Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Analisis Pencegahan Kekerasan dan Pendekatan Adil Gender pada Sekolah Muhammadiyah Berbasis Pesantren di Jawa Timur

Nowadays, it has become a trust issue, about violence and sexual harassment in the Islamic boarding school environment. In addition to parenting patterns, a gender-fair approach is also an aspect that needs to be studied. This study aims to analyze the prevention of violence and a gender-equality approach in Muhammadiyah boarding schools in East Java. This research is a qualitative study. The subjects of the study were selected using a purposive method, they are the chief and caregivers of the boarding school in two Islamic boarding schools located in Sidoarjo Regency and Lamongan Regency, East Java. The research data collection technique was carried out using 3 (three) methods, observation, documentation, and interviews. The data analysis technique used descriptive analysis. The study showed that in terms of preventing violence, Muhammadiyah Islamic boarding schools use a parenting pattern strategy that prioritizes child-friendly principles, and minimizes physical punishment, with the concept of rahmatan lil alamin. Meanwhile, in terms of preventing sexual abuse, education is considered less massive and has not touched on the substantive realm across genders. Furthermore, a gender-fair approach is shown by equality in access to opportunities for male and female students in organizational leadership, as well as in the practice of preaching.

The Rain Reveals the Leaks

When we consider the issue of vulnerability in the context of sexual abuse, we think of the vulnerable as those who have been victimized by abuse, and there is truth in this view. However, it is also important to recognize the vulnerability that abuse exposes in our own hearts and systems. It is easy, when the rains are far away, to assume our roofs are well-built and secure, but it is when the rain begins pouring over our own houses that the leaks become obvious. When we see only the vulnerability within the victims of sexual abuse, we too often blame the victims for their weakness and insist that if they strengthened themselves, the problem of sexual abuse would be resolved. However, if a child lives in a leaky house, teaching them to hold an umbrella over their head will not solve the problem. We must pay attention to the cries of the vulnerable to find and repair the hidden leaks in our systems, but we must also examine what the needs of the vulnerable reveal in our own hearts. As Christ teaches us in the parable of the sheep and the goats, it is how we respond to the cries of the vulnerable and not how many great deeds we claim to perform in the name of Christ which determines whether we are aligned with the Spirit of Christ or another spirit. An examination of pastoral responses to abuse, academic abuse research, and the Scriptures clearly demonstrate that there are severe ‘leaks’ in the ‘roof’ of the Church which we must address.

The relationship between spousal violence, maternal functioning, depression, and anxiety among Iranian postpartum mothers: a prospective study

BackgroundViolence against women is a critical public health issue that adversely affects physical and mental health, contributing to injuries, chronic conditions, and mental health disorders. This study addresses the gap in understanding the relationship between spousal violence with maternal functioning and mental health in postpartum mothers.MethodsThis Prospective study was conducted on 316 postpartum women who gave birth in Al-Zahra and Taleghani Educational Treatment Centers in Tabriz, Iran, from June 2023 to October 2023. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and followed up for 6–8 weeks. The data were collected using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS), and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). A general linear model, adjusted for individual, social, and obstetric variables, was used to determine the relationship between domestic violence, maternal functioning, depression and anxiety.ResultsMost women (84%) experienced one or more types of intimate partner violence (IPV), including psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. About one-third (32.9%) reported psychological abuse, 21.2% physical violence, 49.4% sexual coercion, and 6.3% reported injuries. The adjusted general linear model showed that the mean depression score was lower in individuals without any experience of violence compared to those who had experienced any violence (β: -1.75; 95% CI: -3.40 to -0.10; p = 0.038). The mean depression score was significantly higher in homemakers compared to employed individuals (β = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.22 to 5.84, p = 0.003). The mean maternal functioning score was significantly higher in those who had not experienced mild physical violence compared to those who had (β = 2.94; 95% CI = 0.34 to 5.55, p = 0.027). The mean anxiety score was lower in individuals with high income (β: -3.38; 95% CI: -5.73 to -1.04; p = 0.005) and moderate income (β: -2.21; 95% CI: -4.35 to -0.07; p = 0.043) compared to those with low income.ConclusionThe findings reveal a high prevalence of violence, particularly sexual coercion, significantly affecting maternal functioning and mental health. Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in postpartum mental health. These results highlight the urgent need for enhanced prevention efforts and targeted interventions that consider the socio-economic context and specific forms of violence.

Developing An Online Course To Increase Staff Awareness And Responses To Unwanted And Illegal Sexual Behaviour Perpetrated Against Older People

Abstract Background The idea that older people can be victims of unwanted sexual behaviour or sexual assault in health and social care settings is relatively recent. In the Irish context, 165 reports of sexual abuse of older people were made to the HSE National Safeguarding and Protection teams in 2022. The prevalence of sexual abuse against older people in health and social care settings is poorly understood and there is an acknowledgement that hospital staff require additional training to understand and manage incidents. Methods In response to the need for training and support for staff, an online awareness-raising course based on a pre-developed course from Australia ‘Preventing unwanted sexual behaviour against older people in health and social care settings’ will be adapted, trialled and tested in a large acute teaching hospital. This course sets out to support acute care staff to identify and manage incidents of sexualised behaviour, to seek expert help and to ensure that older people are protected from unwanted and at times, what may constitute illegal sexual behaviour. Results The adapted course ‘Understanding and Responding to Unwanted or Illegal Sexual Behaviour Perpetrated against Older People in Health and Social Care Settings’ utilises a trauma-informed lens and key themes covered include defining unwanted sexual behaviours, understanding older people and sexual behaviour, risk factors for sexual abuse, barriers to recognising and reporting abuse and managing incidents. Conclusion The ‘trial and test’ will involve a feedback survey (N=50 respondents) and focus groups with participating healthcare professionals from the hospital site informing further refinement of the course content in preparation for wider rollout and implementation across Ireland's health and social care settings.

Child-like sex dolls: legal, empirical, and ethical perspectives.

The review deals with the controversy surrounding the use of highly realistic dolls with a child-like appearance. It summarizes recent empirical findings and provides an overview of the different legal and ethical perspectives on this issue. Countries use different legal approaches to regulate the use or sale of child-like sex dolls. Although a causal link is assumed by some legislators between the prohibition of such dolls and the protection of children from sexual abuse, empirical studies do not support this causality. The imposition of bans will hinder empirical research on the potential use of alternative sexual outputs for people with paraphilic disorders.

Investigation of perceived parental attitude in children exposed to sexual abuse: A case-control study.

The enduring impact of children being subjected to sexual abuse is characterized by lasting traumatic effects. This study aims to assess the influence of perceived parental attitudes on the incidence of sexual abuse in children who have experienced such abuse, comparing them with a control group. The research took place at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of a hospital in northern Turkey and in the pediatric outpatient clinics of the same institution. The study evaluated 101 children who were exposed to sexual abuse and 100 children who were not. Data collection took place between November 2022 and August 2023. The study employed a 'Descriptive Information Form' and the 'Parental Attitude Scale' for both case and control groups. The t-test for independent samples, descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis. Analysis of scores from the Parental Attitude Scale revealed significantly lower mean scores in acceptance-involvement and strictness-supervision in the case group (p < .05). The mean scores for 'acceptance-involvement' (X¯ = 22.82 ± 6.26, X¯ = 25.71 ± 3.89) were highest in the case and control groups. Neglectful attitude (38.6%) was more prevalent in the case group, while the control group exhibited a higher frequency of democratic attitude (37%). In terms of predictors, acceptance-involvement (OR = 1.091, p = .005) and maternal employment (OR = 4.410, p < .001) were identified as the most significant predictors of exposed to sexual abuse. The study's Cronbach's alpha value for the scale was α = .743. The study's findings on parental attitudes suggest a potential connection between children's exposure to sexual abuse and inadequate parental acceptance, involvement, supervision, and control.

A Comparative Study of the Help-Seeking Behavior of Victims of Contact Sexual Violence and Image-Based Sexual Harassment and Abuse.

Sexual victimization may have serious consequences for victims' well-being. Thus, seeking support is encouraged and associated with positive outcomes. However, no research has compared the help-seeking behavior of victims of contact and image-based (i.e., noncontact) sexual violence. This study explores the differences in help-seeking behavior, and barriers to help-seeking, by comparing datasets from two online survey studies. The findings highlight that victims of contact sexual violence appear more likely to seek help, but also experience the barriers to help-seeking as greater. An exception is the minimization of the incident, which is experienced similarly by both. Future longitudinal research is recommended.

Trajectories of academic performance in sexually abused children and potential correlates

Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with detrimental consequences in children, including lower academic performance. However, studies have rarely explored the diversity of longitudinal academic profiles among CSA victims. Objectives: The objectives of this study were (1) to identify trajectories of academic performance in CSA victims and (2) to explore potential correlates of these trajectories. Participants and settings: The study involved 738 Canadian children between the ages of 5 and 14 who had experienced CSA and their non-offending parent and their teacher. Methods: At three different assessment times, spaced 6 months apart, the child’s teacher was invited to complete a questionnaire regarding the child’s academic performance. Measures of potential correlates of the trajectories were assessed by teacher (child’s behavior problems), parents (children’s experience of peer victimization) and children (coping strategies). Results: The three-trajectory model was selected as the final model. The High functioning trajectory (42%) included children who exhibited high academic performance at the first assessment but decreased slightly over time. The Low and Increasing trajectory (16%) identified children whose academic results were initially low but improved over time. Finally, the Moderate and Stable trajectory (42%) comprised children with an average academic performance over time. Compared to the other two groups, children in the High functioning trajectory were less likely to report peer victimization and show externalizing and internalizing behavior problems as assessed by caregiver and teacher. They were also younger and living in more socially and economically advantaged backgrounds. Conclusions: These results emphasize the crucial role of available resources in a child’s environment and their protective effect on their academic adaptation.

A Sociological Review of Gender-based Violence across the Globe

Gender-based violence is considered as a pervasive and widespread phenomenon which transcends into geographical, cultural and socio-economic boundaries and it affects individuals and communities worldwide. This paper tries to explores the intricate and multi-faceted nature of gender-based violence by delving into its prevalence, underlying causes and its wide-ranging consequences across the globe. At the outset, it is crucial to acknowledge that gender-based violence is not limited to any specific region or demography. The global scope and magnitude of this issue are staggering with millions of women experiencing violence or living with its consequences. Intimate partner violence, sexual abuse by non-intimate partners, trafficking, forced prostitution and exploitation of labor are some of the most common and severe forms of violence against women that are prevalent worldwide. Moreover, gender-based violence is not only found in the workplace since personal violence is deeply rooted in the very structure and power dimensions of the global economy. Underlying the pervasiveness of gender-based violence is the persistent gender inequality and power imbalances that exist within societies.

Abuse and neglect as indicators of unhealthy behaviours among 15-year-old schoolchildren in Albania

ObjectiveWe assessed the independent associations of lifetime child abuse and neglect indices with behavioural characteristics of children. Study designA cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022. MethodsParticipants consisted of a nationwide representative sample of 1877 schoolchildren aged 15 years (55 % girls; response: 96 %). Data on lifetime child abuse and neglect were collected, along with behavioural factors and sociodemographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the independent associations of child abuse and neglect with behavioural factors of schoolchildren. ResultsIrrespective of sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime physical abuse was positively related to lifetime smoking (OR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.4–2.3), lifetime alcohol consumption (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.9–2.9), and breakfast skipping (OR = 1.3, 95%CI = 1.0–1.6). Furthermore, positive independent factors associated with emotional abuse included lifetime alcohol intake (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.3–2.1) and breakfast skipping (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.0–1.8). Additionally, positive factors associated with lifetime emotional neglect consisted of lifetime smoking (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.6–3.0) and alcohol intake (OR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.5–2.6), and a lower fruit consumption (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.3–2.3). Positive factors associated with lifetime sexual abuse included lifetime alcohol consumption (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.4–4.1) and especially smoking (OR = 4.3, 95%CI = 2.6–7.3). Also, lifetime witnessing of family violence was positively related to lifetime smoking (OR = 2.7, 95%CI = 1.8–4.1) and alcohol intake (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.2–2.6). ConclusionsWe evidenced strong and consistent links between child maltreatment indices and unhealthy behavioural practices among 15-year-old children in Albania. These findings underscore the potential impact of early trauma on developmental trajectories. The association between child abuse and the adoption of detrimental behaviours highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support and intervention strategies to break the cycle of harm.

„Tak jak mężczyzna mężczyznę zrozumie…”. Relacje (homo)seksualne w narracjach obozowych Augusta Kowalczyka

The article critically analyzes various types of narratives of the former KL Auschwitz prisoner – August Kowalczyk – related to the issue of (homo)sexual relations in Nazi concentration camps. The juxtaposition of excerpts from his archival account, a published memoir and two oral accounts reveals a consolidating pattern, which is being used by Kowalczyk to cut himself off from the condition of being a potential victim of sexual abuse, condition of pipel and taboo – especially in the male-centered concentration camp discourse – themes: sexual barter and sexual violence. The theoretical framework, constructed with the use of Holocaust studies and gender studies’ findings, shows the possibility of finding expressions of gendered experiences in the Polish concentration camp and combatant discourse.

STRENGTHENING CHILDREN PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR REDRESSING DOMESTIC EMOTIONAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN: BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE

Children abuse is a threat to the development of children. Emotional abuse is such a classification of children abuse which kills children’s mind silently but deeply. Although the government and non-governmental organizations are taking many steps to prevent other kinds of children abuse such as physical abuse or sexual abuse, but due to silent killing nature of emotional abuse it is quite unaddressed and un-redressed by them. In this paper I tried to discuss the aspect of emotional abuse elaborately and its impact on children’s psychology. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted to examine the level of emotional abuse among the respondents. The field survey shows that families are not conscious about their treatment of children. So my concentration was to focus on the life-long impacts of the emotional abuse on children and to recommend a strengthened children protection system including community people to prevent and protect children from emotional abuse.

Association of Childhood Sexual Abuse with Adolescent's Psychopathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) poses a significant risk to mental health, especially among adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the association between CSA and adolescent psychopathology. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, we conducted an extensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Embase, and ProQuest, resulting in 27,207 observational studies. From this pool, 87 studies (n: 189,393) were included in the qualitative synthesis and 78 studies were included in meta-analysis, discussing CSA and adolescent's psychopathology Random effect model with Cohen's d values were used to analyze data. To assess publication bias, funnel plots, Egger's regression test, and the fill and trim method were employed, with no significant bias found. The results indicated a positive correlation between CSA and adolescent psychopathology, for example, depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, nonsuicidal self-injury, anger, substance use, and sexrelated behaviors (Pooled association: 0.13-0.25, 95% CI [0.04, 0.28]). Subgroup analysis showed the strongest association in clinical samples. Furthermore, the moderator analysis suggested minimal influence of study-level variables, as well as men showing higher levels of anger and suicidal ideation. The positive correlation between CSA and psychopathological outcomes highlights the detrimental effects of CSA on adolescents' mental health. To mitigate these effects, increased awareness, prevention efforts, and targeted interventions are essential.

Conversations in Content and Context: Can We Teach AI to Chat About Drawings?

An innovative chatbot incorporates a drawing tool allowing users to draw pictures that symbolise the nature of their chronic pain. Rather than simply ask 'What did you draw?" what if the chatbot could engage the user to provide insight into symbols and images related to pain and suffering? The system was tested on images that included features of clinical interest in a first step toward a chatbot able to 'see' and discuss visual input. Such a chatbot has the potential for retrospective and prospective applications. *Contains childhood sexual abuse references.

How Children Stop Adult Perpetrators From Unwanted Touching Within an Institutional Setting: Termination Patterns During Sexual Contact Stage.

This qualitative study analyzes victims' narratives of male-on-male child molestation within the Boy Scouts of America. The focus of previous literature on sex crime victims mostly centered on how to avoid sex offenders based on the offenders' behaviors and effective victims' treatment plans to alleviate their posttrauma as a result of sexual abuse. Yet studies have not provided detailed descriptions of when and how to resist sexual advances to children when such incidents are in progress within youth-oriented institutions. Few have examined victim narratives to discover the dynamics of child molestation, such as physical and verbal interactions between the two parties while sexual touching is occurring. The author used victims' narratives to identify how boy victims responded to unwanted sexual advances by scout leaders within the Boy Scouts of America. Based on qualitative-oriented analysis, this study presents verbal and physical resisting patterns of male victims and the effectiveness of such actions in terminating sexual advances. The findings suggest practical and potential intervention strategies so children know how to stop adult perpetrators from developing unwanted touching within youth-centric institutions.

Childhood Sexual Trauma, Substance Use, and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Older Adults Living With HIV: A Mediational Analysis.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is linked to substance use and lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. However, studies examining the mediational role of substance use between CSA and ART adherence are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the potential mediational role of substance use between CSA and ART adherence among older adults living with HIV (OALH) (n = 91). Mediation analyses assessed the direct and indirect relationships between CSA, substance use, and ART adherence. Statistically significant differences existed in substance use by gender (male vs. female: 12.3 vs. 9.97) and ART adherence by race (Black vs. White: 98.2% vs. 99.6%) and employment. CSA was associated with ART adherence (β = -3.27, p < .001) and substance use (β = 2.14, p = .035), but substance use was not associated with ART adherence, and did not mediate the pathway between CSA and ART adherence in the adjusted model. Trauma-informed interventions may lower substance use among OALH with CSA.

Impact of adverse childhood experiences on risk for internalizing psychiatric disorders in youth at clinical high-risk for psychosis

IntroductionResearch has established that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) confer risk for psychiatric diagnoses, and that protective factors moderate this association. Investigation into the effect of protective factors in the relationship between ACEs and internalizing disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) is limited in high-risk groups. The present study investigated the relationship between ACEs and risk for internalizing disorders in youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) and tests the hypothesis that protective factors moderate this relationship. Methods688 participants aged 12–30 (M = 18; SD = 4.05) meeting criteria for CHR-P were administered measures of child adversity, protective factors (SAVRY), and diagnostic assessment (SCID- 5). Logistic regression tested whether ACEs predicted internalizing disorders. Moderation regression analyses determined whether these associations were weaker in the presence of protective factors. Results & ConclusionsHigher levels of ACEs predicted history of depressive disorder (β = 0.26(1.30), p < .001), self-harm/suicide attempts (β = 0.34(1.40), p < .001), and substance use (β = 0.14(1.15), p = .04). Childhood sexual abuse (β = 0.77(2.15), p = .001), emotional neglect (β = 0.38(1.46), p = .05), and psychological abuse (β = 0.42(1.52), p = .04), predicted self- harm/suicide attempts. Sexual abuse (β = 1.00 (2.72), p = .001), and emotional neglect (β = 0.53(1.71), p = .011), were also linked to depressive disorder. There was no association between ACEs and anxiety disorder, and no moderation effect of protective factors in the relationship between ACEs and psychiatric outcomes. These findings add nuance to a growing literature linking ACEs to psychopathology and highlight the importance of investigation into the mechanisms that may buffer this relationship.

Sexual Abuse, Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Cumulative Adversity Among Sexually Diverse and Non-Sexually Diverse Girls in the Juvenile Justice System

ABSTRACT Despite awareness about high rates of sexual abuse among girls in the juvenile justice system, little is known about the additional risk conferred upon sexually diverse (SD) youths, as well as the combined vulnerability of sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) – frequently a survival behavior amplifying disproportionate juvenile justice contact among SD and non-SD juvenile justice-involved (JJI) girls. In a sample of JJI-girls, we compared SD (n = 52) with non-SD (n = 46) JJI-girls on sexual victimization (e.g. sexual abuse occurring within different relationship-types, CSEC), and broader developmental adversity burden disadvantage (cumulative trauma/loss exposure-types) and distress (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]; cumulative stressor-reactivity, grief-specific, and adversity-related symptoms), health distress/impairment, and sexual and physical health-risk indicators. While comparable on childhood sexual abuse frequency, SD JJI-girls reported greater cumulative sexual abuse severity across relationship-types, higher sexual abuse within non-familial contexts, and more CSEC involvement. They also reported more social determinants of health (e.g. trauma/loss exposure-types) and showed elevations on all health-risk indicators, and most cumulative adversity burden indicators, despite comparable PTSD severity. Our findings emphasize the need to consider multiple sexual victimization facets, including the combined vulnerability of sexual abuse and CSEC, and utilize cumulative developmental assessment approaches among youths vulnerable to maltreatment and exploitation.

Problem Sexual Behavior and Engagement in Therapeutic Intervention among Children Aged 4–12

ABSTRACT Early intervention in problem sexual behavior (PSB) is critical; however, little is known about the engagement of children and families in therapeutic intervention for PSB. This research explored the characteristics, presenting issues, and engagement of 242 children aged 4–12 years attending a therapeutic service for PSB. Most frequently, PSB occurred within sibling relationships. Girls were more likely to engage in PSB alone (self-directed or non-targeted behaviors), while boys were more likely to involve other young people (interpersonal PSB). One-third (35%) of clients engaged in completion of therapy. Parental noninvolvement and self-directed or non-targeted PSB predicted early disengagement. Client demographics, sexual abuse, and interpersonal sexual behaviors were not associated with therapy completion. Implications for therapeutic intervention in children’s PSB are discussed.

Date SMART’s Impact on Aggression in System Involved Girls: Does Victimization Moderate Effects?

ABSTRACT Aggression and victimization increase negative outcomes for legal system involved girls. While aggression is often enacted against multiple targets (e.g. peers, dating partners), most interventions only target one violence type (e.g. teen dating violence [TDV]). However, TDV shares risk factors with other violence forms; therefore, TDV-specific interventions may reduce other types of violence (e.g. general aggression). The current study explored the effects of a TDV intervention, Date SMART, on general physical and verbal aggression (i.e. aggression not tied to dating) in legal system involved girls (N = 239, Mage = 15.57) and how victimization history (including sexual abuse) moderated treatment effects compared to a Knowledge Only (KO) group. Hierarchical restricted maximum likelihood linear mixed effect models evaluated differences in aggression from baseline to post-intervention and 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Findings indicated that from baseline to post-intervention, verbal and physical aggression initially increased in Date SMART relative to KO, but then decreased at a greater rate in the Date SMART group than the KO group throughout follow-ups. Exploratory analyses indicated that victimization history moderated response to Date SMART and KO. Findings suggest that rates of multiple forms of violence can be reduced by Date SMART but may benefit from tailoring for peer relationships and victimization histories.