Experiences Of Domestic Violence Research Articles

Listening deeply to refugee background women to understand experiences of domestic and family violence in their communities to foster engagement with global support systems

ABSTRACT As trauma survivors, women and girls from refugee backgrounds face significant challenges when settling in host countries; the risk of domestic and family violence (DFV) accentuates these difficulties. Reflecting on findings from a seven-year university and industry research partnership, this article explores the etiology of DFV in women from refugee backgrounds living in non-metropolitan Australia. Drawing on action research principles and intersectional and social ecological theoretical frameworks, this study captured diverse women’s views about experiences and strategies for addressing DFV in refugee communities. Having developed trusting relationships with participants over the different study phases, the first author conducted in-depth interviews with women of refugee backgrounds, listening deeply and confirming findings with participants as they emerged. Interviews were also conducted with staff from settlement, health and specialist domestic violence services to offer a broad perspective on how best to support refugee women experiencing DFV. Key findings revealed stressors and support that impact violence, such as employment status and acculturation, and identification of who the women would trust if experiencing violence. By understanding the interweaving factors influencing women’s risk of DFV and strategies to address it, global healthcare providers will be better positioned to collaborate with refugee communities and specialist services.

Domestic Violence Experienced by Women: Construction and Validation of a Measurement Method

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, constitutes a major social scourge recorded in virtually every country in the world. Despite the fact that previous studies investigating this societal phenomenon have evaluated it from various perspectives, little is known about how it is experienced by victims. However, the lack of knowledge of this experience prevents us from understanding that despite the fact that they are involved in relationships marked by violence, many women do not leave them, thus putting their physical and psychological health at risk. To help fill this gap, this research constructs and validates a new scale specific to experienced domestic violence. After formulating and verifying its items, a validation study was conducted with a sample of 406 female participants, aged between 18 and 61 years (M=29.63; SD=8,688). Factor analyses report that this measure has a one-dimensional factor structure with 12 items. The reliability indices are satisfactory (α=.95). The same goes for convergent, discriminant and predictive validity. The scale of experienced domestic violence has a general scope which will allow researchers to carry out an in depth investigation into the psychological, social, economic and political causes and consequences of experienced domestic violence with a view, in particular, to considering interventions for the recovery of the victims.

Just like his dad? Understanding the impact of childhood experiences of domestic violence on adolescents and young men who present with difficulties later

This article is based on the author’s clinical experience in working with both perpe-trators and victims. It uses clinical examples to explore the various ways domestic violence impacts on the development of young boys who later present with a variety of psychopathologies. It shows how, in the aftermath of domestic violence, young boys can be thrusted into the vacancies left by their violent fathers, trapped within an identity best described as being “just like his dad”. Without environmental changes that restore safety, benign experiences of aggression, boundaries, and intimacy, the boys who do not develop into being violent themselves do so by deploying various psychological solutions such as depression, perversion and becoming carers. This article discusses these different trajectories in the context of the trauma of domestic violence and then considers the implications for treatment.

Trends in outcomes used to measure the effectiveness of UK-based support interventions and services targeted at adults with experience of domestic and sexual violence and abuse: a scoping review

ObjectivesIn the UK, a range of support services and interventions are available to people who have experienced or perpetrated domestic and sexual violence and abuse (DSVA). However, it is currently...

Illness-Related Domestic Violence Experiences of Individuals Diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Qualitative Study

IntroductionObsessions and compulsions often focus on routine life actions such as consuming, bathing and living in public, so the disorder interferes with the social, family and occupational functioning of both the individual and their caregiver. In OCD, caregivers are often involved in the ritual behaviors of the individual, either by providing avoidance or by assisting in ritual behaviors. Individuals with OCD are often exposed to aggression from family members because of these behaviors. Research has shown that individuals with OCD may experience illness-related domestic violence. In the literature review on the subject, there were no qualitative studies examining the experiences of individuals diagnosed with OCD towards domestic violence caused by the symptoms of the disease. A mix-method study conducted by aimed to explore the illness-related domestic violence experiences of individuals diagnosed with OCD. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data from individuals with OCD. The findings of the study revealed that a significant number of individuals with OCD reported experiencing domestic violence related to their illness. This study highlights the importance of addressing the issue of domestic violence in individuals with OCD and the need for appropriate interventions and support.ObjectivesThis study was planned to examine the experiences of individuals diagnosed with OCD regarding domestic violence caused by the symptoms of the disease in Turkey.MethodsThe sample of the study was determined by purposive sampling method. The study was conducted with individuals diagnosed with OCD who were being treated in the psychiatric clinics of two university hospitals. The study used mixed methods and was planned in two phases. In the first stage, Socio-Demographic Data Form and Yale-Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale were used. After reviewing the results of these scales, individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 patients who had a history of domestic violence and scored above 16 on the Yale Brown Obsessions and Compulsions Scale. Data saturation was deemed to have been reached and data collection was terminated.ResultsThe analysis of the data is still ongoing in detail by the researchers. The findings and relational implications of the study will be presented.ConclusionsIt is thought that the results of the study will provide a basis for further research and intervention programs and contribute to the literature by determining the types of violence experienced by individuals diagnosed with OCD from family members due to the disease, how patients feel in the face of the problems they experience and how they cope with it. In addition, the results of the study are expected to help intervention programs to be developed for families to strengthen treatment adherence.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

POSTNATAL MOTHERS’ EXPERIENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN DURING PREGNANCY

Background: Violence against women is a social problem that has serious consequences on women’s physical, and psychosocial well-being. The violence against women ultimately also affects children, families, and society as a whole. This study aimed to identify the experience of domestic violence against women during pregnancy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 302 postnatal mothers of postpartum A, B and Gynae ward of Patan Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 using descriptive statistics. Results: Postnatal mothers experienced sexual violence by their husbands (8.9%), physical violence (12.9%), and emotional violence (43%) from their husbands and or family members. Regarding other forms of violence, mothers experienced not being given nutritious food during pregnancy (38.4%) and violence by their mother-in-law (45.4%). Likewise, few number of mothers have reported the violence (17.2%). Among them, 76.9% reported the incident of violence to the maternal side. Conclusions: The findings suggest a concerning prevalence of various forms of violence against postnatal mothers like sexual, physical, and emotional. Among those form of violence, existence of emotional violence was high and often perpetrated by husbands or family members. Moreover, the low reporting rates highlight the urgent need for enhanced support structures and interventions to empower victims and address the underlying issues contributing to this pervasive problem.

Global topology of human connectome is insensitive to early life environments - A prospective longitudinal study of the general population.

The widely acknowledged detrimental impact of early adversity on child development has driven efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms that may mediate these effects within the developing brain. Recent efforts have begun to move beyond associating adversity with the morphology of individual brain regions towards determining if and how adversity might shape their interconnectivity. However, whether adversity effects a global shift in the organisation of whole-brain networks remains unclear. In this study, we assessed this possibility using parental questionnaire and diffusion imaging data from The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, N = 913), a prospective longitudinal study spanning more than 20 years. We tested whether a wide range of adversities-including experiences of abuse, domestic violence, physical and emotional cruelty, poverty, neglect, and parental separation-measured by questionnaire within the first seven years of life were significantly associated with the tractography-derived connectome in young adulthood. We tested this across multiple measures of organisation and using a computational model that simulated the wiring economy of the brain. We found no significant relationships between early exposure to any form of adversity and the global organisation of the structural connectome in young adulthood. We did detect local differences in the medial prefrontal cortex, as well as an association between weaker brain wiring constraints and greater externalising behaviour in adolescence. Our results indicate that further efforts are necessary to delimit the magnitude and functional implications of adversity-related differences in connectomic organization. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Diverse prospective measures of the early-life environment do not predict the organisation of the DTI tractography-derived connectome in young adulthood Wiring economy of the connectome is weakly associated with externalising in adolescence, but not internalising or cognitive ability Further work is needed to establish the scope and significance of global adversity-related differences in the structural connectome.

A global study into Indian women's experiences of domestic violence and control: the role of patriarchal beliefs.

Domestic violence (DV) is a serious and preventable human rights issue that disproportionately affects certain groups of people, including Indian women. Feminist theory suggests that patriarchal ideologies produce an entitlement in male perpetrators of DV; however, this has not been examined in the context of women from the Indian subcontinent. This study examined Indian women's experiences of abuse (physical, sexual, and psychological) and controlling behavior across 31 countries by examining the relationship between the patriarchal beliefs held by the women's partners and the women's experience of DV. This study uses an intersectional feminist framework to examine the variables. Data from an online questionnaire was collected from 825 Indian women aged between 18 and 77 years (M = 35.64, SD = 8.71) living in 31 countries across Asia (37.1%), Europe (18.3%), Oceania (23.8%), the Americas (16.1%) and Africa (3.2%) and analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression. A majority of participants (72.5%) had experienced at least one form of abuse during their relationship, and over a third (35.1%) had experienced controlling behavior. In support of the central hypotheses, after controlling for potential confounders, women whose partners showed greater endorsement of patriarchal beliefs were less likely to have access to freedom during their relationship (ß = -0.38, p < 0.001) and were more likely to have been abused by their partner or a member of his family (ß = 0.34, p < 0.001). The findings of this study highlight the need to engage with men in Indian communities through culturally-tailored intervention strategies designed to challenge the patriarchal ideologies that propagate, justify, and excuse DV.

Between Charity and Neoliberalism: The Campaign for Funding Women's Refuges in Australia, 1974–1985

Abstract: Australia's first women's refuge was established in 1974, marking a crucial outgrowth of women's liberation activism that placed domestic violence on the public agenda. To maintain refuges, feminists seized opportunities presented by the progressive Gough Whitlam Labor government. This convergence between a reforming government and the women's movement meant that Australian feminist refuges were among the first in the world to receive state support, in 1975. Maintaining this support required feminist activists to engage with the Australian state. They framed their claims in two ways: they foregrounded women's traumatic narratives of experiences of domestic violence, and they asserted that refuges were a distinctive feminist service. Adapting to a constantly changing political context, however, advocates found it difficult to distinguish their activities from charitable refuges. Their emphasis on women's trauma foregrounded a victimized political subject while the movement's emphasis on fostering "self-help" was co-opted by advocates of neoliberal governance.

Pandemic Implications on Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Women: An Examination of Lockdown Domestic Violence Experience

Pandemic Implications on Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Women: An Examination of Lockdown Domestic Violence Experience

Bystander experiences of domestic violence and abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic

This article seeks to understand the experiences of bystanders to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales. Globally, professionals voiced concern over the COVID-19 restrictions exacerbating conditions for DVA to occur. Yet evidence suggests this also increased opportunities for bystanders to become aware of DVA and take action against it. This mixed methods study consists of a quantitative online survey and follow-up interviews with survey respondents. Conducted in Wales, UK, during a national lockdown in 2021, this article reports on the experiences of 186 bystanders to DVA during the pandemic. Results suggest that bystanders had increased opportunity to become aware of DVA due to the pandemic restrictions. Results support the bystander situational model whereby respondents have to become aware of the behaviour, recognise it as a problem, feel that they possess the correct skills, and have confidence in their skills, before they will take action. Having received bystander training was a significant predictor variable in bystanders taking action against DVA; this is an important finding that should be utilised to upskill general members of the community.

Exploring Intervention with South Asian Women in the United States Experiencing Domestic Violence

ABSTRACT Purpose The current study reports intervention from the perspective of abused South Asian women in the United States (U.S.) aligning with the Center for Disease Control (CDC’s) ecological model. Material and Methods In-depth telephonic interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 20 South Asian women in the U.S. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Utilizing the CDC’s ecological model, the following themes emerged for prevention at the individual level: walk away the first-time abuse occurred; at the relationship level: pre-marital counseling and at the societal level: act on the red flags before the wedding, address the stringent gender roles, socialization, and blame. For protection, the following themes emerged at the individual level: self-determination and strength, protection of children, and financial independence. At the relationship level, the theme of marital counseling emerged and at the community level, the theme of community resources emerged. Discussion The South Asian natal family or family members in positions of power can recognize red flags, raise their voice, take constructive action to address misogyny, rigid patriarchal attitudes, and prevent abuse before it occurs. Conclusion There is an urgent need to recognize and work at both preventative and protective levels to address the abuse among South Asian women in the U.S.

Immigrant Women from Iran and Afghanistan in Sweden: Experiences of Domestic Violence During the COVID Pandemic

This paper explores the firsthand experiences of immigrant women victims of domestic violence amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Sixteen Iranian and Afghan women residing in Sweden were interviewed. Their responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. An intersectional perspective was used to understand domestic violence among the immigrant women. The study found high levels of psychological violence and controlling behavior by the women’s partners. The harm was compounded by economic instability, the temporality of residency permits, and the limited access to support services. The intersectional analysis suggests that multiple factors in the midst of the pandemic increase the vulnerability of abused immigrant women and lead to further marginalization.

The construction of a narrative space for children in an institutional interview interaction

ABSTRACT This article examines the space afforded to children’s narratives by the phrasing of questions concerning children’s experiences of domestic violence. The interview questions were posed in an institutional interactive setting in an aim to investigate the domestic violence experienced by children. The interviews were conducted in nine shelters for victims of domestic violence using the iRiSk interview method. The data includes the recorded interviews of 12 children (N = 12) interviewed by a shelter employee. The interviews were found to include questions linguistically constructed around the perspectives of recollection, knowledge and ability. The children primarily reacted to these questioning strategies by applying an answering strategy in which they focused only on the used questioning strategy, therefore limiting their narration. Children may also took the questioning strategy into consideration in their answers before producing their narration, or completely ignored the strategy. Based on the results, the phrasing of these questions constructed in the interaction process set a frame for children’s narrative space in two ways. First, they guided children to re-examine their recollection, knowledge and ability instead of providing a narrative of their experiences of domestic violence. Second, the questions that were originally intended as open-ended ended up being closed-ended instead. The results reveal that there are vulnerabilities related to using a method that supports children’s narration that may pose a challenge to children’s narratives. Professionals should pay attention to any such vulnerable areas when conducting interviews with children.

An Exploratory Study of State-Level Policies to Address Domestic Violence-Related Needs of Asian Indian Marriage Migrants: Perspectives of Service Providers Across Five States

ABSTRACT Domestic violence experiences of Asian Indian marriage migrants are unique due to an interplay of distinct aspects of their life contexts in the United States, such as immigration status, language barriers, and social support. What gaps exist in state-level policies to address the needs and concerns of abused Asian Indian marriage migrants? This research examines the question with interviews of 11 nonprofit sector professionals working closely with Asian Indian women across five states – California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina. The findings indicate that five critical areas of policy interventions profoundly impact the experiences of abused Asian Indian marriage migrants as they begin their journey to live independently of the abuser. Examining the strengths and weaknesses of these policies highlights that future holistic interventions should be strengthened to support the creation of a safe and protective environment for abused Asian Indian marriage migrants to navigate their lives.

The Psychological Development of Children Affected by Domestic Violence: An Examination via the Lenses of Resilience and Cognitive Development

Domestic violence, or DV, is a significant socioeconomic problem. Children, being the primary recipients of domestic violence, can experience its effects via either direct or indirect means. Directly, domestic violence can cause emotional problems and attention biases in children themselves. DV can also affect the mental health development of children by affecting the psychological condition of the mother. The emotional, psychological, and cognitive development of children can be adversely affected by domestic abuse. And in the long term these effects may persist into old age, causing irreversible damage to individual development, such as emotional issues and attention bias. This study aims to provide a comprehensive description and analysis of domestic violence and traumatic childhood experiences, focusing on their profound influence on the psychological development of children in both the immediate and prolonged periods. Finally, some recommendations for responding to domestic violence of which children are victims. The present study suggests that teenagers can be influenced by DV starts with the children themselves and their families, and that negative effect of DV on children's development will only be reduced by addressing domestic violence at its source.

UK prevalence of university student and staff experiences of sexual violence and domestic violence and abuse: a systematic review from 2002 to 2022

ABSTRACT Research documenting the prevalence and impact of UK university students’ experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) has significantly developed over the past decade, yet there has been no systematic synthesis of this evidence. This systematic review aimed to synthesise findings relating to the prevalence and impacts of GBV among staff and students in UK universities, with a focus on sexual violence (SV) and domestic violence and abuse (DVA). The search strategies involved a variety of approaches to identify both published and unpublished research, including systematic searches of electronic databases and direct contact with experts. A total of twenty-five studies focusing on SV and eight studies focusing on DVA were identified. Despite inconsistent research design, sampling frameworks, definitions and measures, and limited studies on staff experiences, review findings suggest that SV is a major issue for university students, impacting on well-being, personal relationships and academic performance. In contrast, few DVA studies were identified, many shared a range of methodological limitations, drawing on majority female samples and focusing mainly on perpetration. Validated measurement tools, consistency in study designs and sampling frameworks, which include minority student and staff populations, would strengthen current understandings of SV and DVA within UK universities.

The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Resilience and Emotion Regulation in Women Experiencing Domestic Violence

Background and Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy on resilience and emotion regulation in women experiencing domestic violence in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design with experimental and control groups and follow-up. The statistical population comprised all women victims of domestic violence in Tehran who visited psychological clinics in the first half of 2023. Participants were selected voluntarily through convenience sampling and divided into two groups: an experimental group (15 individuals) and a control group (15 individuals). The experimental group received 12 sessions of 90-minute group emotion-focused psychotherapy, while the control group remained on a waiting list. The measurement tools used in the study were the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Garnefski &amp; Kraaij, 2006). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23 in both descriptive and inferential sections (mixed ANOVA). Findings: The results indicated that emotion-focused therapy increased resilience in women experiencing domestic violence. Additionally, the findings showed that emotion-focused therapy enhanced emotion regulation in these women. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that group emotion-focused psychotherapy is an effective method for improving resilience and emotion regulation in women experiencing domestic violence.

COGNITIVE EMOTION REGULATION STRATEGIES IN RELATIONSHIP WITH CPTSD SYMPTOMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

Objective. The article is devoted to the peculiarities of traumatisation of victims affected by domestic violence. The subject is the nature of the relationship between strategies for cognitive regulation of emotions and symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). The impact of mental trauma, which is the basis of CPTSD, gives rise to cognitive distortions in a person, manifested in constant or periodic intense experiences of fear, helplessness, guilt, shame, anger, that is, it leads primarily to emotional disturbances and difficulties with relationships.&#x0D; Methodology. Method or methodology for carrying out work. The study was carried out using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). The respondents were 99 people aged from 18 to 61 years with experience of domestic violence. The methods used were descriptive analysis, checking the normality of variables using the Kolmagorov-Smirnov test, and C. Spearman’s correlation analysis.&#x0D; Results. It has been shown that the severity of CPTSD symptoms is positively associated with such coping cognitive regulation of emotions as «rumination» and «catastrophizing», and negatively associated with «positive reappraisal».&#x0D; Practical implications. The results are applicable to the process of providing crisis and rehabilitation psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence.

The Spiritualization of Domestic Violence in the Digital Era: Examining the Cathartic Role of Religious Institutions in Empowering Victims

This study delves into the intricate intersection of domestic violence, spirituality, and the digital age, aiming to understand the evolving dynamics and the role religious institutions play in providing catharsis for victims. As technology increasingly permeates our daily lives, the digital era has brought about new dimensions to the manifestation and perception of domestic violence. This research seeks to shed light on the phenomenon of spiritualization, where religious narratives and beliefs are interwoven with domestic violence experiences, either exacerbating or alleviating the trauma. Through a comprehensive review of scholarly literature, and digital ethnography, this study explores how religious institutions engage with domestic violence victims in the digital realm. It examines the ways in which religious teachings, counselling, and support mechanisms are leveraged to address the unique challenges posed by the intersection of spirituality, technology, and intimate partner violence.&#x0D; &#x0D; The research also investigates the potential pitfalls of spiritualization, considering instances where religious doctrines may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of abuse or hinder victims from seeking help. By analyzing online forums, social media platforms, and religious websites, the study aims to elucidate the ways in which digital spaces either facilitate or impede the spiritualization process for domestic violence victims. Furthermore, the role of religious leaders and communities in raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a supportive environment for victims is explored. The study aims to identify best practices employed by religious institutions in addressing domestic violence in the digital age, offering insights for policymakers, advocates, and religious leaders to collaboratively develop more effective strategies for supporting victims and preventing further harm. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on domestic violence, spirituality, and technology, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. The findings hold implications for both academic scholarship and practical interventions, emphasizing the need for a multidimensional approach to empower victims and create a more compassionate and informed societal response to domestic violence in the digital era. &#x0D; &#x0D; keywords: domestic violence; digital era; Islamic law.