Minor Physical Assault Research Articles

The role of adverse childhood experiences in predicting child abuse perpetration among married mothers in Alexandria, Egypt: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are receiving increased amounts of attention as a critical public health issue. ACEs have a massive impact on future violence victimization and perpetration. They are also associated with lifelong mental and physical health consequences as well as premature mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the role of different ACEs among married mothers in predicting the risk of child abuse perpetration in offspring.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 mothers of children aged 2–12 years attending family health centres in Alexandria. The mothers completed a predesigned interview questionnaire on sociodemographic data and data related to ACEs, spousal violence, and child abuse perpetration. Suitable bivariate and multivariate statistical tests were used to analyse the collected data using version 20.0 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).ResultsTwo-thirds of mothers (66.3%) reported ever having been exposed to any ACE, and 18.6% of them had experienced 3 or more ACEs. Psychological abuse (46%) and witnessing domestic violence (17%) were the most common. Psychological aggression (95.4%), minor physical assault (79%), and neglect (52%) were the most common forms of child abuse perpetrated by the mothers. The number of ACEs experienced by mothers showed a moderate positive significant correlation with the 5 forms of child abuse examined. Different ACEs, mother’s age, socioeconomic status, and current exposure to spousal violence were found to be independent predictors of different forms of child abuse (psychological aggression, neglect, minor physical assault, and severe physical assault).ConclusionDifferent practices of family violence are strongly connected throughout different stages of an individual’s life and across generations. Further understanding of the interconnections among forms of violence and addressing them should be prioritized. Additionally, concerted national strategies across all levels and sectors are needed to address this complex problem.

Time-varying associations of alcohol and cannabis use with intimate partner violence for black and white young women

BackgroundSubstance use is linked to increases in young women’s risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Increased understanding of the magnitude of and changes in the associations between substance use and risk for IPV in the transition to emerging adulthood, and differences between Black and White women, could inform efforts to protect women from substance use-related harm. MethodsYoung women (N = 1,852; 59% Black, 41% White) in the Pittsburgh Girls Study completed yearly assessments at ages 17–21 on frequency of alcohol and cannabis use, and experiences of IPV (minor physical assault). Time-varying effect models (TVEMs) were used to examine changes in the strength of the association between frequency of alcohol and cannabis use with IPV across ages 17–21, controlling for time-invariant covariates (socioeconomic status, conduct problems, and depression). ResultsAcross ages 17 to 21, White, relative to Black, women reported more frequent alcohol use and less frequent cannabis use, and lower rates of IPV. Alcohol use was not significantly associated with IPV at ages 17–21 among White women, but among Black women, alcohol use was associated with increased likelihood of IPV at ages 17–20. Cannabis use was associated with increased likelihood of IPV at ages 19–21 among Black women, and at ages 20–21 among White women. ConclusionsAssociations between IPV (specifically minor assault) in the context of a romantic relationship differed for alcohol and cannabis across ages 17–21, and by race, among White and Black women. Results highlight the importance of substance-specific prevention efforts that are timed and tailored to subgroups.

Sustained Impact on Parenting Practices: Year 7 Findings from the Healthy Families New York Randomized Controlled Trial.

Prevention of maltreatment and harsh parenting are the primary goals of evidence-based home visiting programs, but rigorous studies demonstrating long-term outcomes are limited despite widespread implementation. The current study examines data from a 7-year follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial of Healthy Family New York (HFNY). Specifically, the study examines whether HFNY participation predicts lower rates of harsh and abusive parenting 7years after enrollment. The data include both maternal self-report of parenting behaviors as well as the target child's report of harsh parenting. The year 7 sample included 942 mother interviews (83.5% retention from baseline) and 800 child interviews. At the 7-year follow-up, maternal-reported behaviors measured by CTS-PC showed a significantly increased use of positive parenting strategies and lower levels of serious physical abuse in the HFNY group compared with the control group. Significant group differences were observed for the frequency with which mothers engaged in severe or very severe physical assault (control group = .16, compared with .03 in the intervention group, p < .001). In addition, fewer children reported that their parents used minor physical assault. There was no intervention impact on indicated child protective service records. The current study indicates that home visiting participation reduces harsh and abusive parenting and promotes positive parenting behaviors that endure and may strengthen later development.

Physical assault perpetration and victimisation among Chinese university students

ABSTRACTThis study applies the ecological conceptual model in examining the rates and risk factors of both severe and minor physical assault perpetration and victimisation among university students in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China. Data were from the International Dating Violence Study. The analysis employed a generalised mixed effect model. Findings showed the rates of minor physical assault perpetration was 34.1% among the participants; minor victimisation was 16.2%; severe perpetration was 23.9%; and, severe physical assault victimisation was 12.5%. Female students were more likely to report minor and severe physical assault perpetration compared to males [aOR = 2.48 (1.80, 3.43), and 2.89 (1.83, 4.56), respectively, p values<0.05]. Controlling for all variables, if sexual relations were part of the dating relationship, the odds of minor and severe violence perpetration and victimisation were 1.98 and 2.23 (p values<0.05). Good anger management was associated with a 60 to 70% decrease in the odds of physical assault.

Characteristics of Intimate Partner Violence in China: Gender Symmetry, Mutuality, and Associated Factors.

The primary research focus on female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), coupled with a lack of discussion on mutual violence between intimate partners, has affected our understanding of IPV in China. In the current study, we aim to examine gender symmetry and mutuality in IPV in China. We also produce the first age-specific and gender-specific prevalence estimates for different types of IPV. The associations between IPV, demographic factors, personal factors, and relationship factors are also examined. We analyzed a set of data from 7,466 households in six regions in China collected between 2009 and 2010. Three-way cross-tab analyses and multinomial logistic regressions were performed to examine the prevalence of IPV in the preceding year by gender and age groups and its associations with different individual and relationship factors, respectively. For sexual violence and severe physical assault and injury, most victims experienced unidirectional violence. For psychological aggression and minor physical assault, mutual violence was more likely to occur among intimate partners. Gender symmetry was found in regard to physical assault and psychological aggression. There is gender asymmetry in sexual violence between Chinese intimate partners. Older individuals are less likely to be victims or perpetrators of IPV or to be involved in mutual violence. Factors associated with IPV show that mutual violence is generally analogous to violence perpetration. To prevent IPV, it is important to understand gender symmetry and mutuality of IPV in China. We need to involve both men and women in violence prevention and develop age-appropriate programs in the future.

Gender and Dating Violence Perpetration and Victimization: A Comparison of American and Chinese College Students

Previous research has shown that violence in romantic relationships is a serious social and public health problem throughout the world among young adults. College students, as a vulnerable group, experience high rates of dating violence, irrespective of gender and nation. Yet, we still know relatively little about whether dating violence shows gender similarities or differences in different cultural settings. United States and China are both patriarchal societies but have diverse cultural background. There may be different gendered patterns of dating violence across these two countries. This study examined the gender differences in physical assault victimization and perpetration among college students in the United States and China, while controlling for dominance, jealousy, violence approval, and a number of demographic factors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted for a total of 5,631 individuals from the United States and China who participated in the International Dating Violence Study from 2001 to 2006. Results demonstrated that male and female college students in China were significantly less likely to be victims of minor physical assault compared with students in the United States. In addition, female students, both in the United States and China, were more likely to perpetrate minor and severe physical assault against their partners than male students in this sample. But Chinese females had a higher percentage of assault against their dating partners than females in the United States. This study contributes to the research on dating violence by exploring cross-cultural gender differences in both victimization and perpetration of physical violence among college students. The implications of findings and future research direction were discussed.

The Prevalence and Typologies of Controlling Behaviors in a General Population Sample.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and typologies of controlling behaviors within a general population sample. Participants (N = 427) completed the Revised Controlling Behaviors Scale and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale. Prevalence of perpetration and victimization of controlling behaviors was relatively high, although the frequency and severity of the behaviors was mainly low level. Five clusters were established based on the use of five types of controlling behaviors: economic, threatening, intimidating, emotional, and isolating. Significant differences were found between the perpetration clusters and (a) minor physical assault, (b) severe physical assault, (c) minor psychological aggression, and (d) severe psychological aggression. Furthermore, significant differences were found between the victimization clusters and (a) physical assault, (b) minor psychological aggression, and (c) severe psychological aggression. It is clear that controlling behaviors are a feature within general population relationships, and further research is required to understand when such behaviors become problematic, and what needs to be done to prevent this from happening.

Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant and Parenting Latina Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and extent of mutual violence among a sample of pregnant and parenting Latina adolescent females and their partners. The sample consisted of 73 Latina adolescent females between the ages of 14 and 20 who were referred to a community-based organization for case management, education, and psychosocial support for pregnant and parenting adolescents. They completed the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) as part of a pretest to evaluate this intervention program. A small number (12 out of 73; 16%) reported no use of aggressive conflict tactics. Eighty-four percent (61 out of 73) of the study respondents reported using at least one form of minor psychological aggression and 62% (45 out of 73) reported using at least one form of minor physical assault over the past 6 months. Mutuality of conflict was high, especially in cases of minor assault by partner. There was no difference in severity or chronicity of conflict between those who were pregnant and those who were not. Female respondents reported that they and their partners engaged in comparable levels of sexual coercion. Discussion of the context of psychological, physical, and sexual aggression in adolescent relationships suggests alternative approaches to prevention of intimate partner violence among adolescents.

Discrepancies in Reporting of Physical and Sexual Abuse Among Homeless Young Adults

This study investigated risk factors for discrepant reporting of physical and sexual abuse among 172 homeless young adults. Discrepant reporting includes situations in which a respondent denies experiencing abuse in general but reports being a victim of specific forms of maltreatment. The results revealed that discrepant reporting rates tended to be highest for minor physical assault and for noncontact sexual abuse. Multivariate results revealed that demographic characteristics were important correlates of both discrepant physical and sexual abuse reporters. Family background characteristics also played a role in discrepant reporting for physical abuse. Overall, some young people with abuse histories are not adequately labeling their maltreatment experiences and, as a result, may not be receiving the necessary treatment.

The Long-Term Health Consequences of Relationship Violence in Adulthood: An Examination of Low-Income Women From Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio

We examined the long-term health consequences of relationship violence in adulthood. Using data from the Welfare, Children, and Families project (1999 and 2001), a probability sample of 2402 low-income women with children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; and San Antonio, Texas, we predicted changes in the frequency of intoxication, psychological distress, and self-rated health over 2 years with baseline measures of relationship violence and a host of relevant background variables. Our analyses showed that psychological aggression predicted increases in psychological distress, whereas minor physical assault and sexual coercion predicted increases in the frequency of intoxication. There was no evidence to suggest that relationship violence in adulthood predicted changes in self-rated health. Experiences with relationship violence beyond the formative and developmental years of childhood and adolescence can have far-reaching effects on the health status of disadvantaged urban women.

Violence against Caregivers by Relatives with Schizophrenia

Sixty-one caregivers (37 women and 24 men) in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada, who lived with and provided care to 51 relatives with schizophrenia, participated in a survey to identify dynamic risks factors that may have precipitated violence in these families. Twenty-six percent and 31% of caregivers experienced at least one incident of severe and one incident of minor physical assault respectively, in the past 12 months. Forty-four percent and 64% of caregivers experienced at least one incident of severe and one incident of minor psychological aggression respectively during the same period. Stepwise multiple regression analyses evidenced the intensity of Threat/Control-Override (TCO) symptoms in relatives with schizophrenia as the only significant predictor of physical assault against caregivers. Caregivers’ Critical Comments against relatives with schizophrenia and the intensity of TCO symptoms in ill relatives were significant predictors of psychological aggression against caregivers.

Correlates of Wife Assault in Hong Kong Chinese Families

The objective of this study was the risk factors of wife assault in Hong Kong Chinese families. The sample included 107 battered women from a refuge for battered women. Factor analysis revealed risk factors like dominance, stress, poor anger management, aggressive personality, conflict, lack of empathy, masculine gender role stress, sense of insecurity, relationship distress, and violent socialization. Correlation analysis indicated that dominance, spousal conflict, and sense of insecurity increase the likelihood of carrying out minor physical assault and using psychological aggression, while aggressive personality predicts severe physical assault and injury. The risk factors were explained in terms of traditional Chinese concepts of gender role expectations of men and women and face orientations. The present study provides some evidence relating to the risk factors of wife assault in Chinese families.

Correlates of wife assault in Hong Kong Chinese families.

The objective of this study was the risk factors of wife assault in Hong Kong Chinese families. The sample included 107 battered women from a refuge for battered women. Factor analysis revealed risk factors like dominance, stress, poor anger management, aggressive personality, conflict, lack of empathy, masculine gender role stress, sense of insecurity, relationship distress, and violent socialization. Correlation analysis indicated that dominance, spousal conflict, and sense of insecurity increase the likelihood of carrying out minor physical assault and using psychological aggression, while aggressive personality predicts severe physical assault and injury. The risk factors were explained in terms of traditional Chinese concepts of gender role expectations of men and women and face orientations. The present study provides some evidence relating to the risk factors of wife assault in Chinese families.

An Examination of Measurement Characteristics and Factorial Validity of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale

The present study investigated descriptive statistics for and factor validity of scores on the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) based on the responses of 295 high-risk postpartum women. The CTS2 yielded results for this sample similar to results obtained from a sample of college students in a previous study. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analytic results indicated that a five-factor model, specifying factors of Negotiation, Minor Psychological Aggression, Severe Psychological Aggression, Minor Physical Assault, and Severe Physical Assault, yielded better fit statistics than a three-factor model that combined the minor and severe scales within the domains of psychological aggression and physical assault.