Form Of Child Abuse Research Articles

Childhood illnesses as risk indicators of adult mental health symptomatology

BackgroundLinks between childhood illnesses such as acne and migraines and co-occurring or subsequent mental health symptomatol-ogy are not well understood. Early medical histories have seldom been examined as adversity risk indicators.Participants and procedureThis survey analysis of college students (N = 2,636) examined links between four forms of childhood illness (migraine head-aches, acne, asthma, and enuresis) and adult mental health symptomatology.ResultsFour medical conditions often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence were prevalent enough in the college sample to test as risk indicators for lifetime mental health concerns. All four medical illnesses significantly raised the odds (ORM = 2.04) of lifetime depressive and anxiety disorder diagnoses. Current symptomatology was also raised for all but one (enuresis) medi-cal condition. These effects were found after controlling for respondent age and various forms of childhood maltreatment (sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse).ConclusionsHeightened awareness of medical histories during clinical intake assessments seems warranted. Adversity researchers might also consider the inclusion of childhood medical conditions as future maladjustment risk indicators. Study limitations included the cross-sectional design and unclearly specified timing of the self-reported psychological and health recollections. The role of modulating variables such as gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family climate in physical-mental health relationships warrants continued focus.

Occurrence and circumstances of child sexual assault in Maputo, Mozambique

BackgroundChild Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a significant public health issue, with its health and social consequences well documented. While CSA has been extensively studied in high-income countries, its incidence and circumstances of occurrence in low-income countries, especially in Africa, remains under-represented in the scholarly literature. MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the occurrence and circumstances of CSA among victims assisted at the Forensic Service of the Hospital Central de Maputo in Mozambique. A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted using secondary data from 2015 to 2020, extracted from the medico-legal reports of all victims under 18 years old. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0. Results2610 cases of CSA were reported for the period 2015 to 2020, of which 2588 were included for analysis. Of the cases analysed, the majority of victims were girls (93.7 %), predominantly aged 12–17 years (48.6 %). The reported types of penetration revealed that vaginal penetration was the most frequent (86 %), followed by anal (11 %) and oral (2 %). Most assaults occurred either at the victims' or perpetrators’ homes (54.8 %), primarily during the week (71.1 %), and typically in the afternoon (36.5 %) or evening (41.9 %). The assaults were predominantly perpetrated by a single individual (88.7 %), who was most often identified as an acquaintance (72.9 %). Additionally, 54.1 % of the children experienced concomitant physical violence, and approximately 74.9 % of the perpetrators did not use condoms during the assault. ConclusionsThe findings of this study underscore the urgent need to implement prevention measures specifically targeting adolescent girls and younger boys, aiming to promote early reporting and prevent mental, physical, and sexual and reproductive health complications. Raising awareness about all forms of child abuse, including sexual abuse, and enhancing reporting and diagnostic systems in Mozambique is crucial.

Multisystemic therapy for young people involved in or at risk of child criminal exploitation: Young people and Caregivers' perspectives

AbstractChild criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse, linked to youth gang involvement and with long‐lasting serious consequences for communities. Multisystemic therapy (MST) is a systemic intervention for antisocial behaviour with an extensive evidence base but there is limited research focussing on gang involved or criminally exploited young people. Through semi‐structured interviews, this study qualitatively explored young people at risk of exploitation (n = 4) and their caregivers (n = 6) experience of MST across three sites in England. Four themes emerged through thematic analysis: changes experienced; improved caregiver‐young person relationship; facilitators of change; and barriers to change. The process of MST facilitated behaviour change and supported development of support networks for caregivers and engagement with prosocial young peers. Barriers to change included young people's association with negative adults and frequent peer relationship changes. Further exploration of the complex associations between negative adults and young people at risk of exploitation is recommended.

From Early Trauma to Cardiovascular Risk Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adults.

This study aimed to investigate the connection between childhood abuse history and cardiovascular health indicators among a nationally representative sample of young adults aged 24-32. Using data from waves three and four of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 4, 164) multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate childhood trauma (i.e., childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect) as predictors for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Results showed that adults who reported history of sexual abuse were 4.3 times more likely to report diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and those who reported childhood physical abuse at wave three had 1.4 times the odds of reporting high cholesterol diagnosis. Although trauma history is often calculated as a composite, some forms of childhood abuse may have greater impacts on cardiovascular risk than others.

Countering Arguments Against Parental Alienation as A Form of Family Violence and Child Abuse

Despite scientific recognition of parental alienation as a form of child maltreatment and family violence, numerous critiques been advanced challenging the concept. A recent UN report concluded that parental alienation is a “pseudo-concept” lacking empirical validity, posing significant dangers to women and children at risk of family violence and abuse. In this article, we present and refute the most common arguments that have been advanced against the proposition that parental alienation and alienating behaviors are a form of family violence and child abuse. We examine each in relation to empirical evidence published in over one hundred peer-reviewed research studies.

Cigarette Smoking in Women Victims of Police-Reported Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Childhood Maltreatment, Type of Partner Abuse, and Psychological Distress Symptoms

ABSTRACT Existing research on the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and cigarette smoking primarily involves low-risk, physical IVP-focused studies on community women. As a result, the risks associated with cigarette smoking in women victims of severe IPV have not been fully explored. This study examined the association between exposure to different forms of childhood maltreatment, exposure to physical, psychological, and sexual IPV, and current psychological distress symptoms with cigarette smoking in a high-risk sample of women victims of police-reported severe IPV. Participants included 162 women victims of police-reported severe IPV recruited in shelters for domestic violence and Child Protective Services in Portugal. Participants provided self-reports on childhood maltreatment physical, psychological, and sexual violence), physical, psychological, and sexual IPV, psychological distress symptoms (anxiety, depressive, somatic, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms), and daily cigarette consumption. Results revealed significant associations between daily cigarette consumption and exposure to IPV, physical abuse during childhood, psychological IPV, and anxiety symptoms in women experiencing police-reported severe IPV. Childhood maltreatment may increase vulnerability for emotion dysregulation, promoting addictive behaviors to regulate distress. Smoking can be an unhealthy regulating strategy to reduce the distress related to chronic exposure to psychological IPV. Future effective health promotion interventions in women facing severe forms of IPV may target emotional regulation and incorporate a trauma-focused approach.

The amygdala volume moderates the relationship between childhood maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits in adolescents with conduct disorder.

CU traits, characterized by shallow affect, lack of fear, and absence of remorse, have been moderately associated with childhood maltreatment in a recent meta-analysis. However, the potential impact of brain structures remains undetermined. This paper examines the relationship between callous-unemotional (CU) traits, childhood maltreatment, and amygdala volumes. In this study, we used a region-of-interest (ROI) analysis to explore the interaction between the volumes of the amygdala, childhood maltreatment, and the manifestation of CU traits in adolescents diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD, N = 67), along with a comparison group of healthy-control youths (HCs, N = 89). The ROI analysis revealed no significant group differences in the bilateral amygdalar volumes. Significant positive correlation was discovered between all forms of child maltreatment (except for physical neglect) and CU traits across subjects. But the interaction of physical abuse and amygdala volumes was only significant within CD patients. Notably, a sensitivity analysis suggested that gender significantly influences these findings. These results contribute critical insights into the etiology of CU traits, emphasizing the need for customized clinical assessment tools and intervention strategies.

Recognizing and responding to children with suspected exposure to intimate partner violence between caregivers.

Children's exposure to intimate partner violence (CEIPV) between parents and other caregivers accounts for nearly half of all cases investigated and substantiated by child welfare authorities in Canada. The emotional, physical, and behavioural impairments associated with CEIPV are similar to effects of other forms of child maltreatment. The identification of children and youth who have been exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) can be challenging due to the non-specific behaviours sometimes associated with such exposure, and the stigma and secrecy that often characterize IPV. Also, responding safely to children and youth with suspected CEIPV can be complicated by the need to consider the safety and well-being of a non-offending caregiver. This position statement presents an evidence-informed approach developed by the Violence, Evidence, Guidance, Action (VEGA) Project for the safe recognition and response to children and youth who are suspected of being exposed to IPV.

Continuous chains: childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence victimization among displaced women in a war context

BackgroundChildhood victimization has been associated with long-term psychological effects and an increased risk of being victimized in later life. Previous research has primarily focused on sexual abuse during childhood, and a wide range of consequences have been identified. However, a significant gap remains in our understanding of the complex interaction between different forms of childhood abuse and violence in later life, particularly in the context of broader social stressors such as armed conflict and displacement.MethodsThis study examines the association between exposure to different types of childhood maltreatment in the context of family and intimate partner violence (IPV) among displaced women living in refugee camps in northern Iraq. Structured interviews were conducted by trained female psychologists with 332 women aged between 20 and 62 years.ResultsResults indicated that over one-third of the participating women reported experiencing at least one occurrence of IPV by their husbands within the past year. In addition, participants reported experiences of different types of maltreatment (physical, emotional, and sexual violence and physical and emotional neglect) perpetrated by family members in their childhood. While all forms of childhood maltreatment showed an association with IPV within the past year, only emotional childhood maltreatment was found to be a significant predictor of IPV in a multivariate analysis.ConclusionThe study highlights the ongoing impact of child maltreatment and its contribution to increased vulnerability to IPV victimization in later life. In addition, this study describes the specific cultural and contextual elements that contribute to IPV in refugee camps.

Bullous mastocytosis: a Case Report

Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by abnormal mast cell proliferation. The skin is the most common site of involvement. Extracutaneous involvement occurs in systemic mastocytosis with infiltrations in the gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, and spleen which result in systemic manifestations and life-threatening complications. The most common form of skin lesions in mastocytosis is urticaria pigmentosa (UP). Other less common forms include diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM), mastocytoma and telangiectasia macularis eruptive perstans (TMEP). Bullae can develop in skin lesions of mastocytosis. When bullae are the main presenting feature, the term bullous mastocytosis is used. Bullous mastocytosis can cause diagnostic confusion as it can be mistaken with other bullous skin diseases. Herein we present a case of bullous mastocytosis that was initially thought to be a form of child abuse. We emphasize the importance of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of this form of mastocytosis..

Perceived severity of childhood emotional, sexual, and physical abuse: Comparisons across psychologists, students, and the general public.

Childhood emotional abuse has been linked with mental and physical health concerns yet may be perceived as less severe than other forms of childhood abuse. The present study aims to (a) understand perceptions of childhood abuse forms across psychologists, general college-level students, and the general public and (b) investigate whether personal emotional abuse history affects perceptions of emotional abuse. Participants (N = 444) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and provided perceived abuse severity and offender responsibility on eight case vignettes of emotional, physical, sexual, and no abuse. Research Question 1 was tested with a two-way (Vignette Type × Participant Type) multivariate analysis of variance performed on perceived severity and offender responsibility scores. Research Question 2 included abuse history as a third factor to examine potential moderation. All three groups perceived scenarios regarding emotional abuse as less severe and the offender less responsible than scenarios regarding sexual or physical abuse. Unexpectedly, psychologists were just as variable in their perceptions of abuse severity across abuse forms, as compared to the general public and college students. However, psychologists with emotional abuse histories provided more severe ratings on emotional abuse items, more in line with general public perceptions. College students' and the general public's relative ratings were roughly equivalent regardless of emotional abuse history. The study calls for more attention to emotional abuse in psychologist training programs. Research and training to increase understanding of emotional abuse and its sequelae could move forward related educational outreach and legal proceedings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationship between childhood stressful events and drug consumption among university students

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between stressful events experienced in childhood and subsequent toxic substance consumption among university students majoring in Social Education at a Spanish university during the academic year 2022-2023.ObjectivesThe primary objective is to analyze whether an association exists between stressful life events in childhood and patterns of substance consumption among university students.MethodsA cross-sectional, observational, and analytical design was employed. The target population encompassed 258 students enrolled in the Social Education program in 2023. The final sample consisted of 161 students. A questionnaire incorporating the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) was administered to assess trauma history and substance consumption.Results A high percentage (95.03%) of students reported having consumed toxic substances at some point in their lives. The most common substances were alcohol (95.03%) and cannabis (52.8%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between childhood emotional abuse and increased alcohol consumption currently (p = 0.015). Furthermore, a significant relationship was identified between childhood sexual abuse and heightened alcohol consumption (p = 0.015). Moreover, positive correlations were found between sexual abuse and the consumption of specific drugs, such as cocaine and psychopharmaceuticals (p < 0.05).No statistically significant differences were observed in drug consumption with regard to other forms of childhood maltreatment, such as emotional or physical neglect.Conclusions The results underscore the connection between childhood stress experiences and substance consumption among university students. Emotional and sexual abuse in childhood are linked to higher alcohol consumption and, in some cases, specific drugs like cocaine and psychopharmaceuticals. These findings emphasize the importance of considering traumatic experiences when addressing prevention and treatment strategies for substance consumption among young student populations.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prohibition of Gender-Affirming Care as a Form of Child Maltreatment: Reframing the Discussion.

Prohibition of Gender-Affirming Care as a Form of Child Maltreatment: Reframing the Discussion.

Association and disparities of food insecurity and exposure to violence: analysis of the National Survey of Children's Health.

Lack of access to food is a significant concern for child well-being, and it creates many health disparities and adverse social outcomes. Food insecurity and its many associated risk factors increase parental stress, which are strongly correlated with an increased risk of child abuse and maltreatment. Research now identifies being witness to domestic abuse as a form of child maltreatment, and exposure to violence in the community has been shown to result in similar long-term impacts. Given the potential for lifelong adverse effects from experiencing adverse childhood events involving violence and food insecurity, our primary objective was to assess the relationship between the two and disparities among demographic factors. We conducted an observational study utilizing data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2016-2021. The NSCH is a United States nationally representative survey completed by primary caregivers of one child per home aged 0-17 years. We determined population estimates (n=216,799; n=83,424,126) and rates of children experiencing food insecurity and parent-reported exposure to violence. We then constructed logistic regression models to assess associations, through odds ratios (ORs), between food security and exposure to violence including demographic factors. Among the sample, 5.42 % of children experienced low food security and 7.4 % were exposed to violence. The odds of exposure to violence are 5.19 times greater for children with low food security compared to food-secure children (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 4.48-6.02). Indigenous and Black children were 7.8 and 6.81 times more likely to experience or witness violence when food insecure compared to food secure White children, respectively (95 % CI: 3.18-19.13, 5.24-8.86 respectively). Food insecurity was associated with increased odds of children experiencing and/or witnessing violence compared to those who were food secure. The interaction between exposure to violence and food insecurity also disproportionately impacts children with specific demographic factors, notably race/ethnicity including multiracial, Indigenous, and Black children. By developing and adapting strategies to improve food security, it is possible to indirectly reduce the rates of childhood exposure to violence and the long-term impacts that result.

When ‘Discharge Against Medical Advice’ (DAMA) rhymes with potential child neglect: a 10-year analysis in a tertiary care center

Introduction Taking into account parents’ privileged knowledge of their children, clinicians trust them to make the best decisions for their care. However, sometimes, their choices may appear misaligned with the child’s best interest, such as when “Discharge Against Medical Advice” (DAMA) occurs. In some instances, a DAMA will rhyme with a form of child maltreatment. Method This retrospective study analyzes all pediatric cases of DAMA presenting red flags for medical neglect from a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia over 10 years (January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022). The red flags were: 1) being an infant, 2) being vitally or clinically unstable, 3) refusing potential life-saving treatments, 4) presenting signs of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, or neglect, or 5) anticipating long-term consequences to forgo treatments. Data were retrieved from medical records. Results A total of 159 cases were identified with 47.2% females and a median age of 3.6 years. 57.9% were under 5 years. At baseline, 26.4% were medically free, and 73.6% had a significant or chronic illness. The most frequent reason for the encounter was an elective admission (44%). The most frequent red flag for neglect identified during DAMA was being “vitally or clinically unstable” (72.2%). Conclusion Clinicians may feel hesitant to disagree with parental care decisions which may make them worry as it may affect the trust between them. However, children are vulnerable, and all efforts should be made to ensure they get the required care. At times, this involves contacting Child Protection Services.

Diagnostic Options for Suspected Cases of Emotional Maltreatment - Presentation of the Interdisciplinary Perspective of a Child Protection Outpatient Clinic

Compared to sexual and physical violence, cases of emotional abuse are often more difficult to detect. An increasingly advocated approach involves regular assessments within social and healthcare structures tto proactively identify affected children and adolescents at an early stage. This enables the prompt initiation of appropriate interventions. Following, interdisciplinary institutions such as a child protection outpatient clinic can play an important role for professionals in the clarification of suspected child endangerment.This article aims to show possible courses of action for the early detection of emotional abuse based on a child protection outpatient clinic. In addition to the description of the interdisciplinary diagnostic procedure a selection of psychometric questionnaires and interviews is presented, which inquire about emotional abuse. When looking at the total number of 1,388 cases seen at the child protection outpatient clinic, it is noticeable that only 117 cases (8.4 %) were assigned with a suspicion of emotional abuse.This contrasts with 477 cases (34.3 %) in which confirmed indications for emotional abuse were found after the clarification process. An intersection of emotional abuse with other forms of child maltreatment was given in 341 cases (71.4 %). Psychometric questionnaires and interviews can facilitate a regular recording in health and social service institutions. Emotional abuse often goes unnoticed despite its frequency. Itsmanifestations are diverse and significantly overlap with other forms of maltreatment, necessitating a nuanced evaluation process. Specific diagnostic tools and interdisciplinary collaboration can contribute to better recognition of emotional abuse.

Medical Child Abuse - A Guideline to Detecting this Particular Form of Child Maltreatment

The term Medical Child Abuse (MCA) describes a form of child abuse in which the medical system is "abused" by carrying out unnecessary medical procedures on a child. This abuse of the medical system occurs through misrepresentation, non-disclosure, fabrication, misinterpretation or active causation of symptoms by a parent. In this article, the construct ofmedical child abuse is defined and predisposing and motivational factors are examined. It also provides an overview of terms that are used synonymously or comparably in the literature and discusses the connection between MCA and Munchausen-by-proxy-syndrome.The core of the article is the presentation of an internal guideline, which was created by the interdisciplinary working group on MCA of the Clinics for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, the Child Protection Outpatient Clinic and the Social Services at the Charité. It also outlines possible interventions.

Prohibition of Gender-Affirming Care as a Form of Child Maltreatment: Reframing the Discussion.

Prohibition of Gender-Affirming Care as a Form of Child Maltreatment: Reframing the Discussion.

The Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect Among the Saudi Population: A Narrative Review.

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a pressing global issue with profound implications for the well-being of children. The aim of thisreview is to examine the existing literature and synthesize evidence on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towardchild abuse and neglect within the Saudi population. Thisreview synthesizes the existing literature to illuminate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes surrounding CAN within the Saudi population. Ten studies spanning the years 2019-2023 were meticulously analyzed, offering a comprehensive snapshot of CAN perceptions across various segments of society. The studies, encompassing diverse methodologies and populations, collectively underscore the commendable levels of awareness and knowledge demonstrated by healthcare professionals, including primary healthcare (PHC) physicians, nurses, and medical practitioners. Notably, several studies reveal that these professionals exhibit robust recognition of different forms of child abuse, a vital aspect in the identification and prevention of abuse cases. While positive attitudes towardCAN were prevalent among healthcare providers, barriers to reporting were highlighted. The fear of consequences and uncertainty emerged as key deterrents to reporting among medical and dental students and nurses, respectively. These findings emphasize the necessity for creating supportive environments that empower professionals to report suspected cases of abuse while addressing apprehensions. The parental perception of CAN also came into focus, revealing a disparity between the recognition of CAN as a common problem and the adequate knowledge of emotional abuse and neglect. These findings point towarda need for targeted public awareness campaigns that differentiate between disciplinary practices and abusive behaviors. In conclusion, thisreview offers a nuanced understanding of the Saudi population's awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towardchild abuse and neglect. The synthesis of findings across diverse studies informs future interventions, advocating for enhanced awareness, reporting, and prevention strategies. By empowering individuals and professionals alike, a safer environment for Saudi children can be nurtured, fostering a future free from the shadows of abuse and neglect.

The relationship between childhood emotional abuse and borderline personality disorder: the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation among Lebanese adults

ObjectiveThe present study investigates the mediating effect of difficulties in emotion regulation in the association between childhood emotional abuse and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) among Lebanese adults.MethodThis cross-sectional study, involving 411 participants, was conducted between March and August 2022. Lebanese individuals from all governorates of the country were recruited using the Snowball Sampling technique. Three self-report scales were utilized to complete this research; the ‘Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale—Brief Version (DERS-16)’ which evaluates the difficulties in emotion regulation of individuals, the ‘Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—Short Form (CTQ-SF)’ which grants a subjective evaluation of the general childhood environment of the participants, as well as the ‘Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ)’ which measures Borderline Personality Disorder traits, that demonstrate significant convergence with the disorder.ResultsThe results indicate that DERS-16 played an indirect effect role between childhood emotional abuse scores and Borderline Personality Disorder. Higher emotional abuse scores were significantly associated with higher DERS-16 scores, which in turn was significantly associated with higher BPQ scores. Moreover, childhood emotional abuse was directly associated with higher BPQ scores.ConclusionThis work suggests that, among the different forms of childhood abuse, emotional abuse may have a role in the development of Borderline Personality Disorder. Training on emotion regulation strategies would potentially benefit individuals in preventing BPD development and facilitating therapeutic processes.