Family Abuse Research Articles

KONSTRUKSI SOSIAL KEKERASAN SEKSUAL PADA ANAK DI PONDOK PESANTREN MANARUL HUDA KOTA BANDUNG

Children are people who are very vulnerable to sexual violence. Sexual harassment can occur anywhere, including in institutions with strong religious foundations that uphold high moral standards. This study intends to examine how sexual violence against children is socially constructed at the Manarul Huda Islamic Boarding School, Bandung. To understand the social construction of sexual violence against minors in Islamic boarding schools, this study uses a qualitative methodology and case study techniques. The analytical tool used is Peter L. Berger's theory of Social Construction. As a result of research, this can be explained through 3 (three) stages, namely externalization where in this stage the child victim's understanding is limited to the basic concept of sexual violence, secondly the objectification of the meaning of the concept of sexual violence which is then understood by the child to feel confused and afraid of the perpetrator's actions accept. Third, internalization of what actions need to be taken when sexual violence occurs, during the 2016-2021 period sexual violence took place, from family abuse and child confessions, family victims who reported it to the police.

Aspects that intervene in the low academic performance and family dysfunctionality of the students in 4th – 5th semesters of the Health Promotion career of the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo

Family dysfunction can have a significant impact on the academic performance of students of the Health Promotion Career, without a doubt; emotional and financial support, domestic violence, substance abuse and other family problems can influence students and therefore their studies causing disinterest in education; therefore, the research proposed as an objective to determine the incidence of family dysfunction and its impact on low academic performance in the period April - August 2022. A descriptive and transversal approach was used as methodology, without experimentation, with a sample of 60 students, to collect data, the survey was used as a technique, through the questionnaire instrument in the Google Forms platform, promoting the participation of parents, students and teachers; the results showed that 60% of the students have a good communication and relationship with their parents, the same that in a cross of variables, highlights that 100% of the students have good academic performance, while 40% argue a poor or no relationship with their family, which affects low academic performance. In conclusion, it was determined that most of the interviewees have a good academic performance, however, a significant percentage have low academic performance, they also indicate poor communication at home, there is not an adequate family environment, they come from dysfunctional families, they indicate that they have suffered verbal and psychological mistreatment.

Family abuse targeting queer family members: An argument to address problems of visibility in local services and civic life

Abstract Purpose To draw attention to the invisibility of family abuse victimisation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans folk and its impacts; and the lack of appropriate, confident, skilled, formal responses to family abuse victimisation. In addition to argue that local strategic commitment is required to address structural discrimination faced by queer folk and to positively invite those victimised to seek help from local services. Method A multi-method local study in a Central Bedfordshire, a County in England was conducted with an online survey, interviews and focus groups with local LGBT+ communities and practitioners. Results The data suggests worryingly high reporting of family abuse particularly for trans participants. At the same time our data, in line with others, shows help-seeking to be low other than to informal sources of help especially friends. In addition professionals appear underconfident about how to respond appropriately. Conclusions Family abuse targeting queer folk is a significant problem and under-recognised. This is in part due to the mainstream domestic abuse sector associating family abuse with racially minoritised and/or faith communities and particular forms of violence such as “honour” abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Family abuse victimising queer folk is relatively invisible despite profound social, mental and physical health impacts. Practitioners in this study describe a lack of confidence, skills and knowledge about their practice responses to queer folk which needs to be addressed through training. However, we also conclude that the wider civic context can also play a part in sending messages to local queer folk that local services are for them and that there is a role for civic leaders to improve the visibility and confidence of local queer folk as citizens.

A Three-Way Interaction of Sex, PER2 rs56013859 Polymorphism, and Family Maltreatment in Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents.

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents is 12-18% and is twice as frequent in females. Sleep problems and thoughts of death are depressive symptoms or co-occurrent phenomena. Family maltreatment is a risk factor for later depressive symptoms and the period circadian regulator (PER) has been studied in relation to neurotransmitters, adaptation to stress, and winter depression. The purpose of this work was to study the relation of the three-way interactions of sex, PER2 rs56013859, and family maltreatment in relation to core depressive symptoms, sleep complaints, and thoughts of death and suicide in self-reports from a cohort of Swedish adolescents in 2012, 2015, and 2018. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses with linear and logistic regressions were used to study the relationships to the three outcomes. The three-way interaction was related to core depressive symptoms at both baseline and six years later. In contrast, the model did not show any relation to the other dependent variables. At 13-15 years, a sex-related differential expression was observed: females with the minor allele C:C/C:T exposed to family maltreatment showed higher levels of core depressive symptoms. Six years later, the trend was inverted among carriers of minor alleles.

‘Til Prison Do Us Part!’ Uncovering Women’s Reactions to Child Sexual Abuse Perpetrated by Their Partners

ABSTRACT The failure of a relationship is a likely outcome when a critical event occurs. Conviction for child sexual abuse is such a type of an event for any couple. This study examines women’s reactions to child sexual abuse by the man with whom they were still in an intimate relationship. Determinants of separation were examined through analysis of forensic and psychosocial reports. The sample included 85 heterosexual couples in which the male partner had been convicted of child sexual abuse. Slightly more than half of the women involved in the relationship (n = 46; 54.1%) decided to leave the perpetrator. Separation rates were higher when the victim was known, especially the woman’s own child, when the women believed the allegations, and when they cooperated with authorities. In addition, separation was more likely when other forms of abuse were present and when the women themselves were victims of intimate partner violence. The results also showed that the likelihood of separation was higher in short-term relationships. We discuss these findings in light of the importance of also considering the experiences and needs of partners involved in an abusive family as part of a public health approach to the prevention of child sexual abuse.

Sex-specific joint trajectories of deviant peer affiliation and externalizing problems from middle childhood to early adolescence: the predictive role of family maltreatment.

Previous research has shown a strong link between deviant peer affiliation (DPA) and externalizing problems (EXT) among children and adolescents. Little is known about how DPA and EXT develop jointly over time or possible sex differences in their development. This longitudinal study identified sex-specific joint trajectories of DPA and EXT from middle childhood to early adolescence and investigated the predictive role of family maltreatment experiences in joint trajectories of DPA and EXT. A total of 3622 Chinese elementary school students in grades 3 and 4 (Mage = 10, SD = 0.53; 46.5% girls) comprised the sample. Assessments were conducted every six months on five occasions across 2.5years. Parallel process latent class growth modeling (PP-LCGM) was used to explore the joint trajectories of DPA and EXT for boys and girls separately. The PP-LCGM identified four trajectories for boys: "congruent-low" (78.2%), "congruent-high" (12.40%), "deviant peer affiliation increasing" (6.5%), and "congruent late increasing" (2.9%). Four trajectories were identified for girls: "congruent-low" (82.5%), "slowly increasing" (10.2%), and "deviant peer affiliation desisting" (5.6%), and "congruent late increasing" (1.7%). After controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), the results showed that compared to the congruent-low group, more severe family maltreatment predicted the high and high-start trajectories for boys. The findings highlighted the joint development of DPA and EXT and the sex differences associated with their development. Findings also shed light on the importance of sex in developmental responses to family maltreatment.

Beyond Technology-Facilitated Abuse: Domestic and Family Violence and Temporary Migration

Abstract This paper explores the importance of moving beyond a narrow examination of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) and domestic and family violence (DFV). Drawing on findings from two studies that capture the experiences of over 300 temporary visa holders in Australia, we detail how technology is one tool used within the context of patterns of control and isolation. We detail the experiences of TFA in our sample and then examine the importance of locating TFA within the broader context of structural inequality. We argue that the position of temporary non-citizens must be the foreground to identify the structural conditions that are sustained by the state and leveraged by perpetrators, rather than the specifics of the tools that are used to enact DFV.

Konsekuensi Hukum Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga terhadap Tingkat Perceraian: Perspektif Hukum Islam dan Positif

This research discusses "The Legal Consequences of Domestic Violence on Divorce Rates" by considering Islamic and positive legal perspectives in the Tangerang City Religious Courts. Qualitative research methods with a case study approach are used to understand the complex phenomenon of domestic violence and divorce in more depth and contextually. Data was collected through interviews with the parties involved, including divorce applicants, domestic violence victims, Religious Court judges, and lawyers. Data was also obtained from legal documents related to domestic violence and divorce cases. The research results reveal the main conclusions. First, factors causing domestic violence include weak mental quality, lack of religious values, low education, an unsupportive family environment, and lack of moral values. Second, the role of the family environment in shaping a person's behavior, especially children, is in the spotlight. An abusive and aggressive family environment can contribute to similar behavior in domestic relationships as an adult. This research provides a deeper understanding of the impact of domestic violence on divorce and illustrates the complexity of this issue in the context of Islamic and positive law.

Violence against Women: A comparative study of Islamic (with reference to Pakistan) and non-Islamic Jurisdictions

The present study aims to examine the evil of violence against women within different cultures of the world. The research focuses on conducting a comparative analysis to shed light on the patterns of violence experienced by women in Islamic and non-Islamic contexts. The study explores various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, with respect to, domestic violence, sexual assault, honour-based violence, familial abuse, discriminatory practices and cultural injustices. By examining the experiences of women across different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, this study seeks to identify effective measures to address and prevent violence against women. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this study contributes to the broader understanding of violence against women and provides valuable insights, strategies and policies for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working towards gender equality and the eradication of violence against women. The study has followed the doctrinal method of research.

Findings of Abuse in Families Affected by Parental Alienation

Findings of Abuse in Families Affected by Parental Alienation

July 2023

July 2023

Like bringing a knife to a gunfight: Why IRC Section 2036 is not the right weapon to combat abusive family limited partnerships

AbstractFamily Limited Partnerships (“FLPs”), which were once a great estate planning technique, have now become victim to Section 2036 assertions made by the IRS. Over the years, the IRS has struggled to find a means to combat abusive FLPs until the courts began to embrace Section 2036 as a weapon for them to use. Different courts, however, have maintained different rules and have now subjected both abusive and non‐abusive FLPs to inclusion of their assets into their gross estates. This has shed light onto the main issue, that is, that Section 2036 is not the appropriate tool to combat abusive FLPs.

The HARM models: Predicting longitudinal physical aggression in patients with schizophrenia at an individual level

The prediction and prevention of aggression in individuals with schizophrenia remains a top priority within forensic psychiatric settings. While risk assessment methods are well rooted in forensic psychiatry, there are no available tools to predict longitudinal physical aggression in patients with schizophrenia within forensic settings at an individual level. In the present study, we used evidence-based risk and protective factors, as well as variables related to course of treatment assessed at baseline, to predict prospective incidents of physical aggression (4-month, 12-month, and 18-month follow-up) among 151 patients with schizophrenia within the forensic mental healthcare system. Across our HARM models, the balanced accuracy (sensitivity + specificity/2) of predicting physical aggressive incidents in patients with schizophrenia ranged from 59.73 to 87.33% at 4-month follow-up, 68.31–80.10% at 12-month follow-up, and 46.22–81.63% at 18-month follow-up, respectively. Additionally, we developed separate models, using clinician rated clinical judgement of short term and immediate violent risk, as a measure of comparison. Several modifiable evidence-based predictors of prospective physical aggression in schizophrenia were identified, including impulse control, substance abuse, impulsivity, treatment non-adherence, mood and psychotic symptoms, substance abuse, and poor family support. To the best of our knowledge, our HARM models are the first to predict longitudinal physical aggression at an individual level in patients with schizophrenia in forensic settings. However, it is important to caution that since these machine learning models were developed in the context of forensic settings, they may not be generalisable to individuals with schizophrenia more broadly. Moreover, a low base rate of physical aggression was observed in the testing set (6.0–11.6% across timepoints). As such, larger cohorts will be required to determine the replicability of these findings.

Exploring childhood experiences and family contexts as risk factors for drug use in the lives of young drug users in the Western Cape, South Africa

ABSTRACT The use of drugs amongst adolescents and youth has become a global phenomenon and South Africa is no exception. This paper aims to explore the familial contexts and childhood experiences leading up to the drug-taking pathways of young drug users. A qualitative approach was utilized to gather demographic from a purposive sample of 41 young (14–19 years) drug users, at five drug treatment centres in the Western Cape of South Africa. Additionally, participants could agree to participate in an in-depth interview or to provide a written life history account. A thematic data analysis was applied, and the results uncovered a range of family-related risk factors such as family structure (single motherhood and absent fatherhood), and other negative family functioning and practices such as troubled parent-child relationships, poor family communication/interactions, parental/family substance abuse, and conflict-ridden, stressful and often violent and abusive family situations. The findings suggest that prevention initiatives should focus on strengthening family functioning by reducing high conflict, stress, violent and abusive family situations, as well as aim to enhance the caregiver-child relationship. Prevention strategies should encourage live-in and non-live-in fathers to be actively involved in the lives of their children and should aim to reduce parental/caregiver substance abuse.

Analysis of the Influencing Factors of Elderly being Abused and Remaining Silent in China

Under the Confucian culture of “family ugliness must not be exposed”, the elderly in China often choose to be aggrieved/remain silent when facing domestic abuse. Based on the data of the fourth sample survey of urban and rural elderly living conditions in China in 2015 (N=19,940), this study used the Logit model to analyze the influencing factors of the risk of family abuse and the choice of remaining silent of the elderly. The results showed that the annual incidence of domestic abuse among the elderly in China was 5.36%, and the proportion of those who chose to remain silent was 35.77%. The more sons, the higher the risk of domestic abuse in the elderly and whether the elderly choose to remain silent, and the more daughters, the higher the risk of domestic abuse in the elderly, but whether they remain silent is not significant. Overall, it shows that “raising children does not prevent old age”, and to be precise, it cannot prevent the occurrence of elderly abuse.

CHILDHOOD MALTREATMENT AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR: A QUALITATIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF IRISH OLDER ADULT SURVIVORS

Abstract Although childhood maltreatment can have lasting effects into later life, positive outcomes have also been observed, including an increased tendency towards prosocial behavior. However, little is known about the link between childhood maltreatment and later life prosocial behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to explore older adult’s experiences of childhood maltreatment and identify mechanisms linked to prosocial behavior in later life. The individual level, but also broader cultural and contextual mechanisms, were considered by comparing two adversity contexts and applying conceptual frameworks (socio-interpersonal framework model of trauma and recovery, motivational process model of altruism born of suffering). Semi-structured interviews (60-120 minutes) were conducted with 29 Irish (older) adult survivors of childhood maltreatment: 17 institutional (welfare care) abuse survivors (mean age: 61 years, range: 50-77), 12 familial abuse survivors (mean age: 58 years, range: 51-72). Interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis. In both groups at the individual level, enhanced empathy, amelioration, and identity-related mechanisms were linked to prosocial behavior, with connections to caring roles and coping strategies from childhood. On a social contexts level, the limited resources or opportunities for help in childhood, and the social norms and beliefs of that time, influenced participants’ motivation to help others in later life. Group-specific mechanisms were also observed, such as compassion fatigue in the familial sample; and denouncing detrimental societal values in the institutional sample. The identification of individual, adversity-context, and culture-specific mechanisms linked to later-life prosocial behavior can promote a greater understanding of resilience and adaptability in older adult survivors of childhood maltreatment.

CHILDHOOD MALTREATMENT AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR: A QUALITATIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF IRISH OLDER ADULT SURVIVORS

Abstract Although childhood maltreatment can have lasting effects into later life, positive outcomes have also been observed, including an increased tendency towards prosocial behavior. However, little is known about the link between childhood maltreatment and later life prosocial behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to explore older adult’s experiences of childhood maltreatment and identify mechanisms linked to prosocial behavior in later life. The individual level, but also broader cultural and contextual mechanisms, were considered by comparing two adversity contexts and applying conceptual frameworks (socio-interpersonal framework model of trauma and recovery, motivational process model of altruism born of suffering). Semi-structured interviews (60-120 minutes) were conducted with 29 Irish (older) adult survivors of childhood maltreatment: 17 institutional (welfare care) abuse survivors (mean age: 61 years, range: 50-77), 12 familial abuse survivors (mean age: 58 years, range: 51-72). Interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis. In both groups at the individual level, enhanced empathy, amelioration, and identity-related mechanisms were linked to prosocial behavior, with connections to caring roles and coping strategies from childhood. On a social contexts level, the limited resources or opportunities for help in childhood, and the social norms and beliefs of that time, influenced participants’ motivation to help others in later life. Group-specific mechanisms were also observed, such as compassion fatigue in the familial sample; and denouncing detrimental societal values in the institutional sample. The identification of individual, adversity-context, and culture-specific mechanisms linked to later-life prosocial behavior can promote a greater understanding of resilience and adaptability in older adult survivors of childhood maltreatment.

Substance and Drug Abuse on Human Health; A Case Study of Youth in the USA

A drug is a chemical substance that alters the functioning of the whole body and brain. The study sought to determine the effects of substance and drug abuse on human health among the youth in the USA. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The study used a purposive sampling technique to get a sample size of 200. The collection of the data was done using questionnaires. The analysis of the study was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study used tables to present the data. The study found that substance and drug abuse is negatively and significantly related to human health (β=-0.548, p=0.005). Thus, when the rate of substance and drug abuse increases by one unit, the human health among the youth in the USA will reduce by 0.548 units while other factors that influence human health are held unchanged. Substance addiction has numerous negative physiological and psychological health consequences. Drug addiction affects your brain and behavior to the point where you can't control your use of legal or illegal drugs. The study concluded that youth substance and drug abuse is a problem affecting both developing and developed countries. The study recommended that prevention of drug problems can employ knowledge about family dynamics to address personal and social concerns of family members that otherwise would lead to drug abuse, both concerning dysfunctional and intact families. The youth need to be enlightened on the consequences of substance and drug abuse on their health. Measures should be put in place to help the affected youth reform from the use of drugs. Centers for counseling and rehabilitation should be set up to care for the youths who have fallen into this trap of substance abuse. Keywords: Substance and drug abuse, human health, youth, USA

Networks of Adversity in Childhood and Adolescence and Their Relationship to Adult Mental Health

Adverse experiences before the age of eighteen are common and include diverse events ranging from sexual abuse to parental divorce. These stressful experiences have been linked to physical and mental health issues. Previous research has focused mainly on childhood adversity, such as experiences in the family environment. Little consideration has been given to adversities that may be particularly harmful in adolescence. To understand adolescents’ adverse experiences, this project used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, total N = 14,901, N ≈ 1,200 − 10,000 per measure). We modelled interrelations of adversities in childhood (1–11 years) and adolescence (11–23 years) and examined adversity clusters using network analysis. We found two similar clusters in the childhood and adolescence networks: (1) direct abuse and (2) adverse family factors. We identified a third cluster of (3) educational and social adversities for adolescence. For both age groups, emotional abuse in the family environment was closely linked to mental health in early adulthood and most adversities were linked with depression in early adulthood. In adolescence, housing and academic issues and abuse by a romantic partner were particularly central to the network of adversities. Thus, we found commonalities and differences in the relevance of adverse experiences at different developmental stages. These findings highlight the need to develop age-dependent frameworks for adversity research and policymaking.

Interventions for expectant and new parents who are at increased risk for perpetrating child abuse and neglect: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionThe prevention of child abuse and neglect is an urgent matter given the serious effects persisting into adulthood, and the increased risk of the offspring of abused children being abusive...