History Of Sexual Violence Research Articles

Frequency and impact of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic life events in patients with migraine

IntroductionPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been proposed as a risk factor for chronification of migraine. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of PTSD and traumatic life events (TE) in patients with episodic (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) and their impact on clinical parameters, other comorbidities, and migraine biomarkers. Material and methodsPatients with EM and CM according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (third edition; beta version) were recruited at a headache unit and a primary care centre. We used questionnaires validated for research on PTSD, TEs, cranial autonomic symptoms, comorbidities (depression, anxiety, and fatigue), disability, migraine impact, and quality of life. Baseline serum levels of CGRP, VIP, and PACAP were determined by ELISA. ResultsThe study included 116 patients: 35 with EM and 81 with CM. Nineteen presented refractory migraine. PTSD was detected in 23 patients (19.8%): 20 with CM and 3 with EM (chi-square: P = .046; Fisher T: P = .073). No significant differences were identified between the EM and CM groups for frequency of any TE nor the number of TEs per patient. A total of 5/19 patients with refractory migraine had experienced sexual violence (vs 2/97 with non-refractory migraine; P = .002). PTSD was associated with more autonomic symptoms; higher scores on anxiety, depression, and fatigue scales; and poorer quality of life; it did not change neuropeptide levels. ConclusionsOur results suggest that PTSD is frequent in patients with migraine, and especially CM, in our setting; history of sexual violence is particularly frequent in patients with refractory migraine. PTSD has a negative impact on migraine, with higher numbers of comorbidities and poorer quality of life; therefore, further research is needed in this patient group.

Sexual Victimization History and Emotion Regulation in Daily Life: A Role for Stress Sensitization.

Relative to other types of traumatic experiences, a lifetime history of sexual violence (SV) has been linked with more persistent and severe mental health outcomes, but the reasons for this discrepancy have not been clearly established. Stress sensitization, or the amplification of responses to daily stressors as a function of trauma history, offers one possible explanation. Using ecological momentary assessment, the current study tested stress sensitization effects in daily life for individuals with a history of SV, focusing on emotion regulation as an outcome. Smartphone surveys were delivered four times per day over a 2-week period to assess relationships between prior SV exposure, daily stressors, and emotion regulation in an undergraduate sample (N = 122). As expected, individuals with lifetime exposure to SV evidenced increased emotion dysregulation and maladaptive emotion regulation in response to daily stressors relative to nonexposed peers, even after accounting for cumulative trauma. However, the SV and non-SV groups did not differ significantly on state adaptive emotion regulation. Instead, experiencing daily stressors was associated with increased adaptive emotion regulation for individuals in both groups. Broadly, results suggest that SV is uniquely associated with increased sensitivity to daily stressors, manifested as emotion dysregulation and use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies to regulate emotions. These findings are consistent with emerging research on the neurobiology of trauma and with an emphasis on emotion regulation skills in leading interventions for SV-exposed individuals. Stress sensitization warrants additional attention as a factor linking SV and mental health problems.

Uptake of gynecological consultation following domestic or sexual violence: A case-control study in the context of induced abortion

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence and to characterize the association between exposure to domestic and sexual violence and low uptake of gynecological care, in the context of induced abortion.Study design.We conducted a case-control study among women seeking abortion care, in mother and child centers and sexual health centers in the Paris, France area (April 2022-March 2023). ResultsA total of 103 women were included in the study during induced abortion care. Physical, psychological or sexual domestic violence was reported by 48.5 % and sexual violence, whoever the perpetrator, was reported by 23.3 %. In the bivariate analysis, a history of physical, psychological or sexual domestic violence was not associated with the absence of a gynecological consultation in the past two years, compared with no history of intimate partner violence (p = 0.09). After adjustment for regular pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, vulvodynia and dyspareunia, there was no association between a history of sexual violence and the absence of a gynecological consultation in the past two years (OR 1.05; CI95% 0.27–4.13, p = 0.93). ConclusionViolence was a common finding among women seeking abortion care. We did not find any association between a history of sexual violence and the absence of a gynecological consultation in the past two years. We suggest investigating multiple or frequent use of gynecological care following violence. The combination of ethical, moral, and psychological constraints associated with violence screening and abortion care is a challenge to patient recruitment in future studies.

Flying under the radar: Gender, violence and grade point average

Sexual assaults continue to be a prevalent issue on college campuses. Research has shown that being sexually assaulted is associated with adverse outcomes in college students' grade point average (GPA). However, self-reported history of sexual violence perpetration and its associations with GPA has not been studied at the college level. A history of sexual violence as either perpetrator or victim has not been extensively explored, particularly in individuals at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Questionnaire data were collected on 2068 students attending an HBCU who self-identified as men and women on various demographic and academic outcomes. The experience of sexual violence (perpetrator or victim) in the past year, age, and self-identified gender were evaluated as predictors of GPA. Results indicated that women and older individuals had higher GPAs (p <0.001), and these factors accounted for about 1% of the variance in GPA. In comparison, the addition of being a perpetrator of sexual violence augmented the variance and accounted for 2.3% (p < 0.001). These effects are small but significant predictors and open a new line of research into the traits of those who commit sexual assault on college campuses.

Association between sexual violence and depression is mediated by perceived social support among female university students in the kingdom of Eswatini

BackgroundGender-based violence is a tool that primarily functions to maintain gendered power hierarchies. Manifestations of gender-based violence, sexual assault and street harassment have been shown to have significant effects on mental wellbeing in the global North, however there is little research centering the experiences and consequences of gendered harassment in the Africa region.MethodsWe analyzed a cross-sectional random sample of 372 women attending a major university in Eswatini in 2017 to measure the prevalence of street harassment among female university students and assess the relationship between experiences of sexual assault, sexualized street harassment, and mental health outcomes in this population.ResultsWe found that in the previous 12 months, women reported experiencing high levels of sexual assault (20%), street harassment (90%), and depression (38%). Lifetime sexual assault, past 12 months sexual assault, and street harassment were all significantly associated with symptoms of depression. We created a structural model to test hypothesized causal pathways between street harassment, previous experiences of sexual assault, and symptoms of depression, with social support as a potential mediator. We found that a history of sexual violence significantly mediated the association between street harassment and depression, and that social support mediated a large proportion of the association between both forms of gender-based violence and depression.ConclusionSexualized street harassment is associated with increased depressive symptomology for nearly all women, however the effects are especially pronounced for women who have previous experiences of sexual violence. Sexualized street harassment functions as a tool to maintain gendered power hierarchies by reminding women of ongoing threat of sexual violence even in public spaces. Social support and solidarity among women is a potentially important source of resiliency against the physical and mental harms of all forms of gender based violence.

Femicide in Ireland 2012–2023

IntroductionFemicide represents the dramatic end-point on a spectrum of violence against women and is an increasingly prevalent medico-legal issue. Whilst there is no definition of femicide in the Irish legal system, femicide can be understood as the gender based killing of women or girls.1 The pervasiveness of gender-based violence against women is a growing cause for concern with 2018 estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealing that 1 in 3 women have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).2 Femicide remains poorly defined and underreported worldwide due to enduring stigmatisation, shame and a lack of official statistics addressing national femicide rates. AimThe aim of this study was to explore Irish cases of femicide, quantify the prevalence of femicide in Ireland and identify any emerging trends over a 12-year-period. MethodsAll homicides referred to the Office of the State Pathologist (OSP) from 2012 to 2023 were reviewed and a total of 97 cases of femicide were ?identified and included in this study. ResultsFemicide rates increased from 1 in 5 (19 %) homicides referred to the OSP in 2012–2020 to 3 in 10 from 2021 to 2023 (29 %). Domestic femicides accounted for 74 % of cases, with 41 % of women murdered in the home they shared with their killer. 56 % of women were killed by a current or former intimate partner and 20 % by a family member. Sharp force injuries were present in 75 % of femicides associated with a history of sexual violence. These cases had the highest average number of injuries per case (n = 30) and a significantly lower average age than that of the entire cohort (19 years versus 41 years). ConclusionThe true scale of gender-based violence against women remains largely hidden due to a lack of focused official statistics and a clear definition of femicide. As populations become more diverse, and displacement secondary to environmental, or humanitarian crises becomes more common, it is essential that official data is collected in order to understand and ultimately prevent gender-based violence in this vulnerable cohort.

Does the link between posttraumatic cognitions and eating pathology depend on trauma type? The role of sexual violence.

Exposure to potentially traumatic events is well-known to disrupt cognitions about the self. Among trauma-exposed college students, negative cognitions about the self can include low self-worth and heightened perception of behavioral control over outcomes (i.e., self-controllability), including overevaluation of self-control over weight, shape, and eating behaviors. Thus, posttraumatic cognitions may increase risk for eating pathology. These associations may be particularly heightened among those whose trauma was of a sexual nature, given the stigma and inaccurate rape myths that often place the blame on sexual violence survivors rather than perpetrators. Consistent with these possibilities, the present study tested whether sexual violence history moderated expected associations between lower self-worth and greater eating pathology and between greater self-controllability and eating pathology. Participants were 1,303 trauma-exposed college students (71.6% cisgender women) who completed self-report measures. Two linear regression models were examined, controlling for gender identity and posttraumatic stress symptom severity. As expected, more negative views toward the self were associated with greater eating pathology, and this association was stronger among college students who had experienced sexual violence compared with those who only experienced other trauma types. In contrast, beliefs about behavioral control over outcomes were unrelated to eating pathology regardless of trauma type. Findings point to low self-worth as a cognitive target for future research and clinical efforts aimed at addressing trauma-related distress and eating pathology concurrently, especially among individuals with a history of sexual violence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessment of Sexual Violence Risk Perception in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Proposal for the Development and Validation of "G-Date".

Sexual violence (SV) is a significant problem for sexual minorities, including men who have sex with men (MSM). The limited research suggests SV is associated with a host of syndemic conditions. These factors tend to cluster and interact to worsen one another. Unfortunately, while much work has been conducted to examine these factors in heterosexual women, there is a lack of research examining MSM, especially their SV risk perception. Further, MSM are active users of dating and sexual networking (DSN) mobile apps, and this technology has demonstrated usefulness for creating safe spaces for MSM to meet and engage partners. However, mounting data demonstrate that DSN app use is associated with an increased risk for SV, especially given the higher likelihood of using alcohol and other drugs before sex. By contrast, some researchers have demonstrated that DSN technology can be harnessed as a prevention tool for HIV; unfortunately, no such work has progressed regarding SV. This study aims to (1) use qualitative and quantitative methods to tailor an existing laboratory paradigm of SV risk perception in women for MSM using a DSN mobile app framework and (2) subject this novel paradigm to a rigorous validation study to confirm its usefulness in predicting SV, with the potential for use in future prevention endeavors. To tailor the paradigm for MSM, a team of computer scientists created an initial DSN app (G-Date) and incorporated ongoing feedback about the usability, feasibility, and realism of this tool from a representative sample of MSM. We used focus groups and interviews to assist in the development of G-Date, including by identifying relevant stimuli, developing the cover story, and establishing the appropriate study language. To confirm the paradigm's usefulness, we are conducting an experimental study with web-based and face-to-face participants to determine the content, concurrent, and predictive validities of G-Date. We will evaluate whether certain correlates of SV informed by syndemics and minority stress theories (eg, history of SV and alcohol and drug use) affect the ability of MSM to detect SV risk within G-Date and how paradigm engagement influences behavior in actual DSN app use contexts. This study received funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism on September 10, 2020, and ethics approval on October 19, 2020, and we began app development for aim 1 immediately thereafter. We began data collection for the aim 2 validation study in December 2022. Initial results from the validation study are expected to be available after December 2025. We hope that G-Date will enhance our understanding of factors associated with SV risk and serve as a useful step in creating prevention programs for this susceptible population.

Prevalence of neuropathic pain in patients with symptomatic endometriosis: Assessment using the DN4 score

The mechanisms underlying pain in cases of endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain are complex, often involving various types of pain; mainly nociceptive pain, central sensitization, and neuropathic pain. Our main objective was to examine the prevalence of neuropathic pain in women with symptomatic endometriosis, and secondary, to explore the factors associated with this type of pain and to assess the prevalence of a positive PPSC score and a history of sexual violence within this population.This study is a retrospective, comparative, single-center cohort study conducted from September 2019 to January 2023. The presence of neuropathic pain was confirmed by a positive DN4 score, defined as greater than or equal to 4. The association with the following variables was studied: age, BMI, marital status, smoking, alcohol and drugs consumption, age at menarche, gestity, parity, duration of exposure to endometriosis, MRI locations, laparoscopy for endometriosis and post-laparoscopy r-ASRM classification, hormone treatment, associated symptoms, VAS, associated pathologies, infertility consultation, Pain Center consultation, EPH-5 score, positive PPSC score (≥5), and history of sexual violence.The prevalence of neuropathic pain was 44.1%. Younger age, being in a relationship, having a high EPH-5 score and undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis are associated with neuropathic pain independently of other variables.Our study underscores the persistent high prevalence of neuropathic pain in endometriosis cases, emphasizing the importance of actively screening for it. Identifying neuropathic pain could prompt referrals to pain specialists, integrating it into a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach.

Sexual Victimization, Emotion Dysregulation, and Sexual Consent Feelings and Communication During a Recent Sexual Encounter

ABSTRACT Sexual consent has been a major focus of campus campaigns to reduce sexual violence (SV). However, these campaigns often educate students about consent with little attention to the complex ways consent can be experienced, expressed, and interpreted by others. Further, little research has focused on the consent feelings and communication cues of students who have a history of SV, nor have studies examined how the ability to attend to and regulate emotions relates to internal feelings or external communication of consent. This secondary analysis examined SV histories, emotion dysregulation, and internal and external consent cues in a sample of 610 college students (72% women) who completed an online self-report survey. Findings revealed that students with SV histories (n = 257) reported greater emotion dysregulation, lower internal consent, and greater use of passive external consent cues compared to students without SV histories; greater emotion dysregulation was associated with lower internal consent. In a path model, SV history was indirectly related to use of direct nonverbal and passive consent cues through greater emotion dysregulation and lower internal consent. Contrary to expectations, higher internal consent was associated with greater use of passive external consent cues. Consent programming could be augmented to encourage attention to and regulation of emotions in sexual situations to improve communication and sexual well-being.

Undergraduate Students’ Definitions of Sexual Violence Labels Across the Rise of the #MeToo Movement

Examining changes in perspectives of sexual violence across the #MeToo movement is critical to understanding shifts in sociocultural contexts of sexual violence; yet the literature is still nascent. In the present study, we assessed variation across the #MeToo movement in undergraduate students’ ( N = 1,028) rape myth acceptance, sexual violence experiences, identification of experiences with sexual violence labels, and self-generated definitions of sexual violence labels (e.g., sexual assault). We also examined the mediating role of the relation between timepoint across #MeToo and students’ self-generated sexual violence definitions. Text analyses revealed seven themes in students’ definitions: Activity, Chronicity, Body, Contact, Gender, Force/Harm, and Consent. Notably, there was greater representation and a higher rate of change in the Contact theme in definitions following the #MeToo movement compared to pre-#MeToo, but only among students with sexual violence history. Rape myth acceptance did not change significantly across the #MeToo movement and did not demonstrate a significant role in time-related variability in students’ definitions. These findings provide support for the role of the #MeToo movement in facilitating more inclusive perceptions of sexual violence among undergraduate students, especially among those with sexual violence histories. We hope that with increased insight into the #MeToo movement's impact on sexual violence perspectives, continued efforts of the movement and prevention initiatives can broaden their reach.

(011) Exploring Pretending Orgasm and Sexual Satisfaction Among Egyptian Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract Introduction Research on sexual satisfaction, especially orgasm, has focused on North American and Western contexts. Studies show women frequently pretend during PVI to end activity or avoid consequences. Reasons vary from emotional communication to mate deception, not always related to sexual dysfunctions. Sociosexuality may influence behaviors, with casual sex individuals less likely to fake orgasms for positive feedback. Limited research on non-Western societies, especially Egypt, prompted this study to explore prevalence and reasons for pretending orgasm among Egyptian women, investigating correlations with sexual orientation, sexual violence history, dysfunction, and family size. Objective 1. Prevalence of faking orgasm in Egyptian adults. 2. Reasons for faking orgasm in Egyptian women. 3. Correlations with sexual orientation, violence history, dysfunction, and family size. 4. Insights into sexual scripts in Egyptian society. Methods This cross-sectional survey investigates reasons for faking orgasm in Egyptian women. A convenience sample of women aged 18 and above was recruited through social media, community centers, and universities. Data collection occurred between [December 2020] and [February 2021], with participants providing informed consent for the online survey. The survey includes 51 questions on pretending orgasm and a structured interview for demographic information. Participants rated reasons on a Likert scale, and quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify prevailing motives. Results In the survey of 626 Egyptian women: •38.6% (242 women) reported pretending orgasm during sexual encounters. •Common reasons for pretending included: wanting to end sexual activity (55.9%–350 women), avoiding negative consequences (66.6%–417 women), and pleasing their partner (55.9%–350 women). •Sociosexuality played a role, with 38.3% (240 women) of those interested in casual sex less likely to fake orgasms for positive feedback. •96.2% (602 women) identified as heterosexual, 1% (6 women) as homosexual, and 2.9% (18 women) as bisexual. •85.2% (534 women) were married, 6.4% (40 women) divorced, 2.6% (16 women) separated, and 5.7% (36 women) in a relationship. •91.8% (575 women) belonged to small families, and 8.2% (51 women) to big families. •14.1% (88 women) had multiple sexual partners, and 16.5% (103 women) suffered from psychological dysfunction. •43.2% (271 women) engaged in sexual relationships more than once a week, 26.9% (168 women) once a week, and 17.6% (110 women) once a month. •32.6% (204 women) were sexually satisfied, 9.6% (60 women) were not satisfied, and 7% (44 women) were neutral. •45.5% (285 women) had a history of sexual harassment, and 27.6% (173 women) had a history of Female Genital Mutilation (FMG). Conclusions The study reveals a prevalent practice of pretending orgasm among Egyptian women (38.6%). Reasons for pretending vary, with a significant percentage aiming to end sexual activity (55.9%), avoid negative consequences (66.6%), and please partners (55.9%). Sociosexuality plays a role, with 38.3% of those interested in casual sex less likely to fake orgasms for positive feedback. Findings emphasize open communication for sexual satisfaction and relationship well-being. Limitations include self-report bias and limited generalizability. Future research should explore diverse contexts and long-term effects on relationship satisfaction. Addressing complexities is vital for healthy relationships among Egyptian women. Disclosure No.

Low uptake of gynecological consultation following domestic or sexual violence: A case-control study during pregnancy follow-up

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the association between exposure to domestic and sexual violence and low uptake of gynecological consultation. Study designBetween October 2021 and October 2022, a case-control studywas conducted in mother andchild centers and sexual health centers in the Paris, France area. The case group included pregnant women who did not have a scheduled gynecological consultation in the past two years. The control group included pregnant women who had a scheduled gynecological consultation in the past two years. Pregnant women were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire about a history of domestic and sexual violence, the date of their last gynecological consultation and the gynecological health. ResultsA total of 405 pregnant women were included in the case group (n = 129) or in the control group (n = 276). After adjustment for age, couple, social security, supplementary health insurance, dyspareunia, abnormal vaginal discharge, dysmenorrhea, regular pelvic pain, mastodynia, vulvodynia and history of difficult delivery, a history of intimate partner violence was associated with the absence of a gynecological consultation in the past two years (OR 2.13; CI95% 1.21–3.73, p = 0.008). A history of sexual violence, regardless of age, was associated with the absence a gynecological consultation in the past two years (OR 1.92; CI95% 1.05–3.49, p = 0.03). The absence of a gynecological consultation was associated with dyspareunia and domestic or sexual violence (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). ConclusionsThis study highlighted the association between domestic and sexual violence and the absence of gynecological consultations in the past two years. It underlines the importance of screening for domestic and sexual violence during gynecological consultations and its impacts on mental health, in particular psychotraumatic symptoms, and on gynecological health, in particular dyspareunia.

Gender and Sexual Orientation Differences in Sexual Violence Knowledge, Prevention Behaviors, and Care-Seeking Behaviors.

Sexual violence (SV) on college campuses disproportionately affects cisgender (nontransgender) women, sexual minorities (e.g., gays/lesbians, bisexuals), and gender minority (e.g., transgender/nonbinary) people. This study investigates gender and sexual behavior differences in common SV intervention targets-SV-related knowledge, prevention behaviors, and care-seeking. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data, collected in 9/2015-3/2017, from 2202 students aged 18-24 years attending college health and counseling centers at 28 Pennsylvania and West Virginia campuses. Multivariable multilevel models tested gender and sexual behavior differences in SV history; recognition of SV; prevention behaviors (self-efficacy to obtain sexual consent, intentions to intervene, positive bystander behaviors); and care-seeking behaviors (knowledge of, self-efficacy to use, and actual use of SV services). Adjusting for lifetime exposure to SV, compared with cisgender men, cisgender women had higher recognition of SV and reproductive coercion, prevention behaviors, and care-seeking self-efficacy (beta range 0.19-1.36) and gender minority people had higher recognition of SV and intentions to intervene (beta range 0.33-0.61). Cisgender men with any same-gender sexual partners had higher SV knowledge (beta = 0.23) and self-efficacy to use SV services (beta = 0.52) than cisgender men with only opposite-gender partners. SV history did not explain these differences. Populations most vulnerable to SV generally have higher SV knowledge, prevention behaviors, and care-seeking behaviors than cisgender men with only opposite-gender sexual partners. Innovative SV intervention approaches are necessary to increase SV-related knowledge among heterosexual cisgender men and may need to target alternative mechanisms to effectively reduce inequities for sexual and gender minority people.

Trafficking Sexuality Power Relations to Women and Children in Makassar City

This study aims to determine the factors that cause the sex trafficking of women and children in Makassar City. This research is a qualitative descriptive study using a bibliography study to obtain comprehensive research results. The research location is located in Makassar City, South Sulawesi. The types of data used include primary data, secondary data, and tertiary data. Data techniques were used in interviews and literature studies. Data analysis uses an interactive analysis model. The findings of this study are that there are power relations that result in women and children becoming victims of vulnerable groups. Perpetrators have higher power so they can oppress victims to carry out trafficking to violence. Sexual violence in personal relationships also includes violence perpetrated by husbands as a representation of the power of sexuality. In addition, there are other factors such as poverty, job seekers, low education levels, broken families, and a history of sexual violence.&#x0D; Keywords: power relations, trafficking, women and children

Examination of the Sexual and Negative Dating Inventory (SANDI) Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: An Analysis of Psychometrics and Outcomes

Objective Adverse sexual experiences (ASE), including sexual violence, sexual risk behaviors, and regretted sex, are highly prevalent among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) compared to cisgender and heterosexual individuals. Research indicates ASEs are associated with increased mental health symptomatology and decreased subsequent protective behavior use. The Sexual and Negative Dating Inventory (SANDI) measures dating and sexual protective strategies and includes five factors: Location Sharing, Assertiveness, Self-Protection, Risk Reduction and Privacy. SANDI total scores are linked to lower ASEs in heteronormative samples. Method: SANDI was previously validated in a sample of n = 1,289 college students. Data were examined from n = 313 (24.28%) SGM individuals at baseline, and n = 95 at one-month follow-up. Individuals were 19.70 (2.98 SD) years old, and 25% were non-white. Model fit was adequate for SGM: χ2(484) = 1729.621, p < .001, CFI = .947, RMSEA = .063 (90% CI = .060, .066), SRMR = .048. Results: Non-cisgender men and non-heterosexual individuals endorse using more of the SANDI at the factor level. Using logistic regression, SANDI was not associated with history of sexual violence or sexual violence over the next month. SANDI is inversely associated with history of sexual risk and prospectively associated with less sexual risk over the next month. Negative binomial regression analyses showed SANDI was not associated with a history of regretted sex; however, SANDI was moderately associated with decreased regretted sex over the next month. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of dating and sexual protective behaviors across dimensions of gender and sexual orientation.

Traumatic Life Events, Violence, and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study from 408 Patients Enrolled in a Bariatric Surgery Program

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease that increases cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity and mortality, decreases quality of life, and increases health care costs. While the role of lifestyle behavioral factors in the development of obesity is well established, the role of traumatic life events, including violence, is unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe situations of traumatic life events reported by patients undergoing a bariatric surgery program, with a particular focus on sexual violence and its clinical correlates. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with grade II or III obesity, admitted to our digestive surgery department for bariatric surgery from August 01, 2019, to December 31, 2020, underwent a structured interview by a trained psychologist to describe the history of traumatic life events self-reported by the patients. The primary endpoint was the presence of a history of sexual violence (SV). Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to identify independent risk factors for SV. Results: Of the 408 patients interviewed, 87.1% reported at least one traumatic life event and 33.1% reported having had an SV in the past. Female gender (aOR = 7.44, 95% confidence interval: 3.85–15.73; p < 0.001) and higher body mass index (1.05, 1.02–1.08; p = 0.002) were associated with an increased risk of SV. Male gender was associated with a higher risk of difficulties including sports cessation, depression, and work-related distress. Conclusion: In the context of obesity, psychosocial trauma is characterized by a high frequency and several gender specificities that must be taken into account in the management of these patients.

Conséquences à l’adolescence des violences sexuelles dans l’enfance : penser le repérage au cours de l’hospitalisation pédopsychiatrique des adolescents

IntroductionFew studies have systematically searched for a history of sexual violence in adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders hospitalized in departments of child psychiatry. Here, we present the results of a retrospective study conducted on the records of all adolescents hospitalized in a child psychiatry department in the Seine Saint-Denis department between 2017 and 2021. Study objectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of Antecedents of Sexual Aggression (AAS) in adolescents hospitalized in child psychiatry departments and to attempt to describe chronological and symptomatological links between these antecedents and hospitalization in child psychiatry, with the aim of proposing possible screening and management recommendations. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective study based on analysis of the medical records of 141 adolescents hospitalized in a child psychiatry department between 2017 and 2021. ResultsBy recalling the epidemiology of sexual aggression in childhood and adolescence (frequent, involving both boys and girls, in a third of cases intrafamilial, and in about half of the situations uncrushed and unaccompanied) our study underlines the importance of their detection by physicians and caregivers. The significantly higher prevalence of suicide attempts and self-harm should draw particular attention to the risk of a history of sexual assault, as these symptoms are strongly associated in our study. The significantly higher prevalence of depression and borderline personality disorder may provide a better understanding of the repercussions of sexual assault in adolescence. The short delay between the sexual assault and its disclosure in our observation, and the fact that most disclosures of intra-family sexual assaults were made during hospitalization, underline the value of systematic hospitalization of adolescents, particularly after a suicide attempt. The reassuring environment of hospitalization may encourage a more rapid disclosure of sexual assault, and thus lessen its devastating psychic effects during adolescence. A potential weakness of our study is that, even in a specialized service, such antecedents are probably still undervalued and insufficiently noted in medical records. More attention should certainly be paid during child psychiatric interviews to any history of sexual assault. Nevertheless, given the scarcity of systematic studies on the subject, this study paves the way for prospective studies. Recommendations can also be made for less serious situations, with no proven psychiatric disorders, but following a suicide attempt. In such cases, the patient could be hospitalized in a pediatric ward, with appropriate psychological support, rather than in a child psychiatry ward. Regardless of where adolescents who have attempted suicide are psychologically cared for, greater attention needs to be paid to any history of sexual aggression, so as to identify it as early as possible, provide secondary prevention and avoid the psychic deterioration of the adolescent process which would be weakened as a result.

Factors Associated with Engaging in Bystander Intervention Behavior Among College Students.

Sexual violence (SV) is a well-documented and highly prevalent issue on college campuses that disproportionately impacts women, students of color, and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ). In recent years, bystander intervention programming has emerged as a promising prevention strategy for colleges due to its success in preventing SV before it occurs using community involvement; however, little consideration has been given to the power, status, or position that a bystander has when deciding whether to intervene and weighing the potential consequences of their actions. In order to inform university campus bystander intervention programming and increase its effectiveness, more work is needed to understand specific student characteristics (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, history of SV) that may be associated with engaging in bystander behavior in SV risk situations. Using cross-sectional data from a large west-coast university, 592 students were surveyed about their SV-related experiences. Poisson regression models were utilized to determine the relative risk of engaging in bystander behavior by sociodemographic identities and history of SV victimization. Our fully adjusted model indicated that experiencing attempted and completed sexual assault was associated with engaging in bystander behavior; belonging to specific minority groups was differentially associated with engaging in bystander behavior, as was belonging to a minority group and having a history of SV. Personal histories, identities, and power inequity matter when deciding to engage in bystander behavior. Additional research is needed to create more well-rounded and population-specific bystander intervention programs that are inclusive of diverse student voices and experiences.

Sex Trafficked Women, Drug Dealers, and Men Who Buy Sex: A Look at "Race".

Black, Native American, Latinx, Asian, and Pacific Islander women all have histories of sexual violence in the United States. Their historical victimizations have set a precedence for contemporary commercial sex victimization. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of "race" in sex trafficking. Data from 50 women with sex trafficking histories resulted in three candidate themes and five subthemes that include (a) sex trafficked women (White women, Black women vs. White women, and all women with unique subthemes related to drug use and locations); (b) Black male traffickers; and (c) Black and White male customers.