Age Of Victims Research Articles

Validity of Risk Assessment Instruments Among Juveniles Who Sexually Offended: Victim Age Matters.

Research has identified meaningful subtypes among the heterogeneous population of juveniles who sexually offended (JSO). However, studies that test the validity of risk assessment tools with JSO subtypes are limited. This study compared JSO who offended against a child victim (JSO-C) and JSO who offended against an adolescent/adult victim (JSO-A) with regard to rates of recidivism and the predictive validity of two risk assessment tools (Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism [ERASOR] and Juvenile Sexual Offender Assessment Protocol-II [J-SOAP-II]). Data were analyzed from case files of 185 JSO-C and 297 JSO-A aged 12 to 18 years (M = 14.11, SD = 1.44) from a consecutive sample of JSO with contact sexual offenses. A total of 34 (7.1%) juveniles reoffended sexually, with no significant difference between the subtypes. The present results suggest that the ERASOR, particularly the structured professional judgment, and to a lesser degree the J-SOAP-II are better suited to predicting sexual recidivism in JSO-A than in JSO-C.

재난피해 노인의 삶의 질 수준과 영향요인 분석

재난피해 노인의 삶의 질 수준과 영향요인 분석

Mock jurors’ awareness of age-related changes in memory and cognitive capacity

While age-related changes in memory have been well documented, findings about jurors’ perceptions of older witnesses are conflicting. We investigated the effect of victim age (25 vs. 75 years old) and crime severity (victim injured vs. not injured) on mock jurors’ decisions in a robbery trial. Jury-eligible participants (120 women; 84 men) read a mock trial summary and delivered their verdicts online. Mock jurors believed the young victim more than the older victim when the crime was severe, while no age differences emerged for the less severe crime. Whereas previous research demonstrated that juror characteristics were generally associated with culpability, we demonstrated that with case-specific information, these general views became less important. In all, mock jurors were aware of age-related decline in memory provided by eyewitnesses only to a limited extent. Accordingly, in trials involving older witnesses, jurors will benefit from educative information about age-related memory changes.

Characteristics, methods and precipitating events of suicidal behaviors in Bangladesh: A year-round content analysis of six national newspapers

BackgroundEpidemiological aspect of suicidal behaviors is an under-researched matter in Bangladesh. ObjectivesIt was aimed to see the characteristics, methods and precipitating events of suicidal behaviors by analyzing the contents of national daily newspapers of Bangladesh. MethodsWe analyzed the published contents of six daily newspapers that were collected and hand-searched between 01 November 2018 and 31 October 2019. A total of 403 articles were collected and subsequently analyzed. ResultsThe mean age of suicide victims reported in these newspapers was 25.81 ± 11.62 years (Range: 8–80 years). More than fifty percent of the reported cases were less than 30 years of age, 55.6 % were female, 33.25 % were students, and 48.4 % were married. Hanging was found as the commonest method (76 %) and marital discords (14.89 %), familial discords (9.68 %), sexual issues (9.18 %), affair related issues (5.71 %), were found as the mentionable precipitating events. Year-round tracing of suicides based on the reports revealed peaks in April and November. ConclusionThe study showed adults less than thirty years, females, and students are exhibiting more suicidal behaviors. Hanging was the most commonly used method and the majority of the precipitating events were within the family.

Differences in severity of injuries between motorcyclist and bicyclist fatalities in single vehicle collisions

To understand the injury severity of bicyclists and motorcyclists in single vehicle collisions, we performed a retrospective analysis of forensic autopsy cases of 25 motorcyclists and 14 bicyclists performed from 1999 to 2018. Collision details, injury characteristics, and involvement of alcohol were examined. The injury severity between bicyclists and motorcyclists was compared. The average age of victims was 62.3 years. All motorcyclists and no bicyclists wore a helmet. Motorcyclists had more severe injuries than bicyclists (mean Injury Severity Score of 42 and 27, respectively). The motorcyclists had more severe chest injuries but fewer severe facial injuries than bicyclists, owing to the difference in collision velocity or rate of helmet use (p < 0.05). Alcohol was present in the blood of 52.0% of bicyclists but no motorcyclists. The mean blood alcohol concentration of these bicyclists was 1.59 mg/mL. The bicyclists under the influence of alcohol had more severe injuries to neck and upper extremities than non-drunken bicyclists (p < 0.05). Our results may be useful for determining the cause of death and reconstructing the mechanisms of fatal injuries in bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Domestic homicide in Maputo Province, Mozambique

BackgroundDomestic Homicide is the most extreme form of domestic violence reported worldwide. Although in Mozambique there are public reports of domestic homicide, no research has been published that describes its pattern. AimThis study aims to describe the pattern of domestic homicides in Maputo Province, Mozambique. MethodA cross-sectional descriptive and quantitative approach study was applied using autopsy report data from 2016 to 2017 at the Forensic Medicine Services at Maputo Central Hospital. All cases of domestic homicide were captured in an Excel database and exported to Stata software for analysis. Descriptive statistics was performed for victim's age, sex, education level, relation to the offender, place of occurrence, and means of killing. Logistic regression was applied to investigate associations of intimate partner homicide with these independent variables. ResultsFrom a total of 689 autopsies of homicide over the two years, 96 (13.9%) were victims of domestic homicide. Among them, 62 (64.6%) were males and 34 (35.4%) females, with the median age of 38.9 years (range 0–92). Forty (41.7%) victims had primary level education. The residence was the place of the homicide in 45 (46.9%) of the cases. As a means of killing, suffocation was used in 26 cases (27.1%), use of a blunt instrument in 24 (25.0%), and poisoning in 16 (16.7%) cases. Twenty-three (24.0%) cases were victims of intimate partner homicide. From 73 (76.0%) cases of non-intimate partner homicide, 32 (43.8%) were siblicide, 27 (40.0%) were filicide, and 14 (19.2%) parricide. From a multivariable logistic regression, intimate partner homicide was only found to be positively associated to the victim being female (OR = 6.17, 95% CI 1.28–29.79, p-value 0.024). ConclusionThis research contributes to the understanding of the pattern of domestic homicide, which will be useful for the identification of preventive measures. More research is necessary to understand the social contexts that lead to domestic homicide.

Sexual Offences against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) - A Boost to Police Investigation and Prosecution

Sexual Offences against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) which came into force on 10 July 2017 has a significant impact on police investigation and prosecution. Hitherto the police relied on the Penal Code (Act) to investigate all children sexual abuse cases since there were no specific laws against the perpetration of child pornography, sexual grooming and other sexual abuses against children. Apparently not only does Act 792 confer extra powers upon the police to conduct investigation, it also simplifies the investigation and prosecution works of the police and Deputy Public Prosecutors respectively. This paper aims to examine Act 792 in relation to police investigation and prosecution since its implementation about two years ago. Its effectiveness is evaluated by comparing the overall cases investigated, charged in courts and convicted under this new statute. In addition, an analysis on the type of social media used to entice child victims in rape cases and age of the child victims are also conducted. This is a library-based qualitative research plus a face-to-face interview with a judge who presides over child sexual abuse cases. For conclusion, this paper makes some suggestions to improve the investigation, prosecution and also the Special Court for Child Sexual Crime which was launched on 22 June 2017 at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya.

A Statistical Study of Gender Differentials and Patterns in Suicidal Deaths

Background: In India suicide is a national social issue. India accounts for a large proportion of all suicide deaths globally. Patterns and rates of suicide differ in various populations and cultures. Thus, we aimed to report time trends of suicide deaths, and the association between various attributes such as gender, age of suicide victims, pattern of suicide, etc. Material and Method: This retrospective study, data were obtained from cases of suicide reported to the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi, over a period of 5 years from January 2014 to December 2018. Result: A total of 4973 autopsies were conducted of which suicidal cases contributed to 15.76% (784) of cases. Out of 784 suicidal cases, 530 (67.61%) were male and 254 (32.39%) were female. Most of the victims (38.5%) were from the age group 20–30 years. A significant interaction effect between pattern of suicide and age-group was found. Hanging was most common pattern of suicide followed by poisoning in both sex groups. Conclusion: Male preponderance (67.61%) in suicidal cases was found in this study, and the most involved age group was 21–30 years which is similar to findings found in different other countries.

Incidence of accidents and injuries in children under 6 years old in southern Iran: a population-based study.

Accidents and injuries are the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the incidences of different causes of accidents in children under 6 years old. This population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in one year (2016-2017) on a sample of 6000 children in Southern Iran with a multistage sampling method using a standard checklist for comprehensive child health monitoring. The annual incidence rate of accidents was 16% and the mean age of accident victims was 2.5±1.5 years. Of these, 17.3% and 14.8% were male and female, respectively. 25% of the children suffered from more than one accident. The most common causes of accidents were burns (16%), falls (14%), and accidents involving objects (10%). In multivariate analysis, a higher number of male children in the family and lower child age significantly increased the likelihood of accidents (p less than 0.05). This study was a direct survey of the population, and showed that the incidence rate of accidents in children in southern Iran was in line with that of other regions of Iran, but less than the world average. There was no significant difference in accident etiology and only trends in etiology were found compared to studies using existing data.

Predictive modeling of COVID-19 death cases in Pakistan.

BackgroundThe world is presently facing the challenges posed by COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), especially in the public health sector, and these challenges are dangerous to both health and life. The disease results in an acute respiratory infection that may result in pain and death. In Pakistan, the disease curve shows a vertical trend by almost 256K established cases of the diseases and 6035 documented death cases till August 5, 2020.ObjectiveThe primary purpose of this study is to provide the statistical model to predict the trend of COVID-19 death cases in Pakistan. The age and gender of COVID-19 victims were represented using a descriptive study.Methodology: Three regression models, which include Linear, logarithmic, and quadratic, were employed in this study for the modelling of COVID-19 death cases in Pakistan. These three models were compared based on R2, Adjusted R2, AIC, and BIC criterions. The data utilized for the modelling was obtained from the National Institute of Health of Pakistan from February 26, 2020 to August 5, 2020.ConclusionThe finding deduced after the prediction modelling is that the rate of mortality would decrease by the end of October. The total number of deaths will reach its maximum point; then, it will gradually decrease. This indicates that the curve of total deaths will continue to be flat, i.e., it will shift to be constant, which is also the upper bound of the underlying function of absolute death.

Back Pain Among Physiotherapists and Nurses In Slovenia

An analysis of 5,241 medicolegal cases (which include 744 deaths) seen in the Kandy area (Sri Lanka) by one of the authors between August 1983 and July 1989 and concerning offences against the person is presented. The incidence; times of occurrence; profile of victims (age, sex); individual versus group violence, and relationship between victim and offender revealed a pattern of violence which is as follows: a decrease in accidental deaths, a marked increase in homicides in the latter period of 1988 and through 1989 with a corresponding decrease in suicides. Grievous hurt showed a considerable increased incidence compared to non-grievous hurt with an increased trend towards voluntarily caused grievous hurt and that caused in traffic accidents. As instruments of violence, the use of blunt weapons predominated while the use of sharp weapons remained roughly unchanged throughout. There was a significant use of firearms in violence in the concluding year of the study. The pattern supports the hypothesis of a village (rural) basis for the violence.

Injury-related deaths in Enugu, Nigeria from 2010 to 2016: a descriptive review

Introductiondeath from injuries is a global public health problem. Ninety percent occur in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the burden and demographic characteristics of injury-related death in Enugu, Nigeria.Methodsthis is a retrospective study of injury-related deaths in Enugu over a 7-year period. Standardized forms were used to collect data from autopsy reports archived in the Forensic Unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu and a descriptive analysis of collected data performed.Resultsof the Coroner deaths examined in the period reviewed, 1,067 (86.9%) were injury-related. The male-to-female ratio was 5.2: 1. Mean age of victims was 34.2 ± 14.3years and range was 8 months to 86 years. Most victims (56.7%) aged 21-40 years. Accidents accounted for most deaths (53.2%) followed by homicide (44.3%). Road traffic deaths (51.4%), cult/gang violence (20.8%) and robbery (14.7%) were the commonest. Suicide (0.5%) and domestic violence (0.7%) were the least. More females died in domestic incidents while more males died in all other circumstances. Firearm (56.7%) was the most common weapon followed by knife (19%). Knife and wood (28.7% each) were the commonest weapons in domestic violence. Generally, fatal incidents occurred more in the day-time (65.5%). Most robberies (80.4%) occurred at night. Most cult/gang killings (75.2%) and robberies (81.7%) occurred in public places and at homes respectively.Conclusioninjury is the highest source of Coroner's death in Enugu. Efforts to curb it are insufficient. A definitive policy on the prevention and management of injury-related deaths is needed.

Factors associated with depressive symptoms and cognition in elderly victims of violence.

To identify, among elderly people victims of violence, factors associated with depressive symptoms and cognitive function. This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 56 elderly people classified in situation of violence. To do so it was used the Brazil Old Age Shedule (BOAS), the Conflict Tactics Scales Form R, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini-mental State examination (MMSE). Depressive symptoms were more predominant in elderly men, over 70 years old, without partner, illiterate, with no job, receiving up to 1 minimum wage and who lived alone; and the cognitive deficit prevailed in women, over 70 years old, without partner, illiterate, who did not work, receiving up to 1 minimum wage and who lived alone. Among the elderly population victim of violence, lack of a partner and cognitive impairment were associated to depressive symptoms; and finding themselves living alone, with no partner and being illiterate were associated to cognitive deficit.

HEALTH CONDITION OF THE ELDERLY HOSPITALIZED IN VIOLENCE SITUATION

Objective to characterize the scientific production on the assessment of the health condition of the hospitalized elderly in situations of violence. Method: This is an integrative literature review. The review covered 06 studies available in databases, having as descriptors: elderly health, hospitalization and violence. We evaluated articles published from 2007 to 2018. Two themes were inserted: clinical-epidemiological profile of the elderly population and hospitalization; self-rated health of the elderly in situations of violence. Results: It was identified that socioeconomic, demographic characteristics, functional capacity, health conditions and nutritional status interfere in the self-rated health of the elderly hospitalized in situations of violence and in the planning of services aimed at this public. Conclusion: health conditions influence the daily life activities of the elderly who were hospitalized in situations of violence. It was observed that the knowledge of sociodemographic and health characteristics favors the implementation of actions aimed at evaluating the health of elderly victims of violence. Research on publications in Brazil related to the health condition of hospitalized elderly victims of violence is of fundamental importance, since the population is rapidly aging, with increased life expectancy and the emergence of chronic diseases and disabilities.

Survey on Mental Health and Functioning of Elderly Victims 11 Years After the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Survey on Mental Health and Functioning of Elderly Victims 11 Years After the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Autoestima en las mujeres víctimas de violencia por la pareja íntima

Antecedentes: La violencia contra la mujer por su pareja íntima (VPI) puede provocar un malestar psicológico intenso y afectar su autoestima. Método: estudio con enfoque cuantitativo de tipo comparativo entre mujeres víctimas de violencia por sus parejas y las no víctimas. El grupo de mujeres maltratadas (n = 170), grupo mujeres víctimas, buscaron ayuda en un centro de asistencia psicológica a mujeres maltratadas; y las no maltratadas (n = 170), grupo no víctimas, fueron contactadas mediante la red de apoyo del Patronato de Ayuda a Casos de Mujeres Maltratadas (PACAM). Se identificó el tipo de violencia con un formulario estructurado y autoadministrado y se evaluó la autoestima con el Inventario de Autoestima de Rosenberg. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la autoestima (p&lt;0.001*) entre ambos grupos. La edad media de las mujeres víctimas fue de 38.55 años (DE = 9.72, rango = 20 – 67). En el grupo de las no víctimas, la edad media fue de 37.25 años (DE = 11.43, rango = 18 – 65). Los resultados evidencian que la baja autoestima se asocia de manera estadísticamente significativa con la violencia de pareja.

Integrating General Strain Theory and Trauma-Informed Principles into the Study of Older Adult Victimization

ABSTRACTPrevalence rates for late life victimization are well-documented. The literature has expanded, in part due to the identification of elder justice as a key priority for federal funding. The interdisciplinary field of criminology has begun addressing elder victimization and its consequences, informed by General Strain Theory (GST). It is challenging to connect the findings from this research to evidence-based interventions for older victims. Trauma-informed principles (TIP) – when linked with GST – offer a means for doing so. The current review contributes to the extant literature by examining connections between these perspectives, with the goal of encouraging future research, and ultimately informing treatment for older adult victims.

Post-Disaster Inequality Factors on Depression and Anxiety among Elderly Victims in South Korea

The effects of disasters on individuals’ mental health differ by their sociodemographic and economic status. This study aims to identify how various determinants of post-disaster inequalities influence the elderly’s mental health such as depression and anxiety. This study utilized 666 seniors aged 65 or older among a total sample of 1,659 included in the 2017 survey data collected by the National Disaster Management Research Institute. The results from multiple regression analysis showed that female, older, and lower-income individuals experienced a higher level of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, when receiving adequate economic support and psychological counseling and having more social participation, they were less likely to be depressed and anxious after disasters. To improve mental health of elderly disaster victims, it is important to provide appropriate psychological counseling services as well as economic support. In addition, social capital of elderly victims should be enhanced through encouraging social participation and reducing conflict experiences.

Women’s Health Status and Domestic Violence in Mansa District of Punjab, India

The domestic violence faced by the women is one of the forms of physical assault. The physical aggression is imposed on women in a number of ways. Physical violence against women includes slapping along with hurting with the objects such as a stick, a shoe, a glass or metal plate. This results in severe injuries to women such as bleeding, swelling, stiffness or pain. The results are drawn by working out the percentage and chi square. The results are based on the 264 respondents who experienced domestic violence of the sample of 400 individuals in the study. The study discovers that half of the victims suffer from injury due to domestic violence repeatedly. The study determines that scratch, abrasion, bruises, cuts, bites are the dominant forms of the injury that the victims suffered. The victims also suffered from the fractures, sprains and dislocations. Out of 131 injured victims, 78.6 percent needed health care due to injury is an indicator towards the severity of the domestic violence. But, the women are showing grit to openly declare the cause of the injury to the health workers. The injury due to domestic violence did not make any association with demographic factors such as age, religion and location of victim. However, such association is strong with caste, family type, education of woman and husband, income and duration of marriage. The study has established that education among women and their husbands is an important tool to curb the domestic violence.

Policing and prosecuting sexual assault: an examination of arrest and initial filing decisions in cases involving adolescent complainants

Sexual assault case processing has steadily received increased attention from scholars, with promising implications for the criminal justice system. Despite this increase in attention, however, there remains a dearth of literature addressing adolescent sexual assault case processing. Moreover, the few studies that have examined adolescent sexual assault case processing have resulted in inconsistent findings. The present study addresses this gap in sexual assault case processing literature by using adolescent sexual assault case files from Los Angeles County to assess the decision-making factors that influence arrest (N = 205) and initial charge filing (N = 152). Results indicate that decisions to arrest and file initial charges in adolescent sexual assault cases are influenced by similar factors: victim cooperation, physical evidence, prompt reporting, and victim age. Exceptions include suspect age and victim credibility, which only influenced arrest decision making. Theoretical, policy, and practice implications are discussed.