Abusive Practices Research Articles

A normalization model for repeated letters in social media hate speech text based on rules and spelling correction.

As social media booms, abusive online practices such as hate speech have unfortunately increased as well. As letters are often repeated in words used to construct social media messages, these types of words should be eliminated or reduced in number to enhance the efficacy of hate speech detection. Although multiple models have attempted to normalize out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words with repeated letters, they often fail to determine whether the in-vocabulary (IV) replacement words are correct or incorrect. Therefore, this study developed an improved model for normalizing OOV words with repeated letters by replacing them with correct in-vocabulary (IV) replacement words. The improved normalization model is an unsupervised method that does not require the use of a special dictionary or annotated data. It combines rule-based patterns of words with repeated letters and the SymSpell spelling correction algorithm to remove repeated letters within the words by multiple rules regarding the position of repeated letters in a word, be it at the beginning, middle, or end of the word and the repetition pattern. Two hate speech datasets were then used to assess performance. The proposed normalization model was able to decrease the percentage of OOV words to 8%. Its F1 score was also 9% and 13% higher than the models proposed by two extant studies. Therefore, the proposed normalization model performed better than the benchmark studies in replacing OOV words with the correct IV replacement and improved the performance of the detection model. As such, suitable rule-based patterns can be combined with spelling correction to develop a text normalization model to correctly replace words with repeated letters, which would, in turn, improve hate speech detection in texts.

Complex needs and ethical dilemmas—Care managers processing older clients to gerontological social work

AbstractIn the times of neoliberal policies, care managers work as gatekeepers to different elder care services. In this study, we examined how care managers categorise older adults' life situations in relation to needs for gerontological social work. Our data consisted of focus group interviews with 19 care managers working in different parts of Finland and were analysed by category analysis. The results show that processing older adults as clients of social work is not unambiguous. The Finnish legislation does not offer a solid foundation for defining the complex needs of older adults in everyday practices of care managers, but abuse and several coincident support needs were recognised as criteria for social work services. Importantly, ethical issues concerning sensitive situations and the self‐determination of older adults were categorised as situations where social work is needed. This sets high expectations for the ethical expertise of social work in elder care.

Gender Based Violence in the Commercialisation of Religion in Neo-Pentecostal Churches

The focus is women suffering due to commercialisation of religion in Neo-Pentecostal Churches. Most of the religion commercialists are men with women as victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV). The CRL Commission discovered that women participation in religious commercial practices is quite alarming in terms of the ratio between men and women. There is a very serious gender bias in these churches in terms of abuse and outrageous practices. This paper focuses on vulnerability of women caused by marriage expectations, barrenness, divorce, and lack of leadership. The methods and techniques of religious commercialists will be used as demonstrations that women are indeed the victims of these malpractices. The area of finances will be highlighted to capture the truth that indeed women are victims of commercialisation of religion. Literature and social media will be engaged to validate facts. Theology of dialogue (God-talk) contributes towards the solution to these practices that have tainted the Pentecostal faith with negative outlook. Appeal is made to male perpetrators to reevaluate their patriarchal egos at the expense of women and that their theology should take a new turn of embracing feminist theology, which helps to understand the women’s value as God’s image carriers.

Роль норм маскулинности в формировании школьного буллинга

<p><em>The article presents an analytical review of domestic and foreign publications highlighting the problem of school bullying in the context of adolescents’ adherence to the norms of traditional masculinity. It is necessary to consider school bullying through the prism of how gender stereotypes become dangerous for those boys who do not feel a sense of belonging to this large social group due to the fact that they do not fully comply with normative male behavior. Such children will be subject to ridicule and attempts to adjust their behavior to the appropriate norm both from the peers and, probably, from the teachers. Recent studies in several countries show that school bullying affects up to 35% of children. Most often, boys are involved in bullying and practices of physical abuse. Traditional norms of masculinity prescribe them and encourage aggressive, active behavior, competition and the avoidance of weakness and passivity. These standards prohibit boys from being tender, crying, and provoking aggression in response to an attack. Those boys who cannot fight back are bullied by other boys.</em></p>

Community Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Practices: Experience from Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

Community Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Practices: Experience from Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

Restrictive practices in community services for people with intellectual disabilities at risk of behaviours that challenge: insights and omissions of the Disability Royal Commission

People with intellectual disabilities commonly experience violent, abusive, and restrictive contexts, particularly those who are at risk of behaviours that challenge, behaviours that often are a sign of trauma, fear, pain, and loss of power. For example, the use of physical restraint and psychotropic medication to manage behaviours labelled as challenging is prevalent in services for people with intellectual disabilities, and has a negative impact on their wellbeing and quality of life. The Australian Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has recommended a reduction in the use of restrictive practices, and that they only be used as a last resort. However, there is a risk that a narrow focus on behaviours labelled as challenging and their management through legislation, procedures, and authorisation by writing behavioural support plans fails to properly address the concerns of people with intellectual disabilities at risk of behaviours that challenge. There might not be enough incentive for the system-wide change required to properly meet the needs of this specific group. The closure of group homes, as recommended by the Commission, is appealing, given that abusive and restrictive practices are repeatedly uncovered in these settings. However, this might add to the precarious situation unless significant social change is made. Instead, perhaps more feasible, a plan to enable group homes become truly a home, safe and with highly skilled support available, should be developed. A framework based on the concept of capable environments might aid in this endeavour.

The Oil Amazon Subregion: Colonization, Conflicts, Extraction and Local Identities

The northern region of the Amazon of Ecuador is known as the oil subregion, an ecological space that represents the main development and modernity project executed by the State. Strategy that integrated vast areas of humid forests into a model of progress, modernity and global markets. This way of imagining the jungle and its inhabitants legitimized abusive intervention practices, forms of exploitation of nature and a chaotic territorial occupation, however, it determined a particular identity of the Amazonian settler-peasant. Competition for resources and territories has generated multiple social and environmental conflicts and violent encounters with native populations.

Policing Domestic Violence Special Edition Editorial: Seven years on—Reflections on progress in domestic abuse research and practice

Policing Domestic Violence Special Edition Editorial: Seven years on—Reflections on progress in domestic abuse research and practice

Prescriptive Pricing and Stabilisation Clauses in Investment Agreements

‘Prescriptive’ pricing methods, which employ reference prices and fixed margins for tax purposes, have gained prominence as a pragmatic approach to combatting commodity trade mispricing and tax evasion, especially for countries with limited tax administration capabilities. While these methods hold promise for facilitating enforcement, reducing administrative burdens, and curtailing abusive tax avoidance practices, concerns have arisen about their potential deviation from established international rules and principles. The perceived risk of legal liabilities and investor claims, including ‘unfair treatment’ under investment treaties, acts as a significant uncertainty factor in the adoption of such methods. Thus, the present chapter addresses the legal aspects of ‘prescriptive’ pricing methods within the parameters of international investment law, offering a multifaceted perspective on challenges involving the scope of defence arguments that states can mobilise under international investment law to justify such methods and exploring the right and duty of states to regulate corporate conduct and economic activities under human rights law, as well as the practical limitations to this approach in present lawmaking practices.

Developing Parent Awareness Program to Prevent Abuse among Children with Cognitive Impairment

This study investigated parents’ awareness and preventive practices related to child abuse, with a focus on children with cognitive impairment. Utilizing a survey questionnaire and group interviews, the research found that parents demonstrated a high level of awareness about the nature of abuse and preventive practices, particularly in the areas of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Although survey results indicated that parents often implement preventive measures, the group interview revealed a perceived need for more comprehensive seminars and training. The participants emphasized the importance of research-based information, guidance on government assistance, and support services. In conclusion, the study advocates for ongoing efforts to enhance parents’ awareness and preventive measures against child abuse and proposes a school-based program as a practical solution.

A Study on the Effect of Abusive Supervision on Knowledge Hiding: Mediated by Emotional Exhaustion and Moderated by Coworkers Support

This study was conducted to assess the effects of abusive supervision on knowledge hiding, taking into account the moderating influence of coworker support and the mediating function of emotional exhaustion. The current study's model suggests that when supervisors are abusive, people become emotionally exhausted and hide knowledge. Our study proposed that employees who experienced abusive behaviors were more likely to withhold information and knowledge from others in the organization. There was a strong association between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion. This means that employees who experienced abusive behaviors from their supervisors were more likely to feel emotionally drained and depleted. Another purpose of the research was to know whether coworker support moderates the relationship between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion. Coworker support may offer a sense of support and social connection, which can help employees cope with the stress associated with abusive supervision. The model was supported by Social exchange theory. Convenience sampling was used to gather data from 181 workers in the telecom sectors of firms in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Adapted questionnaires with five-point Likert scales for each variable were used. Results indicated that abusive supervision has a positive and significant relationship with knowledge hiding. The mediating role of emotional exhaustion between abusive supervision and knowledge hiding was also supported by results. However, contrary to expectations, moderating the role of coworkers’ support, between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion gained no acceptance. By incorporating specific training on recognizing and avoiding abusive behaviors from the outset, organizations can set clear expectations for supervisory conduct and create a culture that discourages abusive practices. Regular policy reviews will help the organization adapt to evolving challenges and best practices in preventing abusive supervision, ensuring that policies remain relevant and contribute to a positive work environment. Limitations and future directions are also provided.

Prosedur Adopsi Anak Dalam Hukum

Child adoption is a legal action that transfers a child from the sphere of power of parents, legal guardians or other people responsible for the care, education and raising of the child into the adoptive parents' family setting. This research is conducted with the aim of knowing how the concept of child adoption and how child protection efforts in Indonesia are associated with the practice of child adoption. This study used a normative juridical approach in order to accomplish its goals. Descriptive analytical research specifications are used. The protection of children regulated in the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection is still not running effectively due to various forms of abuse directed to the child's home environment, including child abuse practices where the child fails to follow the rules or procedures, there are potential consequences that can cause the child to become less normal.

Mother-child reporting discrepancies of child physical abuse: Associations with internalizing and externalizing symptoms

BackgroundMother-child discrepancies frequently occur in reports of child physical abuse. Such report discrepancies raise important challenges for interpreting and integrating data from multiple informants in forensic and clinical settings. ObjectivesThe main goal of this study was to identify patterns of mother-child discrepancies in reporting CPA using latent profile analysis. We then tested differences between profiles on mothers' mental health problems and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms.Participants and setting.Participants were 159 mother-child dyads with police-documented exposure to intimate partner violence. MethodParticipants were recruited from Child Protective Services and shelter residences from all regions of Portugal. After obtaining informed consent, assessment protocols were administered separately to mothers and children. ResultsWe identified two convergent profiles (mother-child agreement on reports of both high and low exposure to CPA) and one divergent profile (the child reported significantly higher exposure to CPA than the mother). Mothers from the divergent profile reported more depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms than mothers from the convergent profiles. Children of the divergent profile and one of the convergent profiles (mother-child agreement on high exposure to CPA) showed the highest internalizing and externalizing symptoms. ConclusionsThese results illustrate how examining informant discrepancies in the assessment of abusive parenting practices increases our understanding of children's psychological adjustment in high-risk contexts.

Abusive School Leadership Practices and Teacher Dissenting Voices: Analysis through Nancy Fraser and Miranda Fricker

Abstract Research notes a significant rise in varied practices of abusive supervision within the schooling context. Abusive leadership is a social justice dilemma which needs sustained confrontation. This qualitative conceptual study provides a philosophical exploration of the practices of abusive school leadership towards teachers with dissenting voices. This paper takes a conceptual methodological approach and deploys dominant social justice theories espoused by Miranda Fricker and Nancy Fraser as underpinning lenses. Extant and established scholarly literature on abusive supervision was identified and critically analysed. In its examination, the guiding research question was: what are the attributes of abusive school leadership and how do such leadership react to voices that are dissenting? This study is significant because there seem to be inadequate scholarly and empirical contributions on abusive school leadership practices towards teacher dissenting voices.

Fighting the system: Psychology consultants’ experiences of working with cases of maltreatment in sport

The aim of this study was to obtain a nuanced, in-depth insight into sport psychology consultants’ (SPCs’) experiences of working with cases of maltreatment in sport, and their practice recommendations to address this behavior. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five HCPC-registered SPCs in the UK. Data were analyzed in line with the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four group experiential themes emerged, centered around the participants searching for meaning, fighting the system, ingrained acceptance, and tackling the problem of maltreatment in sport. Specifically, the participants referred to how the sporting context influenced their understanding of maltreatment. They also discussed the inherent difficulties with reporting this behavior, and a lack of support in this process, whilst also alluding to how sporting institutions normalized abusive practices in pursuit of performance outcomes. To address the issue of maltreatment in sports, the participants discussed a variety of recommendations including organizations being accountable, the need for organizations to be more representative, and for SPCs to work with contextual intelligence. The findings from the present study provide important implications for sporting organizations, SPCs, and the professional bodies who support practitioners around the need to further understand maltreatment in sport, and to tackle this issue. Lay summary: In this study, SPCs shared their experiences of how they understand maltreatment in the sporting context. They also discussed their battles with the sporting system, and how maltreatment can be inherent to sports culture. These findings provide valuable insight into how maltreatment can be tackled in sport.

Obstetric violence is a misnomer

The term "obstetric violence" has been used in the legislative language of several countries to protect mothers from abuse during pregnancy. Subsequently, it has been expanded to include a spectrum of obstetric procedures, such as induction of labor, episiotomy, and cesarean delivery, and has surfaced in the peer-reviewed literature. The term "obstetric violence" can be seen as quite strong and emotionally charged, which may lead to misunderstandings or misconceptions. It might be interpreted as implying a deliberate act of violence by healthcare providers when mistreatment can sometimes result from systemic issues, lack of training, or misunderstandings rather than intentional violence. "Obstetric mistreatment" is a more comprehensive term that can encompass a broader range of behaviors and actions. "Violence" generally refers to the intentional use of physical force to cause harm, injury, or damage to another person (eg, physical assault, domestic violence, street fights, or acts of terrorism), whereas "mistreatment" is a more general term and refers to the abuse, harm, or control exerted over another person (such as nonconsensual medical procedures, verbal abuse, disrespect, discrimination and stigmatization, or neglect, to name a few examples). There may be cases where unprofessional personnel may commit mistreatment and violence against pregnant patients, but as obstetrics is dedicated to the health and well-being of pregnant and fetal patients, mistreatment of obstetric patients should never be an intended component of professional obstetric care. It is necessary to move beyond the term "obstetric violence" in discourse and acknowledge and address the structural dimensions of abusive reproductive practices. Similarly, we do not use the term "psychiatric violence" for appropriately used professional procedures in psychiatry, such as electroshock therapy, or use the term "neurosurgical violence" when drilling a burr hole. There is an ongoing need to raise awareness about the potential mistreatment of obstetric patients within the context of abuse against women in general. Using the term "mistreatment in healthcare" instead of the more limited term "obstetric violence" is more appropriate and applies to all specialties when there is unprofessional abuse and mistreatment, such as biased care, neglect, emotional abuse (verbal), or physical abuse, including performing procedures that are unnecessary, unindicated, or without informed patient consent. Healthcare providers must promote unbiased, respectful, and patient-centered professional care; provide an ethical framework for all healthcare personnel; and work toward systemic change to prevent any mistreatment or abuse in our specialty.

Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kanyama Township of Lusaka District, Zambia

The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has caused suffering and pain to mankind leading to many individuals practising self-medication and substance abuse that could elevate substance use disorders (SUDs). This study assessed the impact of Covid-19 on SUDs among Kanyama residents of Lusaka district, Zambia. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using patient files at Kanyama First-Level Hospital from September 2021 to October 2021. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Of the 101 participants, 86.1% were male. The study showed that Covid-19 had an impact on SUDs with alcohol (83.2%) being the most abused substance. There was no significant difference in the type of substances abused (p=0.870) and intoxication symptoms (p=0.331) between the pre-Covid and post-Covid groups. There was a significant difference between substance use (p=0.001) and withdrawal symptoms (p=0.002) in both cohorts, with the post-Covid group consuming more substances and experiencing more withdrawal symptoms. Factors that influenced substance abuse included recent unemployment (p<0.001), boredom (p<0.001), overcrowding at home (p<0.001), and gender-based violence (p<0.001) influenced the change in the pattern of substance use. Recreational use was not associated with a change in the pattern of substance abuse (p=0. 667). This study found that the Covid-19 pandemic increased the practices of substance abuse among Kanyama residents, especially those who were unemployed, bored, overcrowded at home and experienced gender-based violence. There is a need to heighten the monitoring and restriction of substance use, especially among adolescents and youths to curb some mental health problems. Keywords: Covid-19; Pandemic; Self-medication; Substance abuse; substance use disorders; Zambia.

Resilience and Strategic Emotional Intelligence as Mediators between the Disconnection and Rejection Domain and Negative Parenting among Female Intimate Partner Violence Victims.

(1) Background: The exposure of children to intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with a wide range of negative effects on children's development, where as parenting practice is considered to be one of the key factors mediating and mitigating this. Studies have found mixed results regarding the impact of female IPV victimization on maternal parenting practice; however, the most frequently tested hypothesis suggests that the cumulative stress of the IPV experience may emotionally deregulate the mother, contributing to an increased risk of neglected and abusive parenting practices. Little is still known about the factors determining the observed differences in maternal parenting practices among IPV victims. Thus, in our study, we use mediation models to provide preliminary results exploring the role of resilience and strategic emotional intelligence in the relationship between women's disconnection and rejection (D/R) schema domain and maternal parenting practice among IPV victims. (2) Methods: A total of 48 female survivors of IPV and 48 age-matched women with no prior experience of IPV completed a set of tests examining parenting practices, the D/R domain, resilience and emotional intelligence. (3) Results: IPV victimization was associated with significantly higher rates of negative parenting practices. The D/R domain was found to be a significant predictor of parental autonomy attitude and level of parental competence, and these relationships were fully mediated by resilience with strategic emotional intelligence and resilience, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The results shed light on the under-researched relationship between early maladaptive schemas and parenting behavior in the context of IPV. The implications for clinical practice and further research can be drawn based on the study findings.

Bank customers complaints, financial knowledge and gender

ABSTRACT This work aims to analyse the relationship between financial knowledge and the propensity of consumers to complain in the event of disagreement with a financial institution. A sample of 8,286 individuals from the Survey of Financial Competencies elaborated by the Bank of Spain is analysed. The results reveal that individuals with greater financial knowledge show a greater propensity to complain, presumably due to their heightened ability to detect possible fraud or abusive practices by financial entities. Gender itself is not relevant in the propensity to complain. However, when the sample is divided by gender, financial knowledge is more relevant for women than men. Additionally, the results reveal that in the female sample, propensity to complain is affected by self-confidence, in contrast to the male sample. The results suggest that the authorities should take practical steps to include financial knowledge in the educational curriculum.

What Went Wrong At Aburi: Interrogating the Gap in the Use of Good Offices and Mediation in the Nigerian Civil War

Good offices and mediation are traditional means of dispute resolution. Both dispute mechanisms have been used in achieving truce and armistice unrivaled by any other known dispute resolution methods like arbitration, conciliation, and judicial settlement; this is possible because of its overlapping nature and for which distinction is now blurred. This study attempts to distinguish between good offices and mediation, use and abuse in practice and its consequences when improperly applied. Using the constructivist theory, the study interrogates the use of good offices in the conflict stage of the Nigerian Civil War where the Ghanaian Head of State Lt- General J.A. Ankrah had invited parties in Nigerian Crisis to Aburi, Ghana, early steps toward resolving the looming crisis by negotiation. This study identifies some elements of mediation in dearth to have averted the eventual Civil War. It argues that a good offices provider should equally armed self with skills of a full mediator maintaining that the tempo of a negotiation may require switching from providing good offices to full mediation and not necessarily calling off negotiation within negotiation. The study maintains that all that was required in the instance was Lt-General J.A. Ankrah’s reappearance at the table to build consensus while interpreting messages. The study uses secondary sources of data and a qualitative research design. It concludes that negotiation may fail where it is laced with more stoppages as such tempo found to close negotiation may be lost in course of time. It recommends the overlapping skills of good offices and mediation in one breathe evidently lacking at Aburi