Adult Domestic Violence Research Articles

Domestic violence is associated with environmental suppression of IQ in young children.

Research suggests that exposure to extreme stress in childhood, such as domestic violence, affects children's neurocognitive development, leading to lower intelligence. But studies have been unable to account for genetic influences that might confound the association between domestic violence and lower intelligence. This twin study tested whether domestic violence had environmentally mediated effects on young children's intelligence. Children's IQs were assessed for a population sample of 1116 monozygotic and dizygotic 5-year-old twin pairs in England. Mothers reported their experience of domestic violence in the previous 5 years. Ordinary least squares regression showed that domestic violence was uniquely associated with IQ suppression in a dose-response relationship. Children exposed to high levels of domestic violence had IQs that were, on average, 8 points lower than unexposed children. Structural equation models showed that adult domestic violence accounted for 4% of the variation, on average, in child IQ, independent of latent genetic influences. The findings are consistent with animal experiments and human correlational studies documenting the harmful effects of extreme stress on brain development Programs that successfully reduce domestic violence should also have beneficial effects on children's cognitive development.

How Children Are Involved in Adult Domestic Violence

There is limited research available on children’s involvement in incidents of adult domestic violence. This study collected direct reports on real-life events and went beyond earlier research by eliciting information on a larger array of family and contextual factors that may account for variation in children’s responses. Anonymous telephone interviews with 114 battered mothers in four metropolitan areas elicited detailed information from women on their children’s responses to the violence being committed against the mothers. One quarter of the mothers reported that their children were physically involved in the events. In addition, mothers with less stable financial, social, and living situations at the time of the interview reported their children to have intervened more during the past violent incidents. The article concludes with recommendations for a greater emphasis on careful assessment of children’s involvement in domestic violence incidents and on assisting mothers to achieve economic stability as well as safety.

Influence of Adult Domestic Violence on Children's Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: An Environmentally Informative Twin Study

Externalizing and internalizing problems may aggregate in families because (1) siblings share genetic risks for problem behaviors or (2) siblings are exposed to similar environmental risks. A genetically sensitive design was used to determine whether domestic violence accounted significantly for the variation and covariation of externalizing and internalizing problems, independent of additive genetic effects on these behavior problems. Using the Achenbach family of instruments, mothers and teachers reported internalizing and externalizing problems for 1,116 monozygotic and dizygotic 5-year-old twin pairs in the United Kingdom (93% response rate). Mothers reported their experiences of domestic violence in the previous 5 years. Structural equation models were tested to determine the effect of mothers' experiences of domestic violence on children's emotional and conduct problems, controlling for latent genetic and environmental effects on these behaviors. A multivariate model showed that adult domestic violence accounted for 2% and 5% of the variation in children's internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively, independent of genetic effects. The co-occurrence of externalizing and internalizing scores was accounted for by genetic (62.6%) and shared environmental (29.2%) factors and by domestic violence (8%). Because domestic violence affects children's behavior problems beyond genetic influences, programs that successfully reduce domestic violence should also prevent children's psychopathology.

Domestic Violence Education in Medical School: Does It Make a Difference?

Academic Emergency MedicineVolume 6, Issue 8 p. 855-857 Free Access Domestic Violence Education in Medical School: Does It Make a Difference? Carolyn E. Haase MD, Carolyn E. Haase MD Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MOSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia D. Short MD, Patricia D. Short MD Clarian Methodist Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, INSearch for more papers by this authorDane M. Chapman MD, PhD, Dane M. Chapman MD, PhD Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MOSearch for more papers by this authorSusan A. Dersch RN, Susan A. Dersch RN Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MOSearch for more papers by this author Carolyn E. Haase MD, Carolyn E. Haase MD Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MOSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia D. Short MD, Patricia D. Short MD Clarian Methodist Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, INSearch for more papers by this authorDane M. Chapman MD, PhD, Dane M. Chapman MD, PhD Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MOSearch for more papers by this authorSusan A. Dersch RN, Susan A. Dersch RN Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MOSearch for more papers by this author First published: 28 June 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1553-2712.1999.tb01221.xCitations: 11AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat References 1 Bachman R, Saltzman LE. Violence against women: estimates from the redesigned survey. U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, NCJ-154348. Washington , DC : Government Printing Office, Aug 1995. 2 American Health Consultants. Partner abuse: recognition,.evaluation, and management of battered women in the emergency setting. Emerg Med Rep. 1996; 17: 1– 22. 3 Abbott J, Johnson R, Koziol-McLain J, Lowenstein SR. Domestic violence against women: incidence and prevalence in an emergency department population. JAMA. 1995; 273: 1763– 7. 4 McLeer SV, Anwar R. A study of battered women presenting in an emergency department. Am J Public Health. 1989; 79: 65– 6. 5 Hamberger LK, Saunders DG, Hovey M. Prevalence of domestic violence in community practice and rate of physician inquiry. Fam Med. 1992; 24: 283– 7. 6 Candib LM. Naming the contradiction: family medicine's failure to face violence against women. Fam Community Health. 1990; 13: 47– 57. 7 Holtz HA, Hanes C, Sasran MA. Education about adult domestic violence in U.S. and Canadian medical schools, 1987-1988. MMWR. 1989; 38: 17– 9. 8 Cambliss LR, Bay RC, Jones RF. Domestic violence; an educational imperative Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995; 172: 1035– 8. 9 Ernst AA, Houry D, Nick TG, Weiss SJ. Domestic violence awareness and prevalence in a first-year medical school class. Acad Emerg Med. 1998; 5: 64– 8. Citing Literature Volume6, Issue8August 1999Pages 855-857 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Children's Witnessing of Adult Domestic Violence

Social service professionals are more frequently identifying children who witness adult domestic violence as victims of that abuse. This article expands common definitions of how children witness adult domestic violence. A total of 31 research articles that met established quality criteria were included in this review. A variety of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive-functioning problems among children were found to be associated with exposure to domestic violence. Factors that appear to moderate the impact of witnessing violence—such as whether the child was also abused, child gender and age, and the time since last exposure to violence—were identified. Concerns about research methodology used in this area of research and the application of this knowledge also are raised.

The Overlap Between Child Maltreatment and Woman Battering

Societal responses to child maltreatment and to woman battering have developed in separate and sometimes conflicting ways. It is only in recent years that greater attention has been devoted to the possible overlap between child maltreatment and woman battering in the same families. Thirty-five studies conducted over the past 2½ decades that mentioned an overlap between child maltreatment and adult domestic violence in the same families were identified. These studies are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses identified. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications these findings have for practice, policy, and research.

Health Care System Responses to Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

The health care system has only recently adopted protocols and training to enable practitioners to identify and respond to victims of domestic violence. Currently, most hospitals have domestic violence protocols in place, although training in the use of protocols is less routine. However, because the provision of health care focuses on the treatment of the individual, the well-being of the children of adult domestic violence victims has received little attention in adult health care settings. Pediatricians do not routinely receive training in domestic violence identification and do not see responding to battered mothers as within the purview of their practice. Innovative programs in children's hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California, recognize that the safety of children is integrally tied to the safety of their mothers. These programs identify abused children whose mothers are the victims of domestic violence and provide advocacy and support that allow mothers and children to remain together in most instances. Little is known about the health impacts of teen dating violence, and opportunities for screening exist in the settings where teens receive health care. Likewise, prenatal visits provide regularized opportunities for domestic violence screening. Integrating the health care needs of mothers and children from violent households will require continued and expanded training, collaboration with community institutions, and improvements in insurance reimbursements to cover the costs of needed services.

Prevalence of adult domestic violence among women seeking routine care in a Native American health care facility.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of, and sociodemographic factors associated with, adult domestic violence within a Native American community. Adult women in the community were surveyed. Of 371 eligible women, 341 (92%) were surveyed. Among respondents, 179 reported a history of at least 1 episode of domestic violence. Fifty-six (16.4%) reported violence within the previous 12 months. Age under 40 years and living in a household receiving governmental financial assistance were independently associated with 1-year prevalence of adult domestic violence. Adult domestic violence is prevalent within this Native American community. Additional research is required to characterize further the relationship between domestic violence and socioeconomic status.

Family Violence Curricula in U.S. Medical Schools

Introduction: Family violence (adult domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, and elder abuse) is endemic. Victims of family violence are seen in every venue of health care, yet physicians do not routinely inquire about abuse, even when patients present with obvious clinical characteristics. Although a comprehensive health care response is key to a coordinated community-wide approach to family violence, most practicing physicians have never received education in any aspect of family violence, including child abuse. This paper reports the results of a survey of family violence instruction in medical schools.Methods: A written survey of medical school deans and student representatives of all 126 U.S. medical schools was conducted to (1) determine curriculum content in family violence, (2) assess differences between deans’ and students’ perceptions of curricular offerings, and (3) compare the results of the current survey with those of an earlier curriculum survey conducted in 1987.Results: The majority of deans reported existing curriculum in all three topic areas of family violence. Compared to the 1987 survey, more deans reported existing curriculum in family violence. However, neither total instructional time nor curriculum during clinical training increased. Moreover, student and dean responses were discrepant regarding awareness of curriculum in domestic violence and elder abuse.Conclusion: Despite an increase in the number of schools reporting curriculum in family violence, there does not appear to be increased attention to this problem, at least as measured by time devoted to teaching. Insights from this descriptive survey can promote ongoing efforts toward comprehensive curriculum development in family violence.

Coordinated community intervention for domestic abusers : Intervention system involvement and criminal recidivism

This study examined prosecution and post-prosecution elements of a coordinated community intervention approach to male perpetrators of adult domestic violence. In a sample of 235 cases, recidivism was assessed from official criminal justice data during a 12- to 18-month period after cases were initially handled by the Baltimore, Maryland State's Attorney's Domestic Violence Unit. Court orders for domestic violence counseling were associated with significantly lower criminal recidivism for battery or violation of a civil order of protection. Lower criminal recidivism was also associated with the cumulative effects of successful prosecution, probation monitoring, receiving a court order to counseling, attending counseling intake, and completion of counseling. Individuals with greater involvement in this intervention system had lower recidivism rates, even though offenders with more extensive abuse histories experienced more intervention. Results provide qualified support for coordinated community intervention for domestic violence perpetrators.

Childhood precursors of adult interpartner violence.

Although childhood exposure to violence in one's family of origin is one of the most consistent correlates of later adult domestic violence, little is known about the developmental pathways or specific mechanisms of in-tergenerational transmission. This article (a) reviews the current knowledge regarding early exposure to domestic violence as precursor of later domestic violence, (b) identifies developmental considerations related to the impact of exposure, and (c) describes several conceptual models of the influence of early exposure. Research on both adults and children is reviewed. Implications for research focus on operational definitions, sex differences, life-span development, relational dynamics, typologies, and mediating processes. Implications for clinical practice focus on early socialization experience in adult treatment, and the development of early prevention programs. Language: en

Prevalence of domestic violence among patients attending a hospital emergency department.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of domestic violence victims among patients using emergency services at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, in an affluent urban area of New South Wales. This study used a self-administered questionnaire (used in a similar study at the Royal Brisbane Hospital) to investigate the history of domestic violence among patients attending the emergency department during 64 randomly selected nursing shifts in October-November 1994. Adult domestic violence was reported by 19.3 per cent of females and 8.5 per cent of males, confirming the results of the Brisbane study. Evidence for underreporting was found: 4 per cent of females and 6.3 per cent of males who did not report being victims revealed experiences of abuse on nine measures of types of violence, including six taken from the Conflict Tactics Scale. Results supported evidence from other studies suggesting that experience of abuse as a child is a risk factor for being in abusive relationships as an adult. In the past, comparison of results has been limited because of variation in definitions of domestic violence; this has been overcome by intentional replication of the Brisbane study. The study was enhanced by inclusion of patients from non-English-speaking backgrounds and a cohort of parents of children attending. Similar prevalence estimates were found in these groups. Results have implications for the detection and treatment of victims of domestic violence across all strata of society and have potential to raise awareness and affect attitudes towards this significant community problem.

Prevalence Study of Domestic Violence Victims in an Emergency Department

Study objective: In 1992, a study of the prevalence and predictors of domestic violence victims among individuals who presented to a major public hospital emergency department was conducted to replicate a study conducted by the authors in the same setting 12 months previously. The second study aimed to investigate more accurately the presentation of current victims of domestic violence to the ED. Methods: In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, a screening questionnaire was administered to participants to establish the prevalence of a history and current presentation of domestic violence problems among patients who presented to the ED of a major public hospital. The study group comprised a representative sample of 670 male and 553 female adults (older than 16 years) who presented to all sections of a public hospital ED during 53 randomly selected 8-hour nursing shifts over an 8-week period in 1992. Results: The results of the second prevalence study confirmed those of the first study. Of the 1,223 respondents in the study, 15.5% disclosed a history of adult domestic violence (8.5% of men, 23.9% of women). Women were at greater risk than men for abuse as adults (raw relative risk [RR], 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.23 to 4.79; RR adjusted for age, history of child abuse, and country of birth, 4.13; CI, 2.86 to 5.95). Women were at greater risk than men for being doubly abused (as a child and as an adult) (raw RR, 2.17; CI, 1.33 to 3.53). The second prevalence study confirmed what had been indicated in the first study: that 2.0% of women who presented to the ED (11.6% of all women with a history of adult domestic violence) were current victims of domestic violence and that these women presented mainly between the hours of 5 pm and 8 am, when no social work services were available for referral of victims. Conclusion: These Australian studies support the findings of prevalence studies of domestic violence victims in ED in the United States. The prevalence and risk factors indicate the need for training of physicians and nurses in the ED about domestic violence and for provision of appropriate backup referral services such as after-hours social work services. [Roberts GL, O'Toole BI, Raphael B, Lawrence JM, Ashby R: Prevalence study of domestic violence victims in an emergency department. Ann Emerg Med June 1996;27:747-753.]

Let's join the battle against adult domestic violence

Let's join the battle against adult domestic violence

Education About Adult Domestic Violence in U.S. and Canadian Medical Schools, 1987-88

A study was conducted to determine the current curriculum content on adult domestic violence (ADV) in 143 accredited US and Canadian medical schools. The survey carried out by the New Jersey Medical School Domestic Violence Prevention Project Survey mailed the survey materials to curriculum contact persons identified by the Association of American Medical Colleges. About 116 schools responded to the survey. Of those 116 schools 61 (53%) denote that their students did not receive any instruction on ADV; 49 (42%) reported that their students receive such instruction as part of at least one required course; and 6 (5%) received instruction as an elective curriculum. Overall 77 courses that included at least one session of instruction about ADV were identified. Because some of these courses devoted more than one session to such instruction a total of 85 sessions of instruction addressing to ADV were identified. Of all sessions addressing ADV 68% were offered during 2 years of medical school; 63% were taught in the department of psychiatry; 7% in family practice; 7% in geriatrics; 7% in internal medicine; and the remaining 16% in other departments. The format of instruction varied widely sometimes including use of films or direct contact with domestic violence victims to supplement lectures and discussions.

Leads from the MMWR. Education about adult domestic violence in U.S. and Canadian medical schools, 1987-88

Leads from the MMWR. Education about adult domestic violence in U.S. and Canadian medical schools, 1987-88

An Analysis of Risk Markers in Husband to Wife Violence: The Current State of Knowledge

The present review involves the evaluation of 97 potential risk markers of husband to wife violence. Using 52 case-comparison studies as the source of data, markers were divided into four categories: consistent risk, inconsistent risk, consistent nonrisk, and risk markers with insufficient data. Based on this classification, it appears that a number of widely held hypotheses about husband to wife violence have little empirical support. Only witnessing violence in the wife's family of origin was consistently associated with being victimized by violence. Furthermore, it seems that characteristics associated with either the husband-offender or the couple have greater utility for assessing the risk of husband to wife violence than characteristics of the wife-victim. Findings are discussed in terms of the methodological and theoretical implications of current research on this form of adult domestic violence.

Sensory-Nerve-Conduction Velocity and Two-Point Discrimination in Sutured Nerves

Family violence, in the form of child abuse, adult domestic violence, and elder abuse, is a major public health problem in the United States. It leads to physical and psychological disability, loss of productivity, and even death. It can perpetuate itself through successive generations and contributes to the escalating costs of health care in this country. Family violence affects a significant proportion of the US population either as direct victims or as witnesses of abuse. As a result, orthopaedic surgeons are undoubtedly treating family violence victims, knowingly or unknowingly in their practices. Therefore, it is important that orthopaedic surgeons understand that victims of family violence often present for orthopaedic care in both emergency department and office or clinic settings. It is equally important that orthopaedic surgeons acquire the skills that are needed for the appropriate evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of such victims.