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Aim: Elder abuse may result in serious injuries with significant psychological consequences, leading to increased use of emergency department (ED) for trauma-related presentations. We aimed to describe the utilization of healthcare resources by victims of elder abuse. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted. Victims of elder abuse that were 65 years or older and presented between August 2018 and December 2020 were included. Information on demographics, mode of arrival, place and mechanism of injury, sustained injuries, injury severity score (ISS), disposition, and length of stay were collected and analyzed. Results: There were 33 (0.3%) victims of elder abuse. The median age was 69-year old (interquartile range: 66 to 76) and 23 (68.8%) participants were female. Majority (n=32, 97.0%) of patients sustained blunt injuries, with contusions to the limbs and head being the most common. The injuries were mostly minor to moderate in severity (ISS 8 or less: n=32, 97.0%). The utilization of healthcare resources was low: only two (6.1%) required ambulance transport to the ED, one (3.0%) required activation of the trauma team, one (3.0%) required surgery, and one (3.0%) required transfusion of blood products. However, 12 (36.4%) patients were admitted to the hospital, and five (15.2%) were admitted to the observation unit of the ED. Conclusion: Utilization of healthcare resource for injuries related to elder abuse was low. However, identification remains a challenge, and it is crucial for teams in the ED to be cognizant of elder abuse, as management should go beyond treating the injuries by including case notification, psychosocial assessment, and caregiver support.

Abstract Background Child maltreatment (CM) can have devastating and potentially lifelong effects for those affected and is a major contributor to mental health problems. To tackle public health problems it is crucial to have reliable data on CM. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and predictors of CM in a nationwide sample of the German population of young adults. Methods The study population (young adults aged 18 to 31 years) stems from the KiGGS Cohort study, the longitudinal branch of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for children and adolescents. This sample meets the criteria of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator 16.2.3. The data was collected between 2014 and 2017. CM were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in. In addition, socio-demographic variables and other known risk factors for CM were assessed. A total of 6433 (47.8% female) participants were included in the analyses. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate predictors of maltreatment subtypes. Ordinal regression was used to examine their association with experience of multiple forms of CM. Results Overall, 18.4% (f: 20.9%, m: 16.1%) of the participants reported having experienced at least one type of CM; 6.7% (f: 8.8%, m: 4.8%) reported experiences of emotional abuse, 3.7% (f: 3.9%, m: 3.5%) physical abuse, 3.5% (f: 5.3%, m: 1.7%) sexual abuse, 9.0% (f: 9.9%, m: 8.2%) emotional neglect and 8.6% (f: 8.5%, m: 8.7%) physical neglect. Gender, subjective social status, education and household dysfunction (e.g. living with an individual who is using substances) emerged as significant predictors for different types of CM. Additionally, all these factors were significant risk factors for experiencing cumulative CM. Conclusions CM is common in the German population, with almost one in five people experiencing at least one type of CM. The results reveal important risk factors for the occurrence of CM. In particular, people with lower social status and those who grew up in dysfunctional households are at higher risk of CM. Greater support for this vulnerable population may reduce the prevalence of CM.

Abstract Ketamine, a pharmacological agent that acts as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, has garnered considerable interest because of its notable and expeditious antidepressant properties observed in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) who exhibit resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive and rigorous systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of ketamine abuse undergoing ketamine treatment for depressive disorders. A comprehensive search was conducted across the electronic databases to identify pertinent studies published between 2021 and 2023. The present investigation incorporated a comprehensive range of studies encompassing the abuse or misuse of ketamine, including case reports, observational studies, and clinical trials. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted in accordance with predetermined criteria. The findings of this systematic review demonstrate the importance of monitoring and addressing ketamine abuse in patients receiving ketamine treatment for depressive disorders like MDD. The wide range of reported prevalence rates highlights the need for standardized criteria and measures for defining and assessing ketamine abuse. This study presents a significant contribution to the field by introducing a novel screening questionnaire and assessment algorithm designed to identify and evaluate ketamine misuse among major depressive disorder (MDD) patients undergoing ketamine treatment. This innovative tool holds the potential to enhance clinical practice by providing healthcare professionals with a standardized approach to promptly detect and address ketamine misuse. The integration of this screening tool into routine care protocols can facilitate more effective monitoring and management of ketamine misuse in this population, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and safety.

Objective: Workplace violence is a prevalent phenomenon in hospital settings which critical care nurses are particularly exposed to. The aim of this study was to research abuse against Critical Care Nurses in five European countries, and its association with and impact on Healthy Work Environments. Methods: This was a multinational cross-sectional study. The 1,183 participants were nurses working in intensive care units from five European countries: Croatia, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, and Romania. The participants were selected by the convenience sampling method from 1 January 2021 to April 2022. Results: Of 1,033 critical care nurses who answered questions about abuse, 646 reported at least one incident in the previous year. The highest number of incidents came from patients (2,050), followed by another nurse (1,453) and physicians (1,039). Conclusion: Although nurses in ICUs are aware that a healthy working environment benefits them in their daily work, most of them still face some form of abuse. Organizations must take a realistic approach to prevent abuse and to educate nurses and nurse managers by implementing standards for healthy work environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Child maltreatment (CM) can have devastating and potentially lifelong effects for those affected and is a major contributor to mental health problems. To tackle public health problems it is crucial to have reliable data on CM. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and predictors of CM in a nationwide sample of the German population of young adults. Methods: The study population (young adults aged 18 to 31 years) stems from the KiGGS Cohort study, the longitudinal branch of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for children and adolescents. This sample meets the criteria of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator 16.2.3. The data was collected between 2014 and 2017. CM were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in. In addition, socio-demographic variables and other known risk factors for CM were assessed. A total of 6433 (47.8% female) participants were included in the analyses. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate predictors of maltreatment subtypes. Ordinal regression was used to examine their association with experience of multiple forms of CM. Results: Overall, 18.4% (f: 20.9%, m: 16.1%) of the participants reported having experienced at least one type of CM; 6.7% (f: 8.8%, m: 4.8%) reported experiences of emotional abuse, 3.7% (f: 3.9%, m: 3.5%) physical abuse, 3.5% (f: 5.3%, m: 1.7%) sexual abuse, 9.0% (f: 9.9%, m: 8.2%) emotional neglect and 8.6% (f: 8.5%, m: 8.7%) physical neglect. Gender, subjective social status, education and household dysfunction (e.g. living with an individual who is using substances) emerged as significant predictors for different types of CM. Additionally, all these factors were significant risk factors for experiencing cumulative CM. Conclusions: CM is common in the German population, with almost one in five people experiencing at least one type of CM. The results reveal important risk factors for the occurrence of CM. In particular, people with lower social status and those who grew up in dysfunctional households are at higher risk of CM. Greater support for this vulnerable population may reduce the prevalence of CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children who are looked after by the state are some of the most vulnerable in society and have usually experienced neglect, abuse and other trauma. As a result of their experiences, many exhibit challenging and/or aggressive behaviour. Currently, in England, around 68% of the children entering the care system are placed with foster carers, many of whom also have their own children living in the home. This study used narrative interviews to gain the views of the biological children of foster carers about their experience of being brought up in a fostering family. Twelve participants aged 18 and 54 were recruited using convenience and snowballing sampling strategies. Findings revealed that the foster carers own children and fostered children often developed close relationships and that fostered children frequently shared detailed accounts of the abuse they had experienced before entering care. Knowledge of the abuse often left the carers' own children both troubled and in a dilemma about what to do with the information. They also revealed that some of the foster carers' own children had been abused by their foster siblings and had chosen not to disclose this information to their parents or others. Several of the participants expressed ongoing feelings of distress when discussing their experiences and those of their foster siblings, which raises questions about how best to support this important group of children and young people. Key Practitioner Messages: Care‐experienced children sometimes confide in foster carers' own children about traumatic experiences before entering the care system. The birth children of foster carers do not always tell their parents what they have heard, which can leave them confused and/or distressed.Birth children can experience abuse at the hands of their foster siblings and do not always tell their parents or other adults when they experience abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the frequency of abuse suffered by older individuals proves challenging when attempting to link it to everyday social issues due to variations in the interpretation and comprehension of this form of mistreatment. This cross-sectional study conducted in May and June of 2023 aimed to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of the general population in the Republic of Croatia regarding the abuse of older individuals. The research included 822 volunteers aged from 18 to 64 who actively engaged in social media. A self-developed, structured questionnaire (based on an exhaustive review of the relevant literature) that underwent a thorough pilot testing phase to confirm clarity, coherence, and respondent comprehension was used to collect the study data. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for associations between variables, and Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the relationships between correct answers and observed indicators, with a significance level set at p < 0.05 (two-tailed). It can be concluded that there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge of possible causes of abuse depending on the age groups of the respondents (p = 0.001) and their present employment within the health or social system (p < 0.001). A prevailing neutral stance was observed among the majority of the surveyed population regarding the attribution of responsibility to older individuals themselves for any mistreatment they face. When confronted with scenarios illustrating abusive behaviour towards older individuals, the participants exhibited nuanced recognition across different forms of abuse, with the exception of financial abuse, where most participants indicated that there was no abuse or possible abuse. These findings underscore the need for enhanced public education initiatives concerning the diverse manifestations of abuse and neglect within the community of older individuals in the Republic of Croatia. Additionally, there is a pressing need for counselling services aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the unique needs of older individuals and the underlying factors contributing to abusive behaviour. Through such measures, societal awareness and support mechanisms can be fortified, fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and protection for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To describe the characteristics of 310 children of up to 16 years of age with suspected abuse admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital, to describe their management process, as well as to calculate the duration and basic cost of their hospitalization. METHOD Main variables of interest were examined from a data set of minors (demographics, family and socioeconomic status, etc.) from the archives of the Social Service of “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital of Athens. The dataset included the total of children admitted to the hospital with a public prosecutor’s order during a specific three years period. RESULTS The socioeconomic factor most often recorded in this study’s participants was parental unemployment within the nuclear family structure. The main reason for referral to the Hospital’s Social Service was neglect. The most frequently recorded case outcome category was the return of children to their family home under the supervision of Community Social Services. The analysis of the correlations between sex, age, residence status and the referral reasons of minors noted significant differences. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study may contribute to the design and implementation of future interventions aimed at the development of an effective and immediate response system and the formulation of abuse prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with disability are at heightened risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation (VANE) with policy geared towards responding to and eliminating VANE harm. Yet not all harm experienced by people with disability is captured within the VANE harm. Many people also experience harm in everyday interactions that leave them feeling uncomfortable, devalued, disrespected, threatened or silenced. Our multi‐method study begins with the term 'everyday harm' to describe these subtle, difficult‐to‐define and easily overlooked experiences, with the proviso that a more appropriate vocabulary may emerge from subsequent fieldwork. This article presents the results of a policy review about the representation of everyday harm between people with disability and paid support workers in disability policies. Results show that everyday harm is acknowledged in some disability policies. However, this acknowledgement is neither consistent nor comprehensive and policies do not consider the cumulative impact of everyday harm nor the subjective experience of harm. This review suggests a gap in conceptualising this type of harm and having a vocabulary that people with disability, support workers and organisations can use to acknowledge, name and, ultimately, prevent this form of harm. Empirical research about their experience of everyday harm is needed to address this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the profound impact of trauma on Catherine Earnshaw in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, specifically focusing on how her experiences of abuse and abandonment contribute to symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The research situates Catherine's psychological struggles within the broader context of Trauma Studies, utilizing theories of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to interpret her behaviors and relationships. The study examines the interplay between Catherine's unresolved trauma and her conflicted relationships, highlighting how these dynamics shape her tragic fate and influence other characters in the novel. The analysis underscores the significance of understanding trauma's psychological effects in literature, offering insights into the complexities of character development and the broader implications for human behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Danish Postal incumbent's, Post Danmark, struggle to acclimatize to a market without special rights has yielded epic competition cases such as Post Danmark I and Post Danmark II. While it is tempting to label Post Danmark as a serial infringer, it is fundamentally a company that was slow in accepting that letter mail presented a dying business case and viewed other services as being merely and capable of being priced accordingly. The extreme fall in letter volumes has made this position untenable, explaining the company's financial collapse and persistent clashes with competition law. Studies of Post Danmark's 'troublesome' relationship with competition law offer insights into the treatment of multi-product companies under competition law the need to police their allocation of costs and the consequences of failing in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abuse is an ongoing public health issue that results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Abuse against individuals with disabilities is a pervasive and deeply concerning issue, often compounded by factors of vulnerability and dependence. The majority of disabled individuals experience abuse, with the majority enduring it repeatedly. Identifying the problem is the first step towards preventing abuse. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of people with disabilities among abused victims and the victim's associated risk factors in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study obtained data from the National Family Safety Registry. All registered children and adults between April 2017 and December 2022 from 93 centers across 13 regions of Saudi Arabia were included. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between independent variables and victim-related risk factors such as the onset of abuse complications, the victim being an adult or child, the victim's gender, and whether they had been previously abused. Results: Individuals with disabilities comprise 1.4% (n = 199) of all reported cases of abuse (n = 14,004), and the trend of violence against people with disabilities has decreased during the 6-year study period. Of the abused people with disabilities, 72.4% were children, 57.8% were males, 45.2% were previously abused, and 65.3% had complications from the abuse. Caregiver type, perpetrator gender, perpetrator age, and previous abuse status were significant factors. Conclusions: This study highlights the disability prevalence among reported abuse cases and evaluates victim's risk factors in Saudi Arabia, which demonstrates an urgency for targeted intervention and support. People with disabilities constitute a vulnerable demographic who require increased support and resources. Comprehensive data collection can be utilized for effective violence prevention strategies. Further research should explore qualitative methods and survey the rates of abuse among people with disabilities in the community to gain deeper insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the abuse perpetrated by former USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, and the subsequent documentary about the case, Athlete A, gymnasts from around the world turned to social media to share their experiences of maltreatment, using the hashtag #gymnastalliance. The purpose of this study was to explore how the gymnast alliance hashtag has been used on Instagram. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted by examining the text and images included in 557 Instagram posts that employed the hashtag. The generated themes included: redress previous silencing, disclosing experiences of maltreatment and their impacts, calling for change, and building a community of support. Findings from the analysis are interpreted using athlete advocacy, maltreatment, safeguarding, and information communication and technology literature. Recommendations are posed for future research and practices to improve safe and accessible disclosure and reporting processes for athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment affects millions globally across all economic levels. Despite its prevalence, comparative research and internationally comparable data are limited due to varied definitions, methodologies, and reporting systems. This narrative review aims to compare child maltreatment trends in the U.S. and Japan, highlighting the roles of sociocultural factors. Through a literature review and analysis of national data since 1990, the study estimates maltreatment and fatality rates in both countries. Findings suggest an increase in Japan's reported maltreatment cases, likely attributable to legislative changes and heightened public awareness, while the U.S. appears to show a decline, potentially linked to improved mental health services and socioeconomic advancements. In both nations, mothers are predominantly identified as perpetrators, with sociocultural factors influencing maltreatment types and rates. Japan faces challenges in accurately measuring maltreatment due to reporting inconsistencies and mental health stigma. Despite a higher victimization rate, Japan reports significantly fewer fatalities than the U.S., with the fatality rate in the U.S. being approximately 9 times higher than in Japan. This contrast underscores the critical role of healthcare access and mental health support. The review advocates for international efforts to standardize maltreatment definitions and reporting, suggesting the adoption of trauma-informed care and comprehensive healthcare access as effective strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic experiences can impact individuals' oral health and how they experience dental treatment in ways patients and their dental providers may or may not initially anticipate. As approximately half of children and two-thirds of adults in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event, it is critically important for providers to be aware of patients' trauma histories and to appropriately provide trauma-informed care to their patients when needed. Individuals with a trauma history may experience significant anxiety and distress in the dental setting, even for treatment many providers and patients consider to be "simple," such as a brief intraoral examination, radiographs, or prophylaxis. Such aspects of the dental setting may trigger memories and emotions related to the original trauma and may re-traumatize patients. This short report introduces links between traumatic history, poor oral health, and dental care-related fear and anxiety. Additionally, this paper briefly describes how dental hygienists can provide compassionate trauma-informed care to their patients with the goal of providing whole-person care that considers patients' comfort, health goals, and prior experiences. Specific recommendations for providing trauma-informed care to children and adults within the scope of dental hygiene practice are provided, as is suggested wording for acknowledging a patient's prior trauma and tailoring dental care to accommodate patient experiences and concerns. As dental hygienists are often the oral health providers spending the most time with patients, they are uniquely positioned to provide compassionate effective trauma-informed care to patients with past traumatic experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioids are the strongest analgesics available and are crucial in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. The line between these critical medications and how they are used beyond standard therapeutics in cases such as abuse, misuse, and medication errors needs to be understood, as it affects their safety, efficacy, and manner of use. The aim of this systematic review was to identify what is known about the adverse events resulting from the abuse, misuse, and medication errors associated with opioid use. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed®, Scopus® and, EBSCO® databases to retrieve studies from the inception to December 2023 reporting abuse, misuse, and medication errors associated with medicinal opioid use. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts and full text according to eligibility using Covidence® software. Full articles were examined by two independent reviewers, and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed by the JBI's critical appraisal tools. A total of 934 articles were screened by their title and abstract. Then, 151 articles were selected for full text screening. Of these, 34 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The included studies varied significantly in their population sizes, ranging from 9 individuals to 298,433 patients, and encompassed a diverse demographic, including all ages and both sexes. The studies consistently reported a range of adverse events associated with opioid use. Fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, tramadol, and hydrocodone were frequently implicated. The data heterogeneity in this field resulted in challenges in drawing conclusions. The review highlights that some opioids, particularly fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone, are frequently associated with preventable adverse drug reactions, abuse, and medication errors, underscoring the need for robust preventative measures and ongoing research to mitigate opioid-related harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research indicates the presence of deeply ingrained gender biases within the health system, resulting in instances of mistreatment and violence against women and sexual dissidents. This study aimed to explore the stories of people assigned female at birth about their experiences of gynecological violence in Chile. Twenty-one women were recruited as participants, and semistructured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis of the transcribed dialogs was performed, and four themes were developed: legitimization of violence, objectivation and loss of autonomy, transgression of intimacy and fear of abuse, and consequences of violence over time. This article sheds light on the impact and aftermath of gynecological violence among those seeking gynecological services, highlighting the convergence of cultural, institutional, and interpersonal factors that perpetuate this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South African adolescents experience a high prevalence of violence victimization alongside the health and economic burdens of HIV/AIDS and poverty. Polyvictimization is a useful theory and framework that allows for a nuanced understanding of lived adolescent experience patterns. Polyvictimization examinations are further enriched by person-centered analytical approaches. This study used latent class analysis to differentiate a sample of South African adolescents from highly deprived communities by their polyvictimization profiles and contextual violence risk and protective factors. Adolescents were sampled twice (2010/2011; 2011/2012), and data reflected their lifetime (sexual abuse) or recent (all other forms of assessed abuse/violence) violence victimizations, as well as individual, household, and community characteristics. Model fit indices supported a seven-class model with adolescents in high, moderate, and low polyvictimization classes. Adolescents in the high polyvictimization classes experienced a heavy burden of poverty and multiple forms of violence across contexts and were distinguished by HIV/AIDS and disability. Adolescents in the low polyvictimization class experienced relatively little violence, despite living in violent communities, and low household and individual burdens of HIV/AIDS and disability. Findings emphasize the importance of considering adolescent violence through a contextually sensitive polyvictimization lens to understand the complex web of violence that adolescents experience. This work supports previous research in low-resource South African settings highlighting the interconnected nature of violence, poverty, disability, and HIV/AIDS. Future research should explore these complex violence patterns and their effects, while program and policy actions must target and prevent adolescent violence especially for those impacted by poverty, disability, and HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Women in heavily policed and incarcerated communities face extremely high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV)—but how criminal legal system contact affects such violence remains poorly understood. This study explores the social ecology of IPV by fitting structural equation models to longitudinal, dyadic data from households in contact with the criminal legal system (N = 2,224) and their local communities. Results suggest that a complex of factors at multiple social-ecological levels—including adverse local conditions, dysfunctional couple conflict, and men's behavioral health and perceptions of their neighborhoods—may put women at heightened risk of IPV victimization in a time of mass incarceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicines acting on the central nervous system can be inappropriately used. The aim of this study was to clarify the key concepts on misuse of prescription medicines, mapping the existing body of evidence on this topic in the European Union and identifying the main medicines misused, risk factors, and morbidity/mortality consequences of this behavior. Three databases – PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science – were searched. Retrieved articles were added to other studies previously identified from additional sources (e.g., PubMed alerts). Following the PRISMA-ScR flow diagram, the final list was screened for article selection. A total of 1,637 abstracts were reviewed, resulting in the inclusion of 136 articles. Most studies reported misuse of prescription opioids (66%), benzodiazepines/z-drugs, gabapentinoids, and antidepressants. Risk factors included history of substance use/addiction, mental health or alcohol disorders, female sex, older age, low income/deprivation, and psychoactive substance concomitant use. The main consequences addressed were adverse drug reactions, poisonings, emergency visits, and deaths. The medicines with highest potential misuse were opioids, benzodiazepines/z-drugs, and gabapentinoids. The considerable variety of data among EU countries suggests the need to invest in systematic centralized research to identify and understand prescription drug misuse at country-level across the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several factors shape the neurodevelopmental trajectory. A key area of focus in neurodevelopmental research is to estimate the factors that have maximal influence on the brain and can tip the balance from typical to atypical development. Methods Utilizing a dissimilarity maximization algorithm on the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) of the resting state functional MRI data, we classified subjects from the cVEDA neurodevelopmental cohort (n = 987, aged 6–23 years) into homogeneously patterned DMD (representing typical development in 809 subjects) and heterogeneously patterned DMD (indicative of atypical development in 178 subjects). Results Significant DMD differences were primarily identified in the default mode network (DMN) regions across these groups (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). While the groups were comparable in cognitive performance, the atypical group had more frequent exposure to adversities and faced higher abuses (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). Upon evaluating brain-behavior correlations, we found that correlation patterns between adversity and DMN dynamic modes exhibited age-dependent variations for atypical subjects, hinting at differential utilization of the DMN due to chronic adversities. Conclusion Adversities (particularly abuse) maximally influence the DMN during neurodevelopment and lead to the failure in the development of a coherent DMN system. While DMN's integrity is preserved in typical development, the age-dependent variability in atypically developing individuals is contrasting. The flexibility of DMN might be a compensatory mechanism to protect an individual in an abusive environment. However, such adaptability might deprive the neural system of the faculties of normal functioning and may incur long-term effects on the psyche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of street children are a subject of contention among researchers. While some researchers affirm that the backgrounds of street children, despite some differences, are remarkably similar, others opine that the characteristics of children are diverse, changing by location, context and over time. Consequently, emerging research attention has shifted to focusing on and developing a deeper understanding of their predicaments and daily experiences on the street. To have a nuanced account of street children in Nigerian cities, the study recruited 788 from Ibadan, Osogbo and Akure, using convenience sampling approach. The participants include 532 (67.5%) street boys and 256 (32.5%) girls. The sampled street children were disaggregated by their variety of experiences, predicaments and aspirations using their age and gender. The findings show that street children’s schooling status, risks of violence/abuse, drug use and career aspirations, among others, vary considerably between street boys and street girls. Therefore, it is recommended that the intervention programmes for street children be sensitive to the diversity of their involvement with the street and that the formulation of intervention policies be cognizant of the differences in age and gender among street children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language has the power to mobilize communities and spark intervention development. Language also can cause harm and stymie intervention innovation. Building Healthy Relationships to End Violence, one of the Grand Challenges for Social Work, prompts us to consider the language we use to address interpersonal violence and related interventions. Through the lens of healing-centered engagement, this article analyzes evolving language about intimate partner violence (IPV), people who experience IPV, and people who engage in violent behavior in intimate relationships, considering the implications of such language for IPV-related interventions. The article additionally provides touchpoints for ongoing conversations about the intentional use of language in IPV research, education, and practice that reflect the varied experiences of diverse individuals, families, and communities impacted by IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This select overview examines the important intersection of adult domestic violence, including intimate partner violence and elder abuse, with brain injury. Despite the high prevalence of domestic violence amongst brain injury patients, there is a notable gap in screening and management training for providers. To provide optimal patient care, brain injury medicine clinicians must screen, recognize, and treat patients who have experienced domestic violence. This select overview highlights barriers to screening, validated screening tools from other medical disciplines, and management considerations for the brain injury clinician. A suggested protocol for domestic violence screening and management, as well as recommended resources for providers and patients, is summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess child protection-related needs among drought-affected populations in selected arid counties in Kenya. The specific objectives included: to understand the different underlying vulnerabilities that children and adolescents face during drought with a gender and disability lens; to assess the current or potential presence of emergency risks and their likelihood of occurrence, the capacities, and coping mechanisms of families; identify emerging areas of concern regarding children and adolescents, including those with disability; and informing the interventions through development partners and relevant government ministries. This study adopted a non-experimental design that utilized a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative data collection involved a survey of 1800 households. The information was collected about children (i.e., individuals aged 0–17), their caregivers, and their households. Two methods were used to collect qualitative data. These included Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study established that during drought and in the recovery period, there were increased cases of children dropping out of school mainly due to the migration of families. Child labour and household chores were also mentioned as other vulnerabilities that children and adolescents faced during drought. The findings also noted an inter-linkage between female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and teenage pregnancy across all communities under study. The difficulties occasioned by drought forced many families in ASAL counties to prepare their girls for marriage through the practice of FGM. Despite the high occurrences of sexual violence against children, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and neglect, the child protection services available for affected children were low. This study recommends strengthening child protection structures at the community level by building the recruitment and capacity of child protection volunteers; sensitizing both parents and children to knowing the proper reporting channels in case of child protection issues; and strengthening the engagement of grassroots organisations, community-based groups, and local-level networks to prevent and respond to child protection concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing empirical attention has been given to the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the development and maintenance of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Yet, current research has predominantly focused on adult and nonclinical BDD samples, and little is known about relevance of ACEs in adolescent BDD. The present study examined (a) the frequency of ACEs in adolescents with a primary diagnosis of BDD (n = 50) versus obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (n = 50) and (b) the clinical profile of ACE‐exposed youth with BDD. ACEs were ascertained through a systematic search of electronic patient records, as well as through a parent‐ and self‐report screening item for exposure to traumatic events. Results showed higher rate of peer victimisation (74% vs. 38%) and child maltreatment (44% vs. 24%) among BDD versus OCD youths; sexual abuse was the most common type of child maltreatment documented in the BDD group (28%) according to patient records. Parent‐reported exposure to traumatic events was also significantly higher in the BDD than the OCD group (40% vs. 18%, respectively). Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes did not differ between those with versus without a history of ACEs. The current study is the first to demonstrate that a range of ACEs are common in adolescent BDD. Our findings highlight the importance of screening for these experiences. Although further research is needed, our findings also indicate that adolescents with BDD who have a history of ACEs are broadly similar in their clinical presentation to those without, and benefit from BDD‐focused treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrimination and abuse of healthcare workers (HCWs) by patients and their relatives remains a pressing and prevalent problem in various healthcare settings, negatively affecting professional outcomes. Despite this, little has been reported about discrimination and abuse in many low- and middle-income countries such as Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study between May - August 2021 among healthcare workers at a hospital in Kenya. Email invitations were sent, and the survey was in English, and the data was collected through and online survey. Discrimination based on gender was reported by 24.9% of all HCWs; 39.9% of doctors, 17.2% of nurses, and 10.9% of allied staff whereas racial discrimination was reported by 28.8% of all HCWs; 49.0% of doctors, 18.9% of nurses, and 8.9% of allied staff. Verbal or emotional abuse was the most common form of abuse and was reported by 56.8% of all HCWs while physical abuse was reported by 4.9% of all HCWs. For those that reported discrimination based on gender, 77.4% reported patient and their family members as the main source, whereas 81.2% of those that reported discrimination based on race reported the main source was from patient and their family members. Despite strict laws against discrimination and abuse, a significant portion of healthcare providers suffer from discrimination and abuse primarily from patients and their family members. In addition to education programs and policies to curb such behavior in the work environment, coping mechanisms should be actively sought to help healthcare providers deal with such actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketamine, a pharmacological agent that acts as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, has garnered considerable interest because of its notable and expeditious antidepressant properties observed in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) who exhibit resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive and rigorous systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of ketamine abuse undergoing ketamine treatment for depressive disorders. A comprehensive search was conducted across the electronic databases to identify pertinent studies published between 2021 and 2023. The present investigation incorporated a comprehensive range of studies encompassing the abuse or misuse of ketamine, including case reports, observational studies, and clinical trials. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted in accordance with predetermined criteria. The findings of this systematic review demonstrate the importance of monitoring and addressing ketamine abuse in patients receiving ketamine treatment for depressive disorders like MDD. The wide range of reported prevalence rates highlights the need for standardized criteria and measures for defining and assessing ketamine abuse. This study presents a significant contribution to the field by introducing a novel screening questionnaire and assessment algorithm designed to identify and evaluate ketamine misuse among major depressive disorder (MDD) patients undergoing ketamine treatment. This innovative tool holds the potential to enhance clinical practice by providing healthcare professionals with a standardized approach to promptly detect and address ketamine misuse. The integration of this screening tool into routine care protocols can facilitate more effective monitoring and management of ketamine misuse in this population, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how bullying and banter are conceptualised and rationalised by those in male adolescent community football. The authors employ a social constructivist, interpretative phenomenological analysis approach using qualitative, semi-structured interviews. These methods explore the meanings behind the perceptions and experiences of male players (N = 8, M age = 15.4) and coaches (N = 4, M age = 39). Evidence demonstrated that intent was not synonymous with bullying and that bullying and banter behaviours are highly ambiguous depending on the shared understanding of learned barriers despite participants concurring with most aspects of the definitions. Moreover, banter and bullying behaviours in community football have been experienced by participants, with acts being rationalised through moral disengagement and hypermasculinity. The research indicates that although bullying and banter are conceptualised similarly to popular definitions, concrete definitions may be limited due to the fluid nature of bullying and banter and the influence of shared social understandings. Additionally, the findings gathered show bullying and banter being experienced and rationalised in male youth community sport through moral disengagement and masculinity. The implications of these findings for safeguarding players and coaches in community football are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the worldwide situation of child abuse through international documents and explains the effective role of design through stamp designs by focusing on its physical, emotional and psychological effects. The aim is to develop a perspective through stamp design examples by focusing on child abuse, to attract the attention of the society and to inform. The descriptive analysis technique, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. In this context, the written data of the article were created by conducting a literature review. Then, the content of the article was enriched through visual expression by adding postage stamps suitable for the theme. The findings consist of a total of 11 stamp designs commissioned by India, San Marino, Switzerland, the USA and the United Nations between 1927-2019. These designs reflect the difficulties experienced by children and their efforts to claim their rights, pointing out that not only states but also international organizations have a responsibility in the fight against child abuse and calling for joint action. As a result, the visual and textual elements in the article convey important messages to the society by reflecting the gravity of child abuse and neglect. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of both design and philately and provides an understanding that it can be used as an effective tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment is a significant public health concern that affects children's health and well-being throughout their life. Children who are maltreated are at an increased risk of developing a disability or delay and are more vulnerable to a range of mental health-related problems, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, criminality, and other forms of poorly regulated emotional behavior. Children with disabilities are also at a higher risk for maltreatment, and their needs often go unmet. This systematic literature review aimed to identify, analyze, and summarize the preventive programs and intervention practices between 2009 and 2021, addressing maltreatment in children from birth through 8 years of age. The initial search identified 616 peer-reviewed articles on the topic. Seventeen intervention studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed and coded using systematic procedures. The findings suggest that home visiting and parent education are the most highly investigated educational intervention programs, with parents and caregivers as the primary recipients of the interventions. Studies of maltreatment interventions in children with disabilities are limited, with inadequate methodological rigor. We recommend future robust and wide-ranging investigations to prevent and mitigate the effects of maltreatment of children, particularly children with disabilities, and replications of studies that show promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harassment and abuse represent a pervasive and critical problem in sport with far-reaching consequences. Survivors' testimonials underscore the profound and enduring impact of these experiences at individual, interpersonal, organizational and community level. Many of their stories reveal painful inaction from responsible adults in the sport organization, aggravating the harm. Other contributing factors to the harm inflicted include a culture of silence, lack of knowledge and understanding of what constitutes abuse, unawareness of reporting and supporting mechanisms, and fear of potential consequences. While effective bystander interventions have been developed outside the sport context, particularly targeting students in higher education, such initiatives have yet to be extensively adapted and assessed within the sport context. To address this gap, the Safe Sport Allies Erasmus+ collaborative partnership relied on the intervention mapping approach as a guiding framework to systematically develop a bystander training program (i.e., Safe Sport Allies) to train youth sport participants and youth sport coaches to act as effective bystanders. The current paper describes the comprehensive development process and provides an overview of implementation and evaluation possibilities. Throughout the paper, it is explained how each step of the Intervention Mapping approach shaped the Safe Sport Allies bystander training program. The program development, and the developed plans for implementation and evaluation are presented, shedding light on challenges encountered. The bystander training program developed in this paper and the implementation and evaluation plans can serve as an outline to build future interventions within this critical domain of safeguarding in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of dental anxiety and poor oral health. In addition, people with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of potentially traumatic experiences, such as violence and sexual abuse, and appear to be more vulnerable to developing trauma‐related disorders following such experiences. While psychological trauma is associated with poor oral health and dental anxiety in the general population, the potential link between dental anxiety, poor oral health and psychological trauma is yet to be explored in people with intellectual disabilities. In this conceptual paper, we provide an overview of recent findings concerning the relationships between oral health and intellectual disabilities, psychological trauma and intellectual disabilities, as well as between psychological trauma and oral health, and discuss the relevance of these findings related to dental care for people with intellectual disabilities. We conclude that psychological trauma is likely to contribute to dental anxiety and poor oral health also in people with intellectual disabilities. Implications include an urgent need for research exploring how trauma affects oral health and experiences of dental care for people with intellectual disabilities, as well as the importance of individualized and trauma‐informed dental care for these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article draws on research in Bosnia and Rwanda and my own lived experience of ecclesiastical abuse. It reflects on, and develops, Stephen Cherry's argument that some harms are Unforgivable (2024), and that the modern Christian Church has got 'forgiveness' wrong. Contra Cherry, though, it suggests that because comparatively little work has been undertaken on the contemporary spirituality of forgiveness, we have missed the potential healing power of 'vengeance' – but a particular kind of vengeance, as a Christian strategy to protect the future dignity, agency and flourishing of survivors of severe abuse and trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we address the question of women living the experience of exile: chosen or suffered. There are many reasons for abandoning families and countries for an indefinite period. Nevertheless, we know for a fact that it is a quest whose goal is to access a better life. Migration and its geopolitical impacts have always been a favourite subject for researchers without giving the same importance to the situation of women living this trying experience. However, the problem of the latter represents a subject of general interest that has long been obscured in a context where they are the main victims of psychological or physical abuse. Our corpus is made up of the testimonies of women aiming for professional integration, met during the FLE classes that we provide, and this article represents the joint reflection, with two different perspectives on the question, of a thesis coordinator and her PhD student.

As immersive technologies and spatial computing paradigms move into the mainstream, public and political interest in the metaverse is growing. In some respects, the metaverse offers an exciting view of the future, one in which a global community can meaningfully connect regardless of where they are in the world. In contrast, however, early instances of “proto-metaverse” spaces have been plagued by reports of harassment and abuse. Policymakers around the world are now considering the role that governments might play in the regulation and governance of metaverse spaces, seeking to secure protections for citizens, and criminal accountability for offenders in this fast-evolving space. This paper introduces some of the key issues for governments engaging with this topic, including the suitability of existing legislative frameworks, and consideration of a new category of harm that seeks to recognise the distinctive impact of “conduct” abuses in metaverse environments.

Background: Gabapentin is increasingly recognised for its potential for abuse, raising concerns within healthcare communities. Community pharmacists are on the front lines in identifying and addressing instances of gabapentin abuse, making their insights invaluable. This study aims to assess community pharmacists’ experiences and perceptions regarding gabapentin abuse in Jordan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2024 using a questionnaire-based approach. The questionnaire, developed in English, was uploaded to Google Forms and distributed through social networking platforms. It consisted of four sections: demographic information, pharmacists’ experiences with gabapentin abusers, strategies to limit access to gabapentin, and perceptions of gabapentin abuse, which were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. A Chi-square test was employed to analyze the association between categorical variables.Results: The study included 209 pharmacists (median age 29.0 years, IQR 8.0 years). Concerning gabapentin, 72.7% of pharmacists received requests to sell it in the past 6 months. Of these, about 75.7% encountered suspected gabapentin abusers, noting behavioural changes (95.9%), frequent refill requests (90.4%), and inconsistent medical histories (87.8%) as key indicators. Most suspected abusers were male (81.7%) and aged 21–30 years (74.8%).Common reasons cited by suspected abusers for requesting gabapentin included neuropathic pain (93.0%), low back pain (89.6%), and mood instability (73.0%). Pharmacists perceived an increase in gabapentin abuse (74.5%) and expressed a need for additional training (83.3%). Additionally, 83.7% recognised their pivotal role in identifying and addressing gabapentin abuse. Finally, significant associations were found between working in chain pharmacies and receiving gabapentin requests (χ² = 9.159, p = 0.002).Conclusion: Pharmacists have an important role in detecting gabapentin abuse which necessitates adequate education. Pharmacists have concerns regarding this issue and believe stricter regulations are needed.

Background: The implementation trial BESTFORCAN aims to evaluate the dissemination of Trauma-Focused Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents in Germany with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after child abuse and neglect (CAN) with a focus on supervision.Objective: This update to the study protocol outlines changes made due to practical reasons in the course of the ongoing trial while maintaining methodological quality.Method: The amendments to the original study protocol comprise (1) a more refined operationalisation of the primary outcome sufficiently adherent TF-CBT therapy (SATT), (2) changes in the study sites and (3) additional inclusion of one post-gradual psychotherapy training institute.Discussion: The adaptions to the original study protocol ensured high methodological quality through the transparent presentation of protocol modification: ensuring the recruitment of participating psychotherapists in training by including a further post-gradual training institute as well as an adaption of the measurement of SATT with high external validity. The objectives, diagnostic set, and secondary outcomes remained unimpaired by the amendment. Therefore, we expect the trial to provide evidence for the effect of model-specific trauma-focused supervision on the implementation outcomes of TF-CBT as compared to supervision as usual.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00020516..

AbstractThis study explored the forms of domestic violence experienced by men in contemporary South Africa. Domestic violence is mostly portrayed as a crime perpetrated by men against women. The harsh reality, however, is that women are also culprits and active participants in the commission of the crime. Unfortunately, a heavy silence masks this assertion, and only a few studies give credence to this, particularly in South Africa. From the findings of a just completed doctoral study which utilised a qualitative approach, this article examines the various forms of domestic violence experienced by men in South Africa. The study was conducted in three South African provinces: Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Thirty (30) participants were interviewed for the study. Findings indicate that the dominant forms of domestic violence against men are physical, verbal, emotional, financial and legal abuse. The implications of these findings for an inclusive campaign against domestic violence are discussed.

In this paper I intend to discuss the concept of home and homelessness from an anthropological perspective. I will first analyze this concept in the short story “A Little Cloud” from Dubliners by James Joyce. In this story, the house/home becomes a prison which is almost impossible to escape from, undermining any dream. In the second part of my paper, I will compare this prison to the necessary, but problematic homelessness in Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence.

This article explores the intersectional relationship between domestic and medical gender-based violence, focusing specifically on the discursive aspect of medical practices. This research is based on the systemic disregard of female narratives in medical environments —particularly during screening and diagnostic processes— and the ex-treme technicality and personal distancing that certain medical discourses have acquired in the last few years. To this end, this article presents a close reading of Anne Carson’s poem “The Glass Essay”, included in Glass, Irony and God (1995), to advocate for the inclusion of more creative and freer narratives during psychological assessments and treatments to overcome those gendered discriminations that have been present in medical practices and have dismissed female narratives of illness and abuse as overly emotional and subjective. To ground this work, Rita Charon’s studies in Narrative Medicine, together with a close reading of Carson’s unique construction of the autobiographical self, will serve as a methodological basis to understand the relevance of gender exclusion in psychotherapeutic practices and the importance of using creative writing methods to allow victims of abuse to express themselves without the constraints of technicalities and gender-based stigmas.

This scoping review outlines the current understanding, challenges, available resources, and healthcare needs of women affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) who experience unintended pregnancy (UP). UPs are defined as unwanted, unplanned, or mistimed pregnancies. The impact of UP is multifaceted and carries several additional risks, particularly for women who experience IPV. The experiences and living conditions, including (mental) burdens, resources, care structures, and the needs of unintentionally pregnant women who have experienced IPV, remain mostly unexplored. The review will include the following criteria: (i) reproductive-aged women who have experienced IPV and UP; (ii) publications that provide detailed accounts of the experiences, circumstances, and/or needs of women with UP who have experienced IPV. This study will utilize the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and follow the PRISMA Protocol for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A total of 2,325 papers and gray literature published from 2000 to the present were identified. 1,539 literature items were included in the title and abstract screening. Two researchers will independently choose studies, perform data extraction, and perform data synthesis. Quantitative data will be narratively summarized and qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings will identify research gaps and provide insights into an important topic of reproductive healthcare and the (mental) health situation of a particularly vulnerable group. This will be useful in defining indications for researchers, professionals, and policymakers in public, mental, and reproductive health to conceptualize interdisciplinary and empirical healthcare support for affected women.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZMVPE.