum homicide victims. The peripartum group was younger (27.4 ± 71 vs 33.0 ± 9.6, p < 0.001). Intimate partner violence causing the homicide was more common in the peripartum group (39.9% vs 26.4%, p < 0.001). Firearms were used in 63.4% of homicides among the peripartum group compared with 49.5% in the comparison (p < 0.001). A significant difference was observed in peripartum homicide between states based on policies regarding abortion access (protective 0.37, neutral 0.45, restrictive 0.64; p < 0.01); the same trend was not seen with male homicides. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with nonperipartum peers, peripartum people are at increased risk for homicide due to intimate partner violence, specifically due to firearm violence. Increasing rates of peripartum homicide occur in states with policies that are restrictive to abortion access. There is a dire need for universal screening and interventions for peripartum patients. Research and policies to reduce violence against pregnant people must also consider the important role that abortion access plays in protecting safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oral contraceptives and injuries can trigger VTE. • Intimate partner violence can be screened using the WAST questionnaire. • We performed a matched case-control study in women taking oral contraceptives. • A positive WAST questionnaire was associated with a first VTE event. Intimate partner violence (IPV) targeting women is probably underestimated during a woman's lifetime. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a multifactorial disease associated with haemostasis-activating conditions. Minor injuries can trigger VTE. We aimed to look for an association between VTE and IPV in women taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs) We performed a multicentric, international, matched case-control study. Patients were women with a first VTE associated with COC intake. Controls were women taking COCs undergoing regular gynaecological check-ups. Patients and Controls were matched for country, age, length of COC intake and type (997 pairs). IPV was evaluated using the WAST self-administrated questionnaire. IPV, defined as a WAST score value at least 5, was diagnosed in 33 Controls (3.3 %) and 109 patients (10.9 %), conditional odds ratio (OR): 3.586, 95 % confidence interval (2.404–5.549), p < 0.0001. After multivariate analysis, the adjusted OR was 3.720 (2.438–5.677), p < 0.0001. Sensitivity analysis using increasing WAST score thresholds confirmed the association. A first VTE in women taking COCs is associated with IPV. This association can have strong human consequences but also raises significant medical issues, for instance on the haemorrhagic risk of anticoagulant treatments in abused women. Pathophysiological studies are warranted. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing conflict in Venezuela has created significant risks for women and girls. Conflict affected populations often face higher levels of vulnerability and risks of gender-based violence (GBV) at home, in transit and at destination countries. Venezuelan women face GBV at all stages of their journey. Due to their often-irregular or undocumented status in host countries, many women lack legal access to healthcare and work which leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and GBV. Using the continuum of violence model by Kelly (1988; 2012) as well as Menjívar & Walsh (2017; 2019), this work underscores the complex ways in which gender, nationality and legal status interact with each other to shape patterns of migration and settlement. Focusing on the two largest receiving countries in Latin America: Colombia and Peru, this work also outlines how the structural, symbolic and interpersonal nature of GBV crosses borders amid the challenges of conflict, displacement and xenophobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intimate partner violence has adverse outcomes on the sexual and reproductive health of women. In this study, we examined the association between sexual violence and multiple high-risk fertility behaviours (MHRFB) among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data pooled from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 20 countries in SSA. We included countries with most recent datasets conducted from 2015 to 2021 and had data on all variables included in the study. A weighted sample of 88,011 was included in the study. We used a multilevel binary logistic regression to examine the association between sexual violence and MHRFB, controlling for other covariates. The regression results were presented using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of MHRFB was 22.53% (95% CI: 22.26–22.81), which ranged from 9.94% in South Africa to 30.38% in Chad. For sexual violence, the pooled prevalence was 7.02% (95% CI: 6.86–7.19). Burundi (20.58%) and the Gambia (2.88%) reported the highest and lowest proportions, respectively. Women who experienced sexual violence were more likely to engage in MHRFB compared to those who did not experience sexual violence [aOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.21]. Conclusion: There is a positive association between sexual violence and the risk of MHRFB. Our findings underscore a need for sub-Saharan African countries to strengthen their efforts to reduce the occurrence of sexual violence in intimate partner relationships. To augment efforts and accelerate social change, sub-Saharan African countries can introduce pro-poor policies and interventions to improve the wealth status of women. Also, empowering women through the encouragement of attaining higher education would be a useful step in lowering the risk of MHRFB in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a summary of research on the relationship between prescription drug abuse (PDA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women. It notes that substance abuse, including the misuse of prescription drugs, has been on the rise in recent years. The document emphasizes that IPV is a global public health issue with various physical and mental health consequences, including substance abuse. However, there is a lack of research directly comparing rates of PDA between women with and without IPV. The document calls for further research to better understand this relationship and develop effective interventions for mental health in IPV survivors. [Extracted from the article]

The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) assists police responding to intimate partner violence incidents by connecting victims identified as high risk with advocates while police are at the scene. The Lethality Screen is the risk assessment used with the LAP. This manuscript focuses on evaluating and refining changes to the Lethality Screen that prioritize strangulation as a risk item that automatically places a survivor in the high-danger category. Secondary data from the Oklahoma Lethality Assessment (OK-LA) Study (n=234) were utilized for analysis. Researchers and community partners collaborated to explore various options for revising the Lethality Screen given the goal of the community partner to prioritize strangulation on the risk assessment. The final adaptation of the Lethality Screen was examined for its ability to predict near fatal violence, severe violence, violence and abuse by an intimate partner at 7 months follow-up. The revised Lethality Screen has high sensitivity (84-93%), low specificity (14-16%), and broad ranges of negative predictive value (47-94%) and positive predictive value (12-63%). Revisions to the Lethality Screen are discussed in conjunction with additional adaptations that were made to the LAP, resulting in the LAP 2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the literature on domestic abuse focuses on those in intimate partner relationships or ex-partners, however, in the UK the Home Office definition also includes those in familial relationships. The Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Harassment and Honour-Based Violence Risk Assessment assumes homogeneous risk factors across all relationships. This paper therefore examines the risk factors for repeat victimization of domestic abuse by relationship type between the victim and perpetrator in a UK police force. Using police-recorded domestic abuse incident and crime data, a logistic regression model found that the most similar repeat victimization risk profiles for 14,519 victims were amongst partners and ex-partners, with both relationships demonstrating the greatest degree of gender asymmetry, compared with other familial relationships. Physical violence was the strongest predictor of repeat victimization and was a statistically significant predictor for ex-partners, partners, and all familial relationships. Coercive behaviour was also a significant predictor for all relationships apart from partners, but not at the same magnitude as physical abuse. Recognizing the difference in risk by relationship type may assist the police in deciding the most appropriate response and interventions to reduce the risk of further harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic stress, broadly defined, is associated with an increased likelihood of multiple forms of violence. Food insecurity is a distinct economic stressor and material hardship that is amenable to programmatic and policy intervention. To inform intervention and identify gaps in the current evidence base, we conducted a systematic review to synthesize and critically evaluate the existing literature regarding the association between food insecurity and five forms of interpersonal and self-directed violence: intimate partner violence (IPV), suicidality, peer violence and bullying, youth dating violence, and child maltreatment, in high-income countries. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and searched six electronic databases from their start date through February of 2022. We included studies that examined food insecurity as the exposure and an outcome measure of IPV, suicide, suicidality, peer violence, bullying, youth dating violence, or child maltreatment; were peer-reviewed and published in English; reported quantitative data; and took place in a high-income country. We identified 20 relevant studies. Nineteen studies found that food insecurity was associated with an increased likelihood of these forms of violence. Results highlight the potential for programs and policies that address food insecurity to function as primary prevention strategies for multiple forms of violence and underscore the importance of trauma-informed approaches in organizations providing food assistance. Additional theory-driven research with validated measures of food insecurity and clearly established temporality between measures of food insecurity and violence is needed to strengthen the existing evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the cross-generational transmission of intimate partner violence (IPV) have yielded controversial findings about the centrality of child abuse (CA) and child exposure to parental violence (EIPV) as a risk factor for interpersonal violent relationships in adulthood. This cross-sectional study examines the intergenerational cycle of IPV by differentiating the gender of the parent and the directionality of violence. The purpose of the study was to test (a) the prevalence of the three patterns of IPV as suggested in Straus's (2015) Dyadic Type's typology (e.g., man only, woman only, or both) for both CA and EIPV; (b) the relevance of the Dyadic Type's Typology of IPV on the cross-generational transmission of IPV; and (c) whether the gender of the violent parent has any differential effect on the cross-generational transmission of IPV. A total of 1,196 Israeli Jewish and Arab students completed a cross-sectional self-report questionnaire, retrospectively addressing CA and EIPV in their childhood family environment and their own IPV experience as adults. Our findings show that among families in which any one of the three violent dyads took place, the involvement of both parents in the violent dyad is the prevalent one and raises the highest risk for cross-generational transmission of IPV in adulthood. Utilizing the Dyadic Type's typology proved insightful in mapping the prevalence of CA, EIPV, and IPV in three ways: (a) it more accurately maps the prevalence of the different IPV dynamics than does the "dichotomous lens," (b) it highlights the interactive violent dynamic as the prevalent one, and (c) it shows that exposure to aggression by both parents seems to be the strongest predictor of cross-generational transmission of IPV. Overall, the present study contributes to the developing understanding of interactions between retrospectively reported experiences of exposure to IPV and one's own current behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Diversitas (17949998) is the property of Universidad Santo Tomas, Facultad de Psicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Scientific Annals of the 'Al. I. Cuza' University, Iasi. Sociology & Social Work / Analele Stiintifice ale Universitatii 'Al. I. Cuza' Iasi Sociologie si Asistenta Sociala is the property of Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study is important in order to identify the fine link between migration and domestic violence. Through qualitative research, the study is based on three face-to-face semistructured interviews, conducted via Zoom, between June 2021 and January 2022. The interviewed subjects are women, victims of domestic violence in their family of origin, aged between 22 and 37 years old, who migrated to Romania. The short fragments of their testimonies provide a unique perspective about victims' perceptions and experiences on the subject, revealing factors of domestic violence and the main risks and problems faced by migrant women who were abused in their family of origin. Secondary data analysis and specialized literature review are being pursued in order to create a comprehensive overview of the subject. The main two limitations consist in the lack of multiple perspectives offered by the specialized literature and analyses based exclusively on the link between migration and domestic violence, but also the limited number of interviews. The findings confirm the fact that women are more vulnerable to the risk of becoming victims of domestic violence, being abusive parenting practices, while migration becomes the right solution to escape the terror at home. The factors emerging from the study show that the excessive consumption of alcohol, financial problems and marginalization, often lead to domestic violence in the intimate family space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this questionnaire study is to investigate the impact of life-time experiences of violence on the course and severity of endometriosis at a University Endometriosis Center. It also explores women's attitudes toward medical screening for violence. The questionnaire covered demographic data, medical data, information involving possible experiences of psychological, physical, sexual, and intimate partner violence as well as violence screening in medical care. Questionnaires of 118 participants were analyzed. 41/118 women reported some form of violence (34.8%). These women had a significantly higher risk for severe dysmenorrhea, use of analgesics, and comorbidities in comparison to women without life-time experiences of violence. Statistically significant differences were also found for employment status and impaired working ability. More than 60% of women considered the aspect of violence as important for health. However, only 17.1% of women with experiences of violence recalled being asked about violence by a medical professional. The study results suggest that experiences of violence have a significant impact on the course and severity of endometriosis. The findings highlight the importance of healthcare providers to be aware of the potential impact of violence on women's health, and routine screening for violence in medical care, especially in women with endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review provides an overview of existing research on risk and protective factors associated with violence against women and girls (VAWG) in conflict and natural disaster settings. PubMed (Medline); PsycINFO; Scopus; and Cochrane Center trials registrar were searched as well as relevant internet repositories for VAWG research. The inclusion criteria covered studies that were published between January 1995 and December 2020, documented risk and/or protective factors for VAWG in conflict or natural disaster-affected settings and included primary or secondary data analysis. A total of 1,413 records were initially identified and 86 articles (covering 77 studies) were included in the final analysis. The findings show that many preexisting risk factors for VAWG are exacerbated in armed conflict and natural disaster-affected settings. Poverty and economic stress, men's substance abuse, exposure to violence, changing gender roles in contexts of inequitable gender norms, and a lack of social support are some of the risk factors associated with male perpetration or female experience of violence. In addition, risk factors specific to experiences during armed conflict or in a natural disaster (e.g., displacement, insecurity or congestion in and around displacement camps, militarization of society, killing of family, destruction of property, etc.) are associated with higher prevalence of VAWG in these contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attacks perpetrated using acid are a particular form of interpersonal violence, possibly one of the most heinous manifestations of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Acid attacks are mainly motivated by extramarital cheating, marital conflicts, women's rejection of marriage proposals, and sexual advances. As these attacks are not well understood from a psychological perspective, we conducted a systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, of 284 articles identified, 13 were eligible for inclusion. Three main focuses were identified: "Risk and vulnerability factors," "Consequences and implications," and "Interventions and treatments." Acid attacks seem to be more frequent in countries where social and economic development leads to greater tensions over traditional gender roles like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Identified risk factors were young age, low socioeconomic status, low educational attainment, ethnicity, unemployment status of the victim, alcohol, and drug use of the perpetrator. Among the main psychosocial consequences of acid attacks, isolation and social exclusion emerged. Additionally, the paper will discuss the role of mental health consequences and specific treatments from psychological, clinical, and medical-legal points of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) has emerged as a serious human rights issue as well as a public health concern globally. We examined the association between exposure to interparental violence and experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data. Methods We included 96 782 women in 23 countries with a recent DHS dataset conducted from 2012 to 2020. We employed multivariable multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between exposure to interparental violence and experience of IPV. Results Overall, women who were exposed to interparental violence were more likely to experience physical (adjusted OR [aOR]=2.17, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.28), emotional (aOR=1.87, 95% CI 1.78 to 1.96) and sexual violence (aOR=2.02, 95% CI 1.90 to 2.15) than those who were not exposed. In all countries except Comoros, women exposed to interparental violence had higher odds of physical and emotional violence than those who were not exposed. Experience of sexual violence was higher among women exposed to interparental violence from all countries except for Liberia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. Conclusions Women's exposure to interparental violence increases their risk of experiencing IPV. Policies should focus on women or young girls who who witness IPV to reduce their likelihood of experiencing it. Special support can be provided for women who were exposed to interparental violence and are currently experiencing IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of child abuse on intimate partner violence (IPV) among a representative sample of 3,296 women using the Violence Against Women National Survey data from El Salvador. We found that child physical, sexual, and psychological abuse were independently associated with IPV, and experiencing child polyvictimization, along with having a controlling husband increased the risk of IPV victimization. To prevent child abuse (poly)victimization and IPV, and its negative consequences in El Salvador, implementing programs that focus on group training for women and men, as well as, community mobilizations that involve multiple stakeholders with multiple approaches would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined associations between parental incarceration (PI) and violence perpetration in adulthood. We used Wave I and Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to investigate such associations with intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Exposure to PI was found significantly associated with increased risk of all IPV perpetration behaviors in adulthood, except forced sex. The association of PI exposure with issuing threats, pushing, and throwing objects did not differ by race/ethnicity or sex. Associations of PI exposure with slapping, hitting, or kicking and injuring a partner were stronger for non-Hispanic White persons than for non-Hispanic Black persons. Differing patterns of elevated violence risk in adults with PI history suggest tailored preventive strategies may be of value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature widely acknowledges that women who experience Child Sex Abuse (CSA) have a higher risk of experiencing sexual revictimisation later in life, yet less is known about experiences of revictimisation in non-urban areas. The aim of this review is to examine what is known internationally regarding revictimisation of non-urban women, and to provide future research, practice and policy recommendations. A total of 2414 articles were identified through a comprehensive search across five broad health sciences and humanities databases; 11 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. This review found a general lack of qualitative revictimisation studies, and limited research focusing on non-urban women. While existing studies included non-urban research samples, few articles (n = 3) explored how non-urban location contextualises revictimisation experiences. Most peer-reviewed articles identified within this paper (n = 7) examined intimate partner violence (IPV) revictimisation, highlighting a significant lack of research on sexual revictimisation within non-urban settings. Findings from the review indicate that experiences of violence in childhood and adulthood are frequent among non-urban women, and that experiencing child abuse is associated with a heightened likelihood of poor mental health and IPV in adulthood. The review also found that non-urban women faced significant structural disadvantage including low levels of employment and income, limited-service sector resources, unsafe family environments and exposure to community violence. Additional qualitative research is needed to better understand the experiences and needs of non-urban revictimised women, particularly within an Australian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Because of socio-cultural factors, such as violence perpetrated by intimate partners, women continue to be disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Intimate partner violence has an impact on participation in treatment of HIV-positive women. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lifetime violence among Iranian women living with HIV, and to identify possible risk factors. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 135 HIV-positive women referring to the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. In this study, a researcher-made questionnaire was used for collecting data through face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire included questions related to basic socio-demographic, sexual practices, stigma/ discrimination, and domestic violence. Results: Of the 135 interviewees, 91.5% had never experienced mental violence, and 84.4% had never experienced social violence, while 97.8% suffered from violence in their marriages. In our study, women's unemployment, low socio-economic status, and patriarchal dominance in families were the main predictors of intimate partner violence (IPV). We found a negative relationship between marital satisfaction and domestic violence. It was revealed that IPV also affects couples' ability to issues related to their sexual life, including negotiating condom use and monogamy. Conclusions: A high proportion of HIV-positive women in Iran reported an experience of IPV in their lives. IPV was associated with situations involving a woman having an intimate relationship with her male partner. Due to its' high prevalence, we recommend increasing knowledge about IPV among HIV healthcare providers and universal screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has as main aim to compare the frequency of physical violence and injuries among couples that report bidirectional and unidirectional violence in a community sample in Arequipa, Peru. This comparison also accounted for the level of severity in violence and injuries. Several previous studies have suggested that reciprocal violence could be the most common pattern of violence in intimate relationships. Relationships, where both members are violent to each other, could also be at a higher risk of violence, both in frequency and severity, since symmetrical interactions can provoke it to escalate. Likewise, injuries have been found to be more common in bidirectional violence. However, this type of violence has not been previously studied in Peru. Additionally, a comparison between genders of the participants was made. Different studies, including one in Peru, have suggested that men and women have the same risk of suffering violence from an intimate partner, so this objective was directed to help clarify this, at least in a community sample. The participants were 280 people with ages between 18 and 65 years, 50.7 % women and 49.3 % men, who were married or cohabiting and living in three districts of Arequipa. The Conflicts Tactics Scale Revised was used, in the version that assesses behaviors of both members of a couple (Straus et al., 1996). The subscales of physical violence and injuries, and the levels proposed by the scale of minor and severe, where used for the analysis. According to the results, 73.5 % of the participants reported at least one incident of violence, 61.4 % presenting bidirectional violence and 12.1 % unidirectional violence. The information provided by these participants was the one used for the analysis. In addition, a higher number of participants, of the ones in the unidirectional violence group, reported perpetrating violence than participants that reported being victims of violence by their partner. In comparisons across gender, no significant difference in the frequency of violence or injuries was found, neither in relationships with bidirectional nor unidirectional violence nor in minor or severe violence or injuries. In the comparison across types of violence, significant differences between unidirectional and bidirectional violence were found in both levels of severity of violence (U = 625.0, p < .001, for minor violence; U = 1335.0, p < .001, for severe violence), where the effect size for minor violence was moderate (rrb =.506, p < .001) and for severe violence was weak (rrb = .301, p < .001). Differences were also found in frequency of injuries between these two types of violence (U = 1898.5, p < .001, for minor injuries; U = 2225.0, p < .01, for severe injuries). In this case the effect size was weak for both comparisons (rrb =.255, p < .001, for minor injuries; rrb = .209, p < .01, for severe injuries). The results show that men and women have a similar risk of suffering violence and having injuries because of it. However, they also describe that a higher risk exists in couples where violence is bidirectional, and that should be taken into account in intervention aspects on the subject. For future research on the topic, other types of intimate partner violence should be considered, such as psychological or sexual abuse, as well as other variables that could affect the experience of the victim, such as controlling behaviors. Furthermore, research that clarifies interactions that lead to violence by members of the couple and aspects that lead to desistance in the use of violence is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgender women are among the populations at highest risk for HIV in the USA and have elevated risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). There is an urgent need for integrated HIV-IPV prevention interventions for transgender women. Using qualitative methods, we explored transgender women's lived experiences of IPV and the relationship between IPV and HIV risk. Using thematic analysis, we identified four key concepts that warrant inclusion in the development of models for IPV and HIV interventions: (1) considering the boundaries of IPV; (2) normalising expectations of chronic violence; (3) relationship safety; (4) calls for trans-affirming and empowering services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Psicologia Clínica is the property of Faculdades Catolicas - Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The link between children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment is well established; however, less is known about the impact children's presence may have on domestic violence disputes. This study investigated the role of children's presence in IPV police calls using data (N = 2709) from supplementary reports provided by an Ontario, Canada police force, one-third of which led to criminal charges (n = 909). When children were present: charges were less likely to be laid; the accused's emotional state was more likely to be rated by police as calm and the accused was less likely to be identified as using alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the call; and victim support interventions were more likely to be offered and accepted. Findings were considered in the context of when charges were laid versus not laid. Implications for police and support service interventions were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyse approaches to issues of risk, responsibility and representations of violence in women social workers' conversations with alleged or confirmed violent fathers. The study adds to a growing body of research on agencies' handling of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the context of separation. Empirically, the study draws from 12 structured, audio recorded and transcribed interviews with support‐seeking and divorced fathers, from five municipalities in Sweden, conducted as part of a cooperation project in which a risk‐detection method (Family Law Detection Of Overall Risk Screen [FL‐DOORS]) was also tested. The results suggest a tension between different professional tasks. To validate information on IPV, detect risk and enhance a child perspective competes with other professional projects, most obviously with promoting cooperation between parents. The study confirms previous research, which demonstrates unique challenges facing women social workers and counsellors when working with men as perpetrators. In conclusion, the paper concurs with the call for a focus on responsibility and on safe parenting in professional conversations with allegedly or confirmed abusive fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Police-reported incidents of youth family violence have been increasing in frequency yet limited research exists about how best to risk assess this cohort. The present study examined the validity of the Victoria Police Screening Assessment for Family Violence Risk (VP-SAFvR) for Australian youth aged 10 to 24 years (n = 4,999) reported to police for using family violence. The 6-month base rate of family violence recidivism was 24.24% for same-dyad recidivism and 35.31% for any-dyad recidivism. The VP-SAFvR demonstrated moderate discriminative validity (area under the curve [AUC] =.65) for the total sample and comparable discriminative validity across age (AUCs =.64-.67), gender (AUCs =.63-.65), and relationship (i.e., child-to-parent abuse, sibling abuse, intimate partner abuse; AUCs =.62-.65). Predictive validity was adequate at a threshold score of four for 10- to 24-year olds and most subgroups. Results demonstrate the utility of a structured risk triage tool for youth family violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a prevalent form of gender-based violence affecting one in three women globally. It is also a preventable cause of ill-health, disability, and death. Current research suggests that women with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing violence throughout their lifetime. They are almost twice as likely to experience violence compared to men with disabilities or men and women without disabilities. Additionally, they experience higher rates of all types of violence. This increased vulnerability may be due to factors related to disability such as dependence on others for support, mistrust, and social and physical isolation. Although there is existing research on IPV against women in general, there is limited knowledge on IPV against women with disabilities. To address this gap in knowledge, this study aimed to explore women with disabilities' perceptions and experiences of being victims/survivors of IPV in Sweden. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted through in-depth interviews with eleven women with disabilities. The participants were aged eighteen years upwards. The collected data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with a constructivist epistemological standpoint. Results: We developed four themes. Theme one: "multiple abuse by multiple abusers, over time," describes the participants' experiences of various types of violence from different perpetrators for prolonged periods. Theme two: "psychological abuse—harmful, but neglected and difficult to prove," explains how women with disabilities' perceive psychological abuse as harmful, but not given the same level of seriousness as physical violence. It also expresses the difficulties they encountered in providing tangible evidence to prove instances of psychological abuse. Theme three: "abuse does not end with separation," highlights how abuse can continue beyond separation/divorce. Theme four: "surviving abusive relationships" describes the different and evolving ways the participants used to navigate their abusive relationships. Conclusions: Women with disabilities face all forms of abuse. They find it challenging to prove psychological abuse, and the system is inadequate in addressing its harm. The abuse also continues after separation or divorce. The support system should consider the needs of women with disabilities who experience violence, both during and after the abusive relationship. Service providers should be better equipped to detect and handle all types of IPV, especially psychological abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violent means of social control at both the micro- and macro-levels create norms of violence within societies that spill over into multiple domains as a reaction to a socio-cultural context of normative violence. This adverse effect may stem from normalized violence within both families and communities and contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV). From a contextual-ecological model, this becomes a victimizing effect. This study tests the theoretical premise of Norms of Violence in order to reconceptualize IPV as a victimizing effect within a larger community framework. Using data from the International Dating Violence Study, this study explores the interaction of violent socialization at both the familial and communal level, controlling for other conditions that could contribute to a normative standard of violence. The results indicate the presence of polyvictimization: nations in which youth experience the highest levels of violent socialization from both their families and communities tend to have higher levels of IPV victimization. This relationship is stronger when social structures support normative violence as conflict resolution. For females, this relationship is further exasperated. Societies across the world, including those in which the context of violence is most prominent, can work towards eradicating the negative impacts of gender violence for individuals, their families, and the communities in which they live by addressing the normalization of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Violence against women impacts on global health. We evaluate the degree of discrepancy between the protocols completed by the police and the forensic team, investigate the profile of the accused and the victim and evaluate the variables studied in the risk assessment protocols. Method: A retrospective observational descriptive epidemiological study was carried out with all the urgent assessments of the risk of gender-based violence carried out by the forensic expert adhered to the Unidades de Valoración Integral [Comprehensive Assessment Units] of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of the Region of Murcia (Spain) during 2020. A total of 95 urgent assessment reports were included. Results: The profile of the female victim resulted a 36 years old woman, who has suffered repeated physical and psychological abuse and who continues to live with the offender as a result of economic dependence. The accused profile was a 40 years old man, with a criminal record and a pattern of consumption of toxic substances. Conclusions: We detected a high degree of concordance between the assessments by the Police and the forensic team. However, we found discrepancies in 11.6% of the reports in which, the consideration of the intermediate risk category, may help in the decision-making process for protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how accurately the refined Family Violence Risk Assessment Tool (FVRAT) predicts repeat domestic violence. Developed on the basis of a previous validation study of an earlier, much longer version of the tool, the refined FVRAT consists of 10 checkbox items, along with sections recording victim and officer judgements. These are used to inform police responses in the Australian Capital Territory. A sample of over 450 unique reports of violence involving current and former intimate partners between March and December 2020 in which police used the refined FVRAT were examined. Repeat domestic violence was measured based on whether a subsequent report of domestic violence was made to police within six months. Consistent with the previous study, the refined FVRAT predicts repeat domestic violence at least moderately well. Victim judgements were also shown to enhance the tool’s ability to correctly identify repeat domestic violence, although the findings also suggest some caution is warranted in using these judgements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extremely high prevalence of sexual violence victimisation reported among female students in South African public higher education demands urgent action to develop, rigorously evaluate and scale effective prevention interventions. This article details findings from a pilot feasibility study of Ntombi Vimbela! a campus sexual violence risk reduction intervention developed to tackle the high burden of sexual violence in higher education institutions in South Africa. Methods: Ntombi Vimbela! (NV!) is a sexual violence risk reduction intervention that comprises sexuality empowerment, gender and social norm change, early-risk identification, self-defence, resistance and mental wellbeing components. NV! is comprised of ten workshop sessions running for 3.5 h each. Workshops are co-delivered by two trained peer facilitators per group of at most 20 first-year female students. One-year post-intervention quantitative outcome assessments were remotely completed by 98 participants who participated in the NV! pilot workshops. Qualitative assessments were conducted with 35 participants through in-depth telephone interviews (IDTIs). Findings: One year after attending NV! workshops, most participants reported improved awareness of sexual rights, assertive communication, shifts in gender equitable beliefs, reductions in rape myth acceptance, improved expressed sexual relationship power sexual decision-making, and improved negotiation within their intimate relationships. Participants' depressive symptoms also significantly decreased. Many participants improved awareness of sexual assault risk and vigilance, including using self-protection strategies such as removing themselves from environments where alcohol intoxication posed sexual assault risks. Some participants used assertive communication to withstand peer pressure to engage in risky sexual behaviours. Most participants scored highly on the self-defence efficacy scale. Some participants were exposed to and successful in using verbal and physical resistance strategies in potential sexual assault risky situations. Conclusion: These findings indicate the potential beneficial effects of NV! as a campus sexual violence risk reduction intervention at one-year post-intervention, which must be evaluated in a future rigorous randomised control trial. Pilot trial registered at: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04607564 on 29/10/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a paucity of robust nationally representative data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) on the prevalence and risk factors associated with exposure of women with/without disability to either discrimination or violence. We undertook secondary analysis of data collected in Round 6 of UNICEF's Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) involving nationally representative data from 29 countries with a total sample size of 320,426 women aged 18 to 49 years. We estimated: (1) prevalence rates for exposure to discrimination and violence among women with/without disabilities in the previous year in a range of LMICs; (2) the relative risk of exposure when adjusted for demographic and contextual characteristics; (3) the relative risk of exposure associated with specific functional difficulties associated with disabilities; and (4) the association between country-level estimates and national wealth and human development potential. Our results indicated that women with disabilities were approximately twice as likely as women without disabilities to be exposed to violence and discrimination in the past year, and approximately one-third more likely to feel unsafe in either their home or local neighbourhood and to be at greater risk of domestic violence. Risk of exposure was associated with national characteristics (national wealth, human development potential) and within country factors, especially relative household wealth and level of education. These results must be of concern on two counts. First, they attest to the ongoing violation of the human rights of women with disabilities. Second, they point to increased exposure among women with disabilities to several well-documented social determinants of poorer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

(1) Background: Alexithymia and impulsivity appear to represent risk factors for violence perpetration, while mixed results are present with respect to victimization experience. In light of this, the purpose of this study was to compare the roles of both alexithymia and impulsivity among three different samples of men: men who experienced partner victimization (IPVV); male intimate partner violence perpetrators (IPVP); and men from the general population (CG). (2) Methods: Participants were recruited from specialized centers in Italy. A profile analysis was conducted. (3) Results: The results showed that IPVV presented alexithymia and impulsivity comparable to the CG. Furthermore, differences were found between victims and perpetrators in terms of impulsivity and alexithymia. The IPVP group had higher levels of both impulsivity and alexithymia in comparison to IPVV. Moreover, the perpetrators exhibited significantly higher levels of alexithymia compared to the CG. However, despite the medium Cohen's d (d = 0.441) resulting from the analyses, IPVP's level of impulsivity was not statistically different from the CG. (4) Conclusion: Alexithymia and impulsivity appear to play a key role in violent behaviors and should be the focus of psychological interventions with perpetrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an online survey, women self-reported high prevalence of intimate partner violence during the early days of the pandemic. Risk factors for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) included having a child under the age of 18, being a sexual minority, living in a rural community, and stressors related to healthcare access, income/employment stress, and COVID-19 exposure or illness. Women who worked during the pandemic and were older were less likely to experience IPV. Women who reported IPV also reported increased anxiety and depression. The results are discussed in terms of clinical and policy implications for supporting women who are victims of IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]