Childhood Experiences Of Violence Research Articles

Disability, childhood experiences of violence and associated health outcomes in refugee settlements in Uganda

BackgroundThere is limited evidence regarding the associations between disability, childhood experiences of violence, and associated health outcomes in humanitarian settings. ObjectiveWe examined the prevalence of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional violence by disability status, explored associations between childhood violence and type of disability (limitation), perpetrator types, and the negative health outcomes associated with experiencing childhood violence by disability status. Participant and SettingParticipants included 1338 females and 927 males aged 13–24 years living in refugee settings in Uganda. MethodsData were from a cross-sectional Humanitarian Violence against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS) conducted between March and April 2022 in Uganda. Analysis entailed cross-tabulation with a chi-square test and estimation of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. ResultsFor both females and males, the prevalence of sexual violence in childhood was higher among those with disabilities compared to those without disabilities (23.2% vs. 11.5% for females; and 15.7% vs. 7.6% for males). The odds of experiencing sexual violence were higher among females with physical limitations (self-care [AOR:2.1; 95%CI-1.0-4.3] and task performance [AOR:2.5; 95%CI = 1.3–5.2]) and males with both physical [AOR:4.4; 95%CI = 1.4–13.7] and communication [AOR:4.1; 95%CI = 1.3–12.9] limitations compared to those without such limitations. Experiencing violence and having disabilities increased the odds of reporting negative health outcomes including severe mental distress and symptoms or being diagnosed with STI among females by three times. ConclusionIn Uganda's refugee settings, the prevalence of childhood violence is higher among children and youth with disabilities compared to those without disabilities. Females with disabilities and who had experienced childhood violence were considerably more susceptible to negative health outcomes. These findings underscore the need for targeted child protection and response interventions to address the vulnerabilities of children and youth, and particularly for those with disabilities and female children.

Risk Factors Linked to Violence in Female Same-Sex Couples in Hispanic America: A Scoping Review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among women is an understudied topic in Hispanic Americans; therefore, we aim to describe this phenomenon and its associated risk factors in comparison with other sexual orientations and practices. A scoping review was carried out using the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Redalyc, Scielo.org, and Dialnet. The following keywords were used: same-sex, intragender, couple, domestic, and partner violence. The inclusion criteria applied were studies published between 2000 and 2022 with a minimum participation of 15% of Hispanic Americans, resulting in 23 articles. The findings showed a lower presence of studies on violence in women compared to men. Minority stress, power dynamics, social support, and childhood experiences of violence, which are related and complementary to each other, were identified as risk factors. We concluded that there is little research on IPV among women. In addition, studies require a renewed focus to comprehend this type of violence, which cannot be equated with those of heterosexual couples. This approach continues to perpetuate the invisibility of this problem, and, therefore, a more inclusive and specific perspective is needed.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Aging-Associated Functional Impairment in a National Sample of Older Community-Dwelling Adults.

Prior research on the health implications of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has focused on early or midlife adults, not older adults who bear the greatest burden of health-related functional impairment. To examine associations between ACEs, objectively measured physical mobility and cognitive impairment, and functional disability in older community-dwelling adults. Cross-sectional analysis. Community-dwelling older U.S. adults ages 50years and older. Participants completed structured questionnaires assessing history of ACEs (childhood experience of violence/abuse, witnessing of violence, financial insecurity, parental separation, or serious illness), underwent standardized physical performance testing (tandem balance, 3-m walk, chair stand test) and cognitive testing (survey adaptation of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and reported functional disability (difficulty with activities of daily living). Among the 3387 participants (aged 50 to 97years; 54% female), 44% reported a history of one or more types of ACEs. Thirty-five percent met criteria for physical mobility impairment, 24% for cognitive impairment, and 24% for functional disability. After adjusting for age, gender, race, and ethnicity, participants reporting any ACE history were more likely to demonstrate physical mobility impairment (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11-1.52) and cognitive impairment (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.54) and report functional disability (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.38-2.07), compared to those with no ACE history. Childhood experience of violence was associated with greater physical mobility impairment (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.11-1.71) and functional disability (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.49-2.33). Older adults with a history of ACEs are more likely to experience physical and cognitive functional impairment, suggesting that efforts to mitigate ACEs may have implications for aging-associated functional decline. Findings support the need for trauma-informed approaches to geriatric care that consider the potential role of early life traumatic experiences in shaping or complicating late-life functional challenges.

Psychological Consequences of Experiencing Violence in Childhood-The Role of Dissociation in the Formation of Early Maladaptive Schemas.

Childhood experiences of violence can lead to severe psychological consequences. One of them is an increased risk of abnormal personality development. It can manifest as rigid negativistic beliefs about the self, others, and the surrounding world, which some specialists term early maladaptive schemas. The conducted study aims to provide a possible explanation of the role dissociation plays in the process of forming early maladaptive schemas. The study was conducted on 342 adult women whose biographies contained one or more episodes of potentially traumatic experiences of violence in childhood. Three questionnaires were used: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire. The results show that experiences of violence are linked with dissociative disorders and the intensity of early maladaptive schemas. Mediation analysis confirmed that the relationship between experiencing violence and early maladaptive schemas is exacerbated by the presence of dissociative symptoms resulting from the violence experienced. The mediation analysis results suggest that if an experience of violence is followed by the emergence of dissociative symptoms, its impact on personality is more severe. This confirms earlier notions regarding the role that dissociative symptoms play in personality changes stemming from traumatic events.

Exploring mechanisms of racial disparities in intimate partner violence among sexual and gender minorities assigned female at birth.

Sexual and gender minority people of color (SGM-POC) report higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) than White SGM, adding to growing evidence that people holding multiple stigmatized social identities are at particular risk for adverse experiences. We aimed to identify mechanisms underlying the racial/ethnic disparities in IPV among SGM, focusing on childhood experiences of violence, structural inequalities, and sexual minority stress. 308 SGM assigned female-at-birth (AFAB; 82 White, 133 Black, 93 Latinx; age 16-31) self-reported on minor psychological, severe psychological, physical, and sexual IPV victimization and perpetration, and three proposed mechanisms: childhood violence (child abuse, witnessing interparental violence), structural inequalities (economic stress, racial discrimination), and sexual minority stressors (internalized heterosexism, anti-SGM victimization, low social support). Indirect effects of race on IPV victimization via hypothesized mechanisms were estimated using logistic regression with 5,000 bootstrapped samples. Compared to White participants, Black participants were 2.5-7.03 times more likely to report all eight IPV types; Latinx participants were 2.5-4.8 times more likely to experience four IPV types. Univariate indirect effects analyses indicated that these racial/ethnic disparities were partially explained by higher economic stress, racial/ethnic discrimination, and childhood violence experiences (for Black and Latinx participants) and lower social support (Black participants). In multivariate models, the most robust indirect effects were through racial/ethnic discrimination and childhood violence. Findings underscore the need for policy and interventions aimed at preventing IPV among SGM-POC by targeting factors that contribute to IPV disparities in this group, particularly racial/ethnic discrimination and family violence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

350Perception of Nigerian women on violation of Traditional Gender Role-related IPV

Abstract Background Violation of Traditional Gender Roles (TGR) by women has been perceived as a justifiable reason for perpetrating Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Although higher among males, opinions among women regarding violation of TGR as a justification for IPV vary. This study assessed the perception of Nigerian women on violation of TGR that predispose to IPV. Methods Secondary analysis of the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) was done. Complex sample analysis of a subset of 41,821 women of reproductive age was done using SPSS version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done and multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors of poor perception of violation of TGR Result Mean age of the respondents was 30.9 ± 7.9years and 10.6% had childhood experience of domestic violence. Poor perception of TGR was found among 28.9% of women with the highest proportion of women with poor perception (46.2%) coming from the north central geo-political zone. The odds of poor perception of TGR-related IPV was 1.4 times and 4.9 times higher among those with childhood experience of domestic violence [OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.139-1.694] and women from the North Eastern geopolitical zone [OR = 4.9; 95% CI = 3.696-6.503] respectively. Conclusion Predictors of poor perception of TGR violation among one-third of women of reproductive age in Nigeria are childhood experience of violence and place of residence. Key message IPV reduction interventions should appropriately address perception of TGR among different at risk population.

349Help after IPV experience, how much help do victims seek? Evidence from NDHS 2018

Abstract Background Poor reporting and help seeking has contributed to the burden of IPV. However, identified barriers to IPV help-seeking include social, economic and cultural factors. This study assessed the pattern and factors associated with help-seeking by women who experienced IPV in Nigeria. Methods Complex sample analysis of 2,033 women of reproductive age who had ever experienced IPV from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), was done to determine social, economic and cultural factors that predict IPV help-seeking among these women. Results Mean age of the women was 31.5 ± 7.8 years, a third (33.3%) had sought any form of help, 36.6% had full healthcare and 33.4% had full financial autonomy respectively. Help from partner’s family and women’s family were the most prevalent source of help sought (11.5% & 23.1% respectively). Women ≥ 40 years were 37% less likely to seek help compared to young persons (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.42-0.92). Women with childhood experience of violence had higher odds (42%) of seeking help for IPV than those with no childhood experience (OR = 1.42; 95 % CI = 1.08-1.85). Conclusions Majority of women experiencing IPV do not seek any form of help. Age and childhood experience of violence are significant predictors for help-seeking by victims of IPV. Key messages IPV remains a hidden issue as majority of victims are not seeking help. Efforts to make appropriate help for IPV victims should be intensified and commenced from childhood.

Are Childhood Experiences of Violence Linked to Pelvic Pain in Adulthood

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with serious health issues (e.g., heart and lung diseases, cancer, substance use disorders). Might

Intimate partner violence against Palestinian women in Gaza strip: Prevalence and correlates.

Context:Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects gravely the victims and is resulting in negative physical and psychological consequences.Aims:This paper aimed to determine the prevalence of IPV against women in Gaza strip and associated factors. Moreover, to explore women's seeking behaviors to help.Settings and Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods and Materials:Community internet-based survey was conducted using the Heart Insult Threat Scout questionnaire and the reporting behavior of respondent to violence act.Statistical Analysis Used:A number of 517 ever married women responded and data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 23.Results:About 517 women participated. Of which, 23% (119/517) reported exposure to any types of IPV. Multivariate logistic regression showed factors associated with IPV were as follows: husbands who are drug user (OR = 27.577, CI95%: 5.153–147.591; P < 0.001), husband exposure to violence in childhood (OR = 9.174, CI95%: 4.753–7.727; P > 0.001), and family with a special needs child (OR = 2.956, CI95%: 1.131–8.607; P < 0.05). Approximately, two-thirds of the victims tended to keep silent toward violence and dealt with it as a private and family issue; hence, they hesitated to communicate with others or seek any help to protect themselves.Conclusions:About 23% from the study participants experience violence in their life time. Factors associated with IPV are husband's drug abuse, having a child with special needs, and husband's childhood experience of violence. Qualitative researches are needed to understand the women experience to violence and sociocultural barrier for disclosure.

Correlates of Anxiety and Depression among Young Men Living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Depression and anxiety are important sources of morbidity globally, but we have little knowledge of risk groups and risk factors for both classes of disorders in Tanzania and other low-resource settings. We aimed to identify socio-demographic markers and risk and protective factors associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression among 1249 young men belonging to social groups known as "camps" in Dar es Salaam. Anxiety and depression were measured using the HSCL-25. Men living apart from family reported greater symptoms of anxiety and depression than men living with family, and employment was associated with a greater likelihood of clinically significant symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Childhood experience of violence was strongly associated with both anxiety and depression. Social support was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, and with a lower likelihood of clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression in this population. Youth not living with family and the working poor may be important populations for future investigation. Interventions targeting survivors of childhood violence and social support-based interventions should be tested to address the burden of anxiety and depression in this setting.

Cycle of violence among young Kenyan women: The link between childhood violence and adult physical intimate partner violence in a population-based survey

The aim of the current analysis is to elucidate the link between childhood experiences of violence and physical intimate partner violence in young adulthood in a national survey of young Kenyan women. In 2010, we conducted the Violence against Children Survey in Kenya, collecting retrospective reports from 13 to 24 year old males and females (N = 2928). The analysis presented here focused on females aged 18-24 who ever had an intimate partner (n = 566). Young Kenyan women had statistically higher odds of experiencing physical intimate partner violence (IPV) in young adulthood if they had experienced any childhood violence (including sexual, emotional, or physical) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.1 CI: 1.2-7.9, p = 0.02)], any childhood sexual violence (AOR = 2.5, CI 1.3-4.9, p = 0.006), or unwanted completed sex (including pressured or forced sex prior to age 18) (AOR = 4.3, CI: 2.3-8.3, p < 0.0001). Exposure to two (AOR = 3.9, CI: 1.2-12.2, p = 0.02) or three (AOR = 5.0, CI: 1.4-18.1, p = 0.01) types of violence in childhood was also associated with a significantly higher odds of experiencing adult physical IPV. Childhood violence is associated with increased odds of adult physical IPV among young women; efforts to prevent violence against children and provide appropriate care and support to adult survivors are critical to interrupt this cycle of violence.

Is Attitudinal Acceptance of Violence a Risk Factor? An Analysis of Domestic Violence Against Women in Pakistan.

Violence against women (VAW) is a grave problem in Pakistan, and women from all socioeconomic groups are vulnerable to domestic violence in varying degrees. It is argued that patriarchal definition of gender roles may reinforce the internalized inferiority of women. So, it may not be a mere coincidence that a large number of women in Pakistan justify VAW for various reasons. The objectives of this article are threefold: (a) to identify the drivers of VAW, (b) to see if women's attitudinal acceptance of violence is causally linked with observed violence against women, and (c) to see if attitudinal acceptance of violence mediates between the socioeconomic status of women and observed violence. We used data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2012-13. The sample consisted of 3,265 ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years who were interviewed for domestic violence. We used multivariate logit regression analysis to identify the drivers of VAW and used the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method for mediation analysis. We found that women's attitudinal acceptance of violence, their childhood experience of violence in their parental household, the education of both husband and wife, and some occupation types significantly predicted their experience of spousal violence. In addition, we found that women's attitudinal acceptance of violence mediated the relationships between socioeconomic factors (education and wealth status) and VAW. The significance of the study lies in the fact that it highlights the need to modify the perceptions of violence through change in educational policy. Among multiple other factors, an increase in the economic status of women is an effective hedge against the risk of spousal violence.

A life course understanding of domestic and intimate partner violence in Ghana

Previous studies demonstrate the long term effects of childhood violence on future victimization and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). With a few exceptions from Asia, however, this literature is largely limited to North America and Europe. To date, contributions from sub-Saharan Africa remain scant.We began to fill this gap by applying the life course theory to retrospective data collected from 2289 women in Ghana. Specifically, we examined if women’s childhood experiences of family violence were associated with their later victimization and/or their perpetration of IPV. We also explored the effect of the timing and continuity of family violence over the life course.Generally, we found that women with childhood experiences of violence were more likely to be victims and perpetrators of IPV than those with no such experiences. However, the effect and significance of the violence was more pronounced if it continued from early childhood (before age 15) to adulthood (after age 15). Violence experienced after age 15 was more significant than violence experienced before age 15, and women who perpetrated IPV were significantly more likely to be victimized themselves.To improve domestic violence interventions in Ghana, it is necessary to pay attention to victims’ early childhood experiences.

Violent experiences in childhood are associated with men's perpetration of intimate partner violence as a young adult: a multistage cluster survey in Malawi

PurposeTo examine the association between exposures to violence in childhood, including exposure to multiple forms of violence, with young men's perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Malawi. MethodsWe analyzed data from 450 ever-partnered 18- to 24-year-old men interviewed in the Malawi Violence Against Children and Young Woman Survey, a nationally representative, multistage cluster survey conducted in 2013. We estimated the weighted prevalence for perpetration of physical and/or sexual IPV and retrospective reporting of experiences of violence in childhood and examined the associations between childhood experiences of violence and perpetration of IPV using logistic regression. ResultsAmong young men in Malawi, lifetime prevalence for perpetration of sexual IPV (24%) was higher than for perpetration of physical IPV (9%). In logistic regression analyses, the adjusted odds ratios for perpetration of sexual IPV increased in a statistically significant gradient fashion, from 1.2 to 1.4 to 3.7 to 4.3 for young men with exposures to one, two, three, and four or more forms of violence in childhood, respectively. ConclusionsAmong young men in Malawi, exposure to violence in childhood is associated with an increased odds of perpetrating IPV, highlighting the need for programs and policies aimed at interrupting the intergenerational transmission of violence.

The relationship between types of childhood victimisation and young adulthood criminality.

Previous research suggests that some types of childhood abuse and neglect are related to an increased likelihood of perpetrating criminal behaviour in adulthood. Little research, however, has examined associations between multiple different types of childhood victimisation and adult criminal behaviour. We sought to examine the contribution of multiple and diverse childhood victimisations on adult criminal behaviour. Our central hypothesis was that, after controlling for gender, substance use and psychopathy, each type of childhood victimisation - specifically experience of property offences, physical violence, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and witnessed violence - would be positively and independently related to criminal behaviour in young adults. We examined data from a large, nationally representative sample of 2244 young Swedish adults who reported at least one form of victimisation, using hierarchical regression analysis to also account for gender, substance use and psychopathy. Experiences of physical assaults, neglect and witnessing violence as a child were significantly associated with adult criminal behaviour, but not experiences of property, verbal or sexual victimizations. Our findings help to identify those forms of harm to children that are most likely to be associated with later criminality. Even after accounting for gender, substance misuse and psychopathology, childhood experience of violence - directly or as a witness - carries risk for adulthood criminal behaviour, so such children need targeted support and treatment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Peace education and childhood

Peace studies and peace education are multifaceted processes focusing on diverse audiences from children in elementary grades to those involved in political negotiations at the highest levels. This paper addresses the foundational importance of including conflict embedded in adult-child relationships in peace education. It conceptually grounds assignments for university level courses designed to teach concepts linked to peace education through the vehicle of understanding violence against children. Such learning is designed to liberate students from the hegemony of adultism, the colonial relationship between adults and children and in turn to contribute to the advancement of peace education. Such pedagogy reflects the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child’s call for educational measures to protect and support children’s human dignity. Such an approach is especially relevant for peace education, as a large body of research across disciplines has provided substantial evidence of a significant relationship between childhood experiences of violence and subsequent juvenile and adult behavioral and social problems including conflict and violence. The approach and assignments described in this paper reflect insights about the use of narratives of childhood experiences, the etiology and effects of violence against children and the reproduction of conflict and violence across generations.

Correlates of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence in Kano, Northern Nigeria.

Women are by no means the exclusive victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study assessed the lifetime prevalence and predictors of female-perpetrated IPV among public servants in Kano, Nigeria. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design and systematic sampling, pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaires were used to assess prevalence, types, and predictors of IPV among 302 married men. The lifetime prevalence of IPV was 66.8% (n = 177; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [60.7, 72.4]). Of surveyed men who have ever experienced violence, 78.0% (n = 138), 81.4% (n = 144), and 16.4% (n = 29) encountered physical assault, psychological aggression, and sexual coercion, respectively. After controlling for confounders, having ≥5 children, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% CI] = 3.93 [1.16, 13.29], p = .027, and childhood experience of violence, aOR [95% CI] = 0.14 [0.05, 0.39], p = .0001, remained significant predictors of female-perpetrated IPV. In conclusion, female-perpetrated IPV is prevalent in northern Nigeria. Addressing IPV will require comprehensive violence prevention measures, including counseling and support for victims and exposed children.

The role of psychopathy factors in reactive aggression within a sample of prisoners

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of four psychopathy factors (Interpersonal Manipulation (IPM), Callous Affect (CA), Erratic Lifestyle (ELS), and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB)) and the length of incarceration in reactive aggression. The predictive effect of dissatisfaction with peer relations, childhood experiences of violence, and criminal friends on reactive forms of aggressive acts is also explored. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 129 (n=129) male prisoners incarcerated in Stargard Szczecinski Prison were recruited for the study. Cross-sectional design using self-report questionnaire of retrospective and prospective nature was utilised. Findings – Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that only one psychopathy facet, IPM, forms a significant association with reactive aggression. Another accurate correlate of reactive aggression was the length of incarceration. Originality/value – The results of the present study indicate that the commonly suggested two-factor models of psychopathy may be misguided. Future studies examining the effect of psychopathy facets on aggression should consider IPM and CA as separate dimensions. Additionally, this study is the first to demonstrate that reactive aggression may be exacerbated during incarceration.

Suicidality and its relationship with depression, alcohol disorders and childhood experiences of violence: Results from the ESEMeD study

BackgroundSuicidality constitutes a major health concern in many countries. The aim of the present paper was to analyse 10 of its risk factors and their interdependence. MethodsData on suicidality, mental disorders and experience of childhood violence was collected from 8796 respondents in the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD). The CIDI was used to assess mental disorders. Individuals were randomly divided into two subgroups. In one, a Graphical Markov model to predict suicidality was constructed, in the second, predictors were cross-validated. ResultsLifetime suicidality was predicted mainly by lifetime depression and early experiences of violence, with a pseudo R-square of 12.8%. In addition, alcohol disorders predicted suicidality, but played a minor role compared with the other risk factors in this sample. ConclusionIn addition to depression, early experience of violence constitutes an important risk factor of suicidality. LimitationsThis is a cross-sectional and retrospective study assessing risk factors for suicidality, not for suicide itself.

Effects of Childhood Experience of Violence Between Parents and/or Parent-to-Child Violence on Young Israeli Adults' Global Self-Esteem.

The study examines long-term effects of family violence in childhood (violence between parents and/or parent-to-child violence) on adult self-esteem. Data were derived from a sample of 352 university students. Findings show that young adults not exposed to family violence in childhood report the highest self-esteem; lower self-esteem reports were by those experiencing one type of family violence; the lowest self-esteem was reported by those who experienced two types of family violence. In the latter two groups, self-esteem was also affected by frequency of violence. A linkage was identified between the family violence types examined: The more frequent one type of violence, the more frequent the other type. Theoretical and practical implications for the study of effects of family violence on child development are discussed.