Childhood Family Violence Research Articles

Violence in intimate relationships: Symptomatology and motivation for change.

This study aimed to analyze the experiences of victims of violence in intimate relationships (VIRs) who remain in, return to, or abandon the abusive relationship, as well as examine the type of violence suffered, the existing symptoms, and the motivation to change as explained by the Transtheoretical Model of Change. The participants were 38 victims, three males and 35 females, who completed an online questionnaire comprising a section on sociodemographic data, and three instruments, the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20), Marital Violence Inventory (MVI), and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Data analysis has shown that psychological violence was the type of violence most frequently experienced followed by physical and verbal violence, the house of the victims was the local where the violence mostly took place, the help-seeking behaviors were mostly directed to the family and attempts to leave from the abusive relationship is related to the experience of family violence in childhood. Participants were all in the action stage of the change, but aggressor's expectation/promise to change, the existence of children and maintaining the family or marriage, as well as economic difficulties are the main factors that contribute to both remaining in, or returning to, the abusive relationship. We will reflect on the social, clinical, and legal implications for the future of research with victims of VIR. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental Health Conditions and Utilisation of Mental Health Services by Survivors of Physical Intimate Partner Violence in Portugal: Results from the WHO World Mental Health Survey

The aim of this article is to study mental health conditions among survivors of severe physical intimate partner violence (IPV) and their utilisation of mental health services. This study is an integrated part of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative-Portugal, for which data was collected from a nationally representative adult sample using well-validated scales. Logistic regression models were used in the analysis. The most common statistically significant mental health conditions among IPV survivors were suicide ideation, PTSD, major depressive episode, and generalised anxiety disorder. More than one in three survivors developed PTSD. Suicide ideation was likely to occur after first experiencing IPV. Almost a half of survivors received specialised mental health treatment; in most cases, delivered by a psychiatrist. Over 60% addressed their mental health issues consulting general physicians or other healthcare professionals. Those who experienced family violence in childhood had greater odds of also experiencing IPV; survivors of IPV with this experience were more likely to receive mental health treatment. The need to promote greater awareness and competencies of not only mental health professionals but also of general physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide support more effectively to survivors of any type of IPV deserves to be emphasised.

Gendered Family Violence among Migrants Seeking International Protection: A Life Course Perspective

Abstract Although family and migration scholars recognize that intimate partner violence (IPV) can motivate women’s movement between countries, little research considers IPV or other gendered family violence further back in women migrants’ life histories or explores the legacy of gendered family violence in cases where such violence is not the primary push factor. Here, we analyze in-depth interviews conducted among thirty-four Latin American women seeking asylum or international protection from a diversity of threats to comprehensively understand their experiences with childhood and adult family violence prior to migration. Our analysis reveals three key takeaways. First, IPV, incest, abandonment, and other forms of gendered family violence can characterize women’s family dynamics across the life course even when these experiences do not directly prompt migration. Second, amidst pervasive patriarchal norms, family violence has the power to destabilize women’s social circumstances and fracture their ties to family members in ways that indirectly encourage migration. Third, owing to these same gender norms, even when gendered family violence directly prompts migration, women may conceptualize their primary motive as protecting their children rather than themselves. These findings move beyond common conceptualizations of the family violence–migration nexus and highlight the breadth and implications of gendered family violence among migrants seeking protection from a broad spectrum of intra- and extra-familial threats.

"What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?": Paternal Military Conscription During WWII, Economic Hardship and Family Violence in Childhood, and Health in Late Life in Japan.

Childhood adversity is a risk factor for poor health in late life and includes economic hardship and family violence, whose prevalence is high among offspring of military conscripted father. We assessed the association between paternal military conscription (PMC) and paternal war death (PWD) during Second World War and self-rated health (SRH) among older adults in Japan. Data were obtained from a population-based cohort of functionally independent people aged 65 years or older from 39 municipalities across Japan in 2016. Information on PMC and SRH was obtained through a self-report questionnaire. A total of 20,286 participants were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to investigate the association between PMC, PWD, and poor health. Causal mediation analysis was performed to see whether childhood economic hardship and family violence mediated the association. Among participants, 19.7% reported PMC (including 3.3% PWD). In the age- and sex-adjusted model, older people with PMC showed higher risk of poor health (odds ratio [OR]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.06, 1.28]), while those with PWD were not associated (OR: 0.96, 95% CI [0.77, 1.20]). Causal mediation showed a mediation effect of childhood family violence exposure on the association between PMC and poor health (proportion mediated: 6.9%). Economic hardship did not mediate the association. PMC, but not PWD, increased the risk of poor health in older age, which was partially explained by the exposure to family violence in childhood. There appears to be a transgenerational health impact of war which continues to affect the health of offspring as they age.

An interesting clinical case, which demonstrates the capability of psycho-diagnostic examination for women with vaginismus who had experience of early childhood family violence

An interesting clinical case, which demonstrates the capability of psycho-diagnostic examination for women with vaginismus who had experience of early childhood family violence

Childhood exposure to family violence and adult sibling relationships

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated how experiencing childhood family violence can affect aspects of adult sibling relationships.BackgroundEstablished evidence shows the long‐term effects of childhood adversity on several domains of adult lives. Few studies, however, have examined the impact that childhood family violence exposure has on sibling relationships later in adulthood. To address this gap, this study examined the latent class structure of childhood exposure to family violence. We also investigated whether and how latent class membership predicted aspects of adult sibling relationships, including geographical proximity, contact frequency, perceived closeness, similarity in outlook, and support exchange.MethodData for the study were obtained from 3921 adult participants in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Using the Bolck, Croon, and Hagenaars (BCH) approach of latent class analysis (LCA), we identified five latent classes (prevalence rate noted): No Exposure to Family Violence (75%), Exposed to Intersibling Violence (7%), Exposed to Overall Family Violence (4%), Exposed to Paternal and Interparental Violence (10%), and Exposed to Maternal and Interparental Violence (5%).ResultsChildhood family violence was a significant predictor of adult sibling relationships. Specifically, we found that the Intersibling Violence, Overall Family Violence, and Paternal and Interparental Violence classes showed lower levels of perceived emotional closeness and similarity in values/outlook with their siblings than the No Exposure to Violence class.ConclusionFindings suggest that childhood exposure to family violence may have long‐term negative effects on the emotional aspect of sibling relationships in adulthood.

Predictors of the 10 year course of mental health and quality of life for trauma-affected refugees after psychological treatment

ABSTRACT Background: Trauma-affected refugee patients benefit from psychological treatment to different degrees. Only a handful of studies has investigated potential predictors of treatment outcome that could throw light on the great variability in outcomes reported for this group. Such knowledge may be vital to better tailor prevention and treatment efforts to the needs of different individuals and subgroups among these patients. Objective: In a naturalistic and longitudinal study, the aim was to analyse demographics and traumatic exposure as potential predictors of the participants’ long-term trajectories of mental health symptoms and quality of life. Method: A group of 54 multi-origin adult refugee patients with complex traumatic exposure, such as armed conflicts, persecution, torture, and childhood adversities, were interviewed face to face over up to 10 years; at therapy admittance, and at varying points in time during and after psychotherapy. Checklists of war-related and childhood trauma, mental health symptoms, and quality of life were included in the interviews. In linear mixed effects analyses, interaction was analysed with potential predictors included separately because of the sample size. Time was modelled as continuous from inclusion into the study. Results: Gender predicted the course of symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, and of quality of life in physical health and social relationships. Childhood family violence and experiences of torture predicted the course of depression, whereas the extent of exposure to war-related trauma events and having experienced torture predicted the course of anxiety. Conclusions: The results indicated greater chronicity in male refugees, in refugees who had experienced domestic violence during childhood, in refugees who had experienced torture, and in refugees with more numerous types of potentially traumatic war-related experiences. The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive research, rehabilitative efforts, and treatment. HIGHLIGHTS In a 10 year longitudinal and naturalistic therapy follow-up study of traumatized refugees, female gender, childhood trauma, war trauma, and torture predicted mental health and quality of life outcomes. Male participants responded less than females to therapy.

Exposure to family and domestic violence is associated with lower attendance and higher suspension in school children

BackgroundExposure to family and domestic violence (FDV) in childhood can have a detrimental effect on children's health and social outcomes. However, research on the school outcomes of children exposed to FDV is scant. ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of FDV exposure on school attendance and suspension in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. MethodsA population-based retrospective cohort study of school children, in grade 1 to 10, born from 1993 to 2006 in Western Australia (n = 26,743) using linked administrative data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to determine the association with school attendance and suspension outcomes for children exposed to FDV compared to non-exposed children. ResultsCompared to non-exposed children, children exposed to FDV have an increase of poor school attendance: Aboriginal children adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75–2.07, non-Aboriginal children aOR = 2.42, 95%CI: 2.12–2.75. FDV-exposed children also have an increased risk of school suspension: Aboriginal children aOR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.47–1.74, non-Aboriginal children aOR = 2.68, 95%CI: 2.35–3.05, compared to non-exposed counterparts. ConclusionExposure to FDV is associated with an increased odds of poor school attendance and school suspension. Evidence-based and innovative strategies are needed to support children who are exposed to FDV. This involves responding in ways that does not cause further trauma to children; a restorative and trauma-informed approach is vital.

'What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?' – Paternal Military Conscription, Economic Hardship and Family Violence in Childhood and Health in Late Life

<i>'What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?'</i> – Paternal Military Conscription, Economic Hardship and Family Violence in Childhood and Health in Late Life

"What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?” – Paternal Military Conscription During Wwii, Economic Hardship and Family Violence in Childhood and Health in Late Life in Japan

"What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?” – Paternal Military Conscription During Wwii, Economic Hardship and Family Violence in Childhood and Health in Late Life in Japan

Childhood Adversity Across the Lifespan: Assessing the Relationship Between ACEs and Subjective Cognitive Decline

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long-term impacts on health throughout the life course. Emerging research found that 3+ ACEs are associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment, nearly 11 times more than those who have not experienced childhood adversity. This study further investigates the ACEs-SCD relationship using data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Seven ACE questions were asked of respondents in California, Washington, and Wisconsin (n=5,898, aged 55+); SCD was measured as experiencing progressive confusion or memory loss in the last 12 months. A series of logistic regressions were run to separately model the presence of ACEs and ACE score on SCD. Fourteen percent reported SCD, with 65.4% of those reporting 1+ ACE. More SCD respondents reported 4+ ACEs (10.8%) than non-SCD respondents (4.8%). The most frequently reported ACEs among those with SCD were psychological abuse (34.9%) and substance abuse in the household (30.5%). Regression results showed greater SCD risk with increased ACE scores, up to 2.90 odds of SCD for 4+ ACEs compared to 0 ACEs (p<.0001). Those reporting physical abuse and sexual abuse had the greatest odds (1.75 & 1.70, p<.0001) of SCD. Findings demonstrate a strong association between childhood adversity and SCD, with physical and sexual abuse placing individuals at greatest risk. Results show possible pathways to which ACEs can lead to cognitive impairment. Findings implicate the importance of considering a lifespan perspective in childhood adversity and family violence work and the importance of considering early-life adversity when assessing risk for cognitive impairment.

Experiences of family violence and parental unavailability in childhood in relation to parental socioeconomic position and psychological problems: a cohort study of young Swedish women 1990\u20132013

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence and severe consequences for health and wellbeing, epidemiological research of neglected emotional needs during childhood is scarce and little is known about its relation to parental socioeconomic position (SEP). This study investigates the prevalence of family violence and parental unavailability in childhood and its association with parental SEP and parental psychological problems in four strata of young Swedish women examined 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2013.MethodThe sample comprised 976 women (mean age 22, range 20–25) living in Sweden. Secular trends for family violence, parental rejection and unavailability were analyzed using logistic regression as a function of year of examination. The associations with parental SEP and parental psychological problems were assessed using logistic regression with results in terms of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsGendered patterns were observed in the associations between parental psychological problems and family violence and parental unavailability. Maternal psychological problems were associated with maternal rejection OR 6.8 (3.5–13.0), maternal lack of time OR 2.4 (1.2–5.0), and paternal rejection OR 1.9 (1.1–3.5). Paternal psychological problems were associated with paternal rejection OR 4.0 (2.1–7.7), paternal lack of time OR 4.9 (2.3–10.6), and experiencing family violence OR 4.9 (2.1–11.6). Low and medium parental SEP were associated with experience of family violence in childhood OR 3.1 (CI 1.1–8.5) and OR 3.4 (1.7–6.9), respectively. No changes between 1990 and 2013 were observed for the prevalence of any of the outcomes.ConclusionsA stable prevalence of family violence and parental unavailability was reported by young women examined between 1990 and 2013. Lower socioeconomic position was associated with family violence while the association with parental unavailability was non-significant. Gendered patterns were observed in the association between parental psychological problems and family violence, where paternal but not maternal psychological problems were associated with family violence. Further, maternal psychological problems were associated with paternal rejection while paternal psychological problems were not associated with maternal rejection. Gendered patterns of parental unavailability need further studies.

The relationship between criminal behaviour over the life-course and intimate partner violence perpetration in later life

This study examines the relationship between criminal behaviour over the life-course, and IPV perpetration and general violence in later life. The study uses data on a subsample (N=585) from the Dutch Criminal Career and Life-Course Study, and combines officially registered longitudinal data on convictions with self-reported data on IPV perpetration, violent offending, and several individual factors, collected at age 60. The results show that those with a history of persistent violent offending over the life-course are at increased risk of perpetrating IPV and other violent crimes in later life. Additionally, certain background and current factors are also related to IPV perpetration. Men who have experienced family violence in childhood and those who are married are more likely to report IPV perpetration, whereas relationship quality and employment are associated with a reduced likelihood of IPV perpetration. The findings suggest that an integrated theoretical approach is most useful to understand IPV perpetration, with the ultimate aim of informing evidence-based interventions necessary for reducing IPV in society.

Differential psychopathological profile of male intimate partner violence perpetrators depending on Problematic alcohol use

ObjectiveThis study explored the differential psychopathological profile between male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) with and without problematic alcohol use (PAU). MethodA sample of 981 men was recruited from a specialized IPV perpetrators treatment programme. All of them were assessed with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Comparisons between perpetrators with (n = 125) and without (n = 856) PAU on all the variables studied were carried out. ResultsPerpetrators with PAU were less frequently employed and had higher rates of previous psychiatric history and childhood family violence. Moreover, they presented with higher levels of cognitive biases about women and violence. On a psychopathological level, participants with PAU reported significantly higher scores on the SCL-90-R, on the STAXI-2, and on almost all the MCMI-III scales than did those without PAU. The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the main variables related to PAU were as follows: higher levels of previous psychiatric history, distorted thoughts about women, depression, drug dependence, and various personality disorders (bipolar, dysthymia, antisocial, avoidant, borderline, and schizotypal); and lower scores on internal control, anger reaction, paranoid ideation, and schizoid personality disorders. DiscussionIPV perpetrators with PAU have a more severe psychopathological profile than those without PAU. Additionally, several variables along with PAU may have contributed to the development of IPV. Therefore, tailored interventions should be developed for those perpetrators with PAU.

Aggressors condemned for intimate partner violence: Sexist attitudes and distorted thoughts about women and the use of violence

This work analyzes the ambivalent sexist attitudes and distorted thoughts about women and the use of violence in a sample of Spanish aggressors found guilty of intimate partner violence. We have studied the relationship between the aggressors’ ambivalent sexist attitudes and their cognitive distortions, as well as the predictive capacity of their distorted thoughts concerning women and violence with respect to sexist attitudes. Similarly, we have analyzed the presence of significant differences between ambivalent sexist attitudes and distorted thoughts with respect to several personal and psychological characteristics of the condemned aggressors. The instruments applied were the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), the Inventory of Distorted Thoughts about Women and the use of Violence (IDTWV) and the Social Desirability Scale (SDS). Likewise was realized a general structured interview to discover their personal, family and penitentiary situation. The study concludes that aggressors use violence as a resource to resolve conflicts with their intimate partner, even though they do not show a hostile sexist attitudes towards women in general. We demonstrate that distorted thoughts concerning women and violence predict a greater prevalence of ambivalent sexist attitudes in aggressors, and we have found a low level of education and the existence of jealousy in the relationship are related with a greater presence of sexist attitudes. However, the existence of episodes of family violence in childhood, concretely having been the victim of emotional abuse, does not necessarily lead to greater sexism in aggressors. We discuss the implications of the results of this work for prison environment.

Differential MCMI-III psychopathological profiles between intimate partner violence perpetrators with and without childhood family violence.

This study explored the differential prevalence of personality disorders (PD) and clinical syndromes between male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) with and without a history of childhood family violence (CFV). A sample of 981 perpetrators of IPV was assessed with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Comparisons of sociodemographic characteristics and MCMI-III scales' scores between perpetrators with (n=293) and without (n=688) CFV were carried out. Results showed that IPV perpetrators with CFV had a lower level of education, were less frequently employed, and had higher rates of previous psychiatric history than perpetrators without CFV. Statistically significant differences between groups in almost all the MCMI-III scales were found. Perpetrators with CFV presented with higher scores on most of the evaluated scales and showed a more severe psychopathological profile than perpetrators without CFV. The multivariate analysis showed that the main MCMI-III domains related to CFV were higher scores on the disclosure and alcohol dependence scales and lower scores on the passive-aggressive scale. These findings reveal that CFV is associated with a more severe psychopathological profile in perpetrators of IPV. In order to develop tailored interventions, the presence of CFV and psychopathological symptoms should be assessed in IPV perpetrators.

Is psychological treatment equally effective for intimate partner violence perpetrators with and without childhood family violence?

PurposeThis study assessed the differential long‐term effectiveness of a standard treatment programme for intimate partner violence male perpetrators (IPV‐P), depending on the presence of childhood family violence (CFV).MethodsA sample of 1,008 male IPV‐P were included in the study. Comparisons between men with CFV (n = 339) and without CFV (n = 669) on sociodemographic characteristics and psychopathological variables were carried out at pre‐treatment. The differential effectiveness of the treatment was assessed at post‐treatment and at 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsThe pre‐treatment assessment showed that IPV‐P with CFV had a lower level of education, higher rates of previous psychiatric history, and more voluntary access to the treatment. Moreover, they began the treatment programme with more psychopathological symptoms, assessed by the SCL‐90‐R and STAXI‐2. Regarding treatment results, the attrition rates did not reach significant differences between groups. The repeated‐measures ANOVA evidenced statistically significant improvement in psychopathological symptoms on most of the variables for both groups. However, comparisons between groups on psychopathological symptoms showed that IPV‐P with CFV were affected to a significantly higher degree on many variables at post‐treatment and follow‐up, although no differences were found in the global rates of treatment outcomes.ConclusionsThis investigation highlights the heterogeneity of IPV‐P and the differential progression along the treatment programmes according to the presence of CFV.

What Differentiates Batterer Men with and without Histories of Childhood Family Violence?

The goals of this study were to explore the prevalence of childhood family violence (CFV) (both suffered and witnessed) among male batterers in treatment, and to analyze the specific psychological profile of those perpetrators with CFV. A sample of 1,421 men recruited from a specialized batterer treatment program was assessed. A description of the sociodemographic, violence, and psychopathological characteristics of the sample was carried out. Moreover, a comparison of all the variables studied between batterer men with and those without CFV was conducted. The results showed that 35.2% (n = 500) of the sample reported having been victims of CFV (67.2% of them directly suffered abuse, and 32.8% witnessed violence between their parents, mainly from father to mother). Batterers with CFV presented with more irrational beliefs both about women and about violence as a strategy to cope with everyday difficulties. Moreover, they had significantly higher scores than batterers without CFV on all psychopathological symptoms as assessed by the SCL-90-R, as well as on most of the STAXI-2 subscales. In the logistic regression analysis, the main variables related to having a history of CFV were low education level, voluntary access to the program, having a previous psychiatric history, being an immigrant, having children, and presenting a greater number of psychopathological symptoms. According to these results, batterers with CFV showed a higher severity in most of the variables studied than those without CFV. Consequently, these findings highlight the importance of tailoring batterer treatment programs to their specific characteristics, particularly those regarding childhood victimization.

Social comorbidities? A qualitative study mapping syndemic theory onto gender-based violence and co-occurring social phenomena among Brazilian women

BackgroundGender-based violence is a globally recognized social problem impacting women and girls worldwide. Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents the most common form of gender-based violence. Among the countries grappling with gender-based violence is Brazil, which has identified high rates of IPV along with co-occurring social conditions such as adverse childhood experiences, community violence, and substance use. While the syndemic framework has incorporated IPV into understandings of HIV and other diseases, none have explicitly applied syndemic framework to understand IPV and co-occurring social conditions -- referred to here as “social comorbidities” -- in the absence of a biological outcome. This study aims to: (1) Examine perspectives on violence and relevant social comorbidities (substance use, community violence, and childhood abuse) among women living in Santo André, São Paulo State, Brazil; and (2) Apply the syndemic framework to a set of social comorbidities among women living in Santo André, São Paulo State, Brazil.MethodsThis thematic analysis applies a syndemic framework to 28 in-depth interviews with women in Santo André, Brazil. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim in Portuguese. Our analysis examined themes relating to IPV, community violence, substance use, and other individual experiences and community issues using syndemics as an organizing framework (e.g. diseases, adverse interactions, disparity conditions, and enhanced disease transmission).ResultsMost participants described experiencing multiple social comorbidities including IPV, adverse childhood experiences, community violence, family violence, and substance use. Adverse interactions included increased financial conflicts, a sense of isolation, and increased severity of violence due to substance use. Long term enhanced “disease” progression included injury, increased mental health symptoms, femicide, and death.ConclusionsOur results suggest that using a syndemic framework to understand IPV in the context of social comorbidities could be useful for understanding how these social phenomena may mutually reinforce each other and cause adverse interactions. Similar applications across other social phenomena may also be possible.

IPV Characteristics, Childhood Violence, and Adversities as Risk Factors for Being Victimized in Multiple IPV Relationships.

Empirical knowledge regarding risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) from multiple partners (MP) is scarce and sought by clinicians and many women themselves for the prevention of future intimate partner violence relationships (IPVRs). Quantitative data were obtained through a structured interview with a stratified sample of help-seeking women (N = 154) with no (n = 48, 0IPVR), one (n = 55, 1IPVR), or multiple (n = 51, 2IPVR) IPVRs. This study investigated the association between (a) childhood family violence, (b) other childhood adversities, (c) victimization and perpetration of IPV in the last (index) relationship, and (d) controlling sociodemographic and contextual variables, and the following dependent variables: (a) women with 1IPVR and 2IPVR compared with 0IPVR and (b) women with 1IPVR compared with 2IPVR. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that, compared with nonvictimized women, IPV victimized women were nearly three times more likely to report childhood sexual abuse. They also reported a higher frequency of peer victimization and a higher likelihood of having an immigrant partner. In addition, the length of the index relationship was shorter for IPV victimized women. Compared with women with 1IPVR, women with IPV by MP were more likely to report childhood emotional abuse and less education, and they were less likely to be immigrants. The two groups of IPV victimized women were indistinguishable regarding characteristics of victimization and perpetration of IPV. This study indicated that there were other risk factors for IPV by MP than for IPV in general and highlighted the importance of addressing parenting and emotional care in IPV families.