Victim Support Research Articles

Consumer Experiences with Gift Card Payment Scams: Causes, Consequences, and Implications for Consumer Protection

ABSTRACT Retail gift cards are requested by fraud perpetrators in many types of mass marketing scams because they are accessible to consumers and card values can be redeemed remotely and anonymously. We interviewed 27 individuals who experienced a gift card payment scam. Five themes emerged: (1) contexts of vulnerability, (2) cognitive and emotional dissociative states, (3) the mixed efficacy of retail interventions, (4) self-blame, and (5) consumer education and other safeguards. Contextual and situational factors, such as work stress, having a recent experience that corresponded with the premise of the scam, and having an unmet financial or socioemotional need, increased vulnerability. Perpetrators used strong emotional appeals to activate a stress response and to interfere with participants’ reasoned decision making. To prevent victimization, direct questioning by retail employees was less effective than outright refusals to sell them gift cards. Several participants reported severe emotional distress and symptoms associated with trauma following victimization. Participants did not hold the retail stores or gift card issuers accountable for their losses and instead expressed self-blame. They advocated for more consumer education about gift card payment scams as well as more empathy and support for victims.

A Mobile Application for Domestic Violence Victims Support and Evidence Recorder

ccording to a study conducted in 2014 by Pusat Penyelidikan Wanita dan Jantina (KANITA) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 9% of women who have ever had a partner in Peninsular Malaysia had domestic violence at one compilation in their lives. In 2010, there were 3,173 cases of domestic violence reported. However, this number increased to 5,014 cases in 2015. According to the Corporate Communication division of Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, calls to Talian Kasih have increased by 57 percent since Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP). However, calls and WhatsApp messages to the Women’s Aid Organization (WAO) helpline were reduced to 73% of calls a week during the PKP. Before PKP were enforced, WAO received an average of 77.5% of calls and message via WhatsApp in a week. This reduction does not mean that there is a reduction in cases because it is feared that the victim will not be able to make calls due to the situation where they are always with the abuser during the period of PKP. This study aims to develop a mobile application to aid and guide people facing domestic violence. The primary function of this application is to help the victim; 1) to record their evidence in audio/video recording, 2) to help the victim to alert the polis in case of emergency, 3) to get help and find the nearest shelter whenever needed. This mobile application is developed using the Flutter framework. Firebase is used as the back-end component to store all the records. The result of this study is the improvement of the existing mobile application for domestic violence in Malaysia.

The longitudinal relationship between social support and victimization among latino teens.

This study examines the relationship between social support and victimization of Latino youth over time, utilizing the stress prevention and support deterioration models. To address the research questions we utilized data from Waves 1 and 2 (n = 574) of the Dating Violence among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) study, a national bilingual phone survey of self-identified Latino youth and their caregiver. Cross-lagged panel modeling was used to assess the fit of the two theoretical models to observed patterns of covariance among the victimization and social support variables specified. Results show that victimization at Wave 1 was positively and strongly related to victimization at Wave 2 and social support at Wave 1 was positively and moderately associated with social support at Wave 2. As hypothesized, higher levels of victimization at Wave 1 were significantly related to decreases in social support at Wave 2 (β = -.15). Wave 1 social support was not significantly related to victimization at Wave 2. We did not find support for the stress prevention model but did find support for the support deterioration model. Teens who were victimized tended to have lower levels of subsequent social support, highlighting the need to equip peers, family, and significant others to adequately respond to victimization disclosures.

Psychological torture: definitions, clinical sequelae and treatment principles.

Psychological torture, in its broadest sense, is the intentional infliction of suffering without resorting to direct physical violence, in what is known as 'no-touch' torture. While several other definitions of psychological torture have been suggested, there is no one precise definition. Given the rapidly evolving current global political climate and the intensification of conflict, war and asylum seeking, the need for better recognition of psychological torture among clinicians, followed by the provision of appropriate treatment support for victims, has become increasingly pertinent. This article raises awareness of the concept of psychological torture among clinicians, through an overview of its debated definitions, the modalities which constitute this form of torture, and its clinical sequelae and treatment approach.

In search of an international multidimensional action plan for second victim support: a narrative review

BackgroundInsights around second victims (SV) and patient safety has been growing over time. An overview of the available evidence is lacking. This review aims to describe (i) the impact a patient safety incident can have and (ii) how healthcare professionals can be supported in the aftermath of a patient safety incident.MethodsA literature search in Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL was performed between 1 and 2010 and 26 November 2020 with studies on SV as inclusion criteria. To be included in this review the studies must include healthcare professionals involved in the aftermath of a patient safety incident.ResultsIn total 104 studies were included. SVs can suffer from both psychosocial (negative and positive), professional and physical reactions. Support can be provided at five levels. The first level is prevention (on individual and organizational level) referring to measures taken before a patient safety incident happens. The other four levels focus on providing support in the aftermath of a patient safety incident, such as self-care of individuals and/or team, support by peers and triage, structured support by an expert in the field (professional support) and structured clinical support.ConclusionThe impact of a patient safety incident on healthcare professionals is broad and diverse. Support programs should be organized at five levels, starting with preventive actions followed by self-care, support by peers, structured professional support and clinical support. This multilevel approach can now be translated in different countries, networks and organizations based on their own culture, support history, structure and legal context. Next to this, they should also include the stage of recovery in which the healthcare professional is located in.

Information needs of informal caregivers in caring and rehabilitation for dioxin victims in Vietnam

BackgroundHealth outcomes among Agent Orange/dioxin (dioxin) victims are significant due to many individuals requiring daily assistance, informal care, and rehabilitation support. This study aimed to identify the information needs of informal caregivers of dioxin victims in Vietnam.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Quynh Phu district, Thai Binh province – an area with a large number of dioxin victims, from June 2019 to June 2020. Quantitative data were collected from 124 caregivers of victims via structured interviews. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interview guides with in-depth interviews (IDI) (n = 36) and two focus group discussions (FGD) (n = 12).ResultsThe results demonstrated that all caregivers of dioxin victims were family members, predominantly older (71.8%), 61.5 years old on average, living on low incomes (87.9%), and were farmers (80.7%). Almost all participants (96.8%) reported having information needs, particularly concerning dioxin’s harms, nutrition, dioxin-related policies and rehabilitation, and psychological support for patients. Caregivers reported that they would like to receive information via health staff counselling (85.0%), television (75.0%), and community loudspeaker (65.8%). Notably, the majority of caregivers reported the need for information regarding psychological support (70.0%). These findings are consistent with qualitative data, which identify an urgent need to provide information, especially through health staff and digital resources.ConclusionMany families with dioxin victims lived with little support and information, highlighting their high demand for information about care and rehabilitation. Thus, the healthcare system should promote information support, policy, and psychological support for caregivers and victims. An online support system for caregivers and victims is also recommended.

Cognitive-Affective Risk Factors of Female Intimate Partner Violence Victimization: The Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Strategic Emotional Intelligence.

(1) Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and destructive phenomenon. There is a need for an integrated and comprehensive approach to IPV in order to align prevention, support and treatment. Still little is known about the cognitive and affective markers of IPV that are modifiable. Such knowledge, therefore, can support the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs. In this study, we put forward a hypothesis that, after accounting for the influence of sociodemographic variables, the domains of early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and strategic emotional intelligence would provide additional information for predicting female IPV victimization. (2) Methods: 48 female survivors of IPV and 48 age-matched women with no prior experience of IPV completed the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3 (YSQ-SF3) and The Emotional Understanding Test (TRE). (3) Results: The domains of disconnection and rejection and impaired limits were significant predictors of IPV victimization, but the results did not support the predictive value for impaired autonomy, other-directedness and strategic emotional intelligence. (4) Conclusions: Our findings add to the emerging evidence of a link between disconnection and rejection domain and IPV victimization. As a consequence, maladaptive beliefs that interpersonal relationships are unstable and insecure and expose to the risk of humiliation and harm, and that basic emotional needs cannot be satisfied in close relationships, are associated with a higher risk of intimate partner violence. In this context, schema therapy appears to be a promising support for IPV victims.

International institutional support for victims of terrorism

International institutional support for victims of terrorism

Study on the influence of patient safety culture on the pain and turnover intention of Chinese nurses in adverse nursing events.

Exploring the influence of patient safety culture on nurses' pain and turnover intention the job as a second victim. The study employed a cross-sectional design. From July 2020 to August 2020, a convenience sampling method was used to select 1525 clinical nurses from hospitals of different levels in Shandong Province as the research subjects, and the general data survey method, patient safety culture scale and the assessment entries on pain in the second victim experience and support scale, using a convenience sampling method. Patient safety culture is an influencing factor that affects the second-victim pain and turnover intention. Among them, the non-punitive response to errors, open communication, cooperation between different departments, organizational learning and promotion has a statistically significant influence on the second-victim pain and turnover intention.

Factors Influencing Professional Identity of Psychiatric Nurses as Second Victims: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The current study aimed to explore the status and influencing factors of professional identity among psychiatric nurses as second victims in China by using a cross-sectional design. We investigated 291 psychiatric nurses from two psychiatric hospitals. Participants were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, Second Victim Experience and Support Scale, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and Professional Identity Scale for Nurses. Scores of professional identity of psychiatric nurses as second victims were moderate. Regression analysis showed that the second victim experience and support and internal control were significant predictors, explaining 34.2% of the variance in professional identity. Identifying risk factors related to the professional identity of psychiatric nurses as second victims will help managers take timely preventive measures to improve the awareness of the self-health responsibility of psychiatric nurses and reduce the adverse effects of patient safety incidents to enhance their professional identity. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(12), 47-54.].

Routine citizen Internet practices and cyber victimization: a state-wide study in Virginia

ABSTRACT Cybercrime has become a major societal concern, and a better understanding OF cybercrime is needed to target and prevent it more effectively, minimize its consequences, and provide support for victims. Research on cybercrime victimization has exploded in the past few years, but much of it relies on convenience samples and is largely descriptive in nature. The research presented here involves the collection of data from a large sample of Virginia households in 2022 (n = 1,206). The data are analyzed to provide a partial test of routine activity theory to better understand fraud and theft via the Internet. The data provide a solid baseline for describing the extent of cyber victimization across the state. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (logistic regressions) show support for routine activity theory and provide important insights for future research. In particular, we find that certain routine Internet activities may better predict unique forms of cybervictimization than others and that length of time on the Internet is not a good indicator of exposure to motivated offenders. Further, protective guardianship mediates the effects of exposure to motivated offenders; thus, efforts to educate the public on best practices are needed. We conclude that to better assess cybercrime, victimization and engagement, better measurement and longitudinal panel data will be needed.

디지털 성범죄 피해자 지원 상담자의 소진 경험

The purpose of this study is to explore the burnout experience of counselors who support digital sex crime victims. To this end, six counselors from a digital sex crime victim support agency were sampled and focus group interviews were conducted to collect data. The interview data was transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis method. As a result, a total of five results were derived. Results of the study The five subjects of burnout experiences of digital sex crime victim support counselors are physical and emotional dissonance, daily invasion of violence victim support experience, awareness of the impossibility of complete victim support, Salary not commensurate with work intensity, and efforts to overcome burnout. The research participants' statements and concepts for each topic were explained. Finally, the results of the study were discussed and suggestions for improvement for the welfare of victims of digital sex crimes were suggested.

A Study of the Issues Surrounding the Passage of the Government(Ministry of Justice) Amendments to the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes and Police Support for Victims

A Study of the Issues Surrounding the Passage of the Government(Ministry of Justice) Amendments to the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes and Police Support for Victims

Trends in Second Victim Support Programs for Healthcare Providers: A Literature Review

Purpose: This study aimed to review second victim support programs to identify effective evidence-based strategies for supporting healthcare providers involved in patient safety incidents.Methods: A comprehensive review search was conducted, including a search of databases, gray literature, and a hand-search of related fields, with “second victim” as the main search term.Results: We reviewed nine second victim support programs, focusing on their development process, operating form, and performance. These were (a) Peer Support Services, (b) forYOU team, (c) YOU Matter, (d) Resilience in Stressful Events, (e) Clinician Peer Support Program, (f) SWADDLE, (g) Surgery Second Victim Peer Support Program, (h) Caring for the Caregiver, and (i) Code Lavender.Conclusion: Second victim support programs help solve the emotional problems of medical staff caused by patient safety incidents. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a second victim support program suitable for the medical environment in Korea.

Peer Social Support for Adolescent Victims of Bullying

Bullying in schools generally occurs during adolescence Bullying has a negative impact on victims which can interfere with their activities as students at school and at home. Peers are the closest environment that is able to provide social support for students who are victims of bullying. This study discusses peer social support for adolescent victims of bullying. It is a qualitative study that utilizes case studies design through literature review, documentation, and interview techniques. The objective is to provide an overall picture of bullying behavior that occurs in State Junior High School X (SMPN X) and shed some light on the form of peer social support that is available for adolescent victims of bullying. The results of the study show that victims students are considered weak and unable to fight back. They repeatedly received various forms of physical, verbal and non-verbal violence from students in class and from seniors . Students who are victims of bullying do not report to their parents or teachers at school because they are afraid that they will get more severe treatment from the perpetrators. Although the school has established regulations concerning sanctions for bullying, there has been inconsistency in implementing these regulations. The Counseling Guidance teacher available to assist students who experience bullying, there is a need for a report from the victim. The study reveals that peer support plays a significant role in providing social support that encompasses informative support among others, by providing information to teachers about bullying faced by victims. so that the victim student is assisted by the school. Instrumental support by defending the victim when the perpetrators start to harass the victim by providing ways to fight offenders or ignore perpetrators. Emotional support by being a place to share. With this social support, victims feel there are friends who help find solutions, restore self-confidence and return to social functioning in their environment.

Intimate Partner Violence in Khaliji Women: A Review of the Frequency and Related Factors.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), locally known as Khaliji, is a group of six Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern in the aforementioned region, but research that synthesises this trend has remained scarce. The present narrative review examines existing research on the prevalence and frequency of IPV among Khaliji women who inhabit the GCC nations. This review synthesised studies on physical and sexual violence, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviours perpetrated by an intimate partner. The prevalence rates of IPV among Khaliji women were observed to be high: women reported facing different types of abuse from their partners, namely physical (7-71%), sexual (3.7-81%), financial (21.3-26%), and psychological (7.5-89%), which is a culmination of controlling behaviour (36.8%), emotional violence (22-69%), and social violence (34%). Existing studies in the GCC region suggest that the most endorsed IPV was psychological abuse (89%), followed by sexual violence (81%). Qualitative analysis of the content of associated factors resulted in four significant descriptors, such as victim demographics, sociocultural factors, socioeconomic factors, and perpetrator-related issues. Research on IPV is still in its nascent stages, with very few studies emanating from the GCC region. The way forward will require developing culturally appropriate interventions that address the unique risk factors for IPV among the Khaliji population, strengthening institutional responses, and increasing awareness and social support for victims of IPV.

Factors Influencing Arrest Decision-Making in Domestic Violence Cases in Zambia

Domestic violence is among the most prevalent forms of violence globally. It includes physical violence, emotional violence, sexual violence and economic violence. Several studies focusing on arrest decisions are conducted in the West; unfortunately, there is a dearth of studies focusing on domestic violence in Zambia especially on factors that influence arrest decision-making. This study was conceived to examine whether legal and extra-legal factors have an influence on the Zambia police service officers’ decision-making in domestic violence cases reported to them. Data consisting of 1258 cases of domestic violence from 2017-2019 were collected from five urban police stations in Lusaka city. In this study, we used univariate, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis to examine police officers’ decision-making in domestic violence cases. Descriptive results show that arrest rates are high in physical violence (13.20%), economic violence (9.46%), sexual violence (5.41%) and emotional violence (3.18%). Whilst the age of the victim, perpetrator ethnicity and the gender of police officers were found to be non-significant, strong predictors of arrest decision-making in a logistic analysis were found to be victim tribe, residential area, perpetrator age and type of domestic violence. Policy strategies and efforts should be channelled towards advocacy and awareness programmes across the communities and should not neglect the participation of victim support unit (VSU) police officers. Therefore, the Victim support unit should be appropriately funded to enhance awareness campaigns and educational programmes. Additionally, the police command should find ways of navigating around victims’ preferences in arrest decisions whilst respecting and upholding human rights and ethical standards.

Intimate Partner Violence Directed at Men: Experiences of Violence, Help-seeking, and Potential Gender Role Conflict Among Portuguese Men

Recent research has shed light on how men in same-sex and different-sex relationships experience Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and how it may contribute to their Gender Role Conflict (GRC), through which men face a dissonance with their gender roles. However, knowledge on these topics is still lacking. We aim to better understand men’s experiences of violence in their same-sex or different-sex relationships by identifying their dynamics and the specific barriers and facilitators to seeking help. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 adult men (Heterosexual, n = 6; Gay, n = 5; Bisexual, n = 2; Not disclosed, n = 1) who self-identified as having been targets of IPV. The interview protocol considered the literature on IPV and the feedback from stakeholders in victim support services. The results were analyzed following the principles of Content Analysis. Our findings suggest that men are negatively impacted by their abusive relationships, with physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence having been perpetrated by their same-sex or different-sex partners. Some men reported being further stigmatized in their help-seeking experiences. Gay and bisexual men indicated specific processes that played a significant role in their experiences. Some men revealed discomfort with the identity of “victim”, which may be linked to possible GRC processes. In sum, IPV impacts men in different-sex and same-sex relationships, and our findings provide new insights about how violence and help-seeking are experienced in the Portuguese cultural setting. Future efforts should focus on assessing possible GRC processes in this population and provide adequate information and tailored services to the specific needs of these men.

Understanding the Influence of Cyberbullying Among High School Students in Philippine Public Schools in the Post-Pandemic Era

This research sought to explore the effects of cyberbullying on high school students attending public schools in the Philippines. Given the widespread use of digital communication platforms and social media, cyberbullying has emerged as a significant societal concern. The study aims to determine the perceptions of senior high school students in the concept of bullying in the post pandemic era. The participants in this study consisted of 41 Grade 12 students from a public high school in the Philippines. Simple random sampling technique was used to select students which formed the research population. The study reveals that a significant number of SHS students possess knowledge about cyberbullying and its consequences. Among the coping strategies employed by these students include confiding with friends, emerges as a vital source of support in combating cyberbullying. Moreover, the collaboration between parents, students, and the school, along with the involvement of mental health professionals, enables effective communication and provision of assistance to students affected by cyberbullying. It is crucial for schools, teachers, parents, and students to increase their internet posting awareness and understanding of cyberbullying, while students should prioritize treating others kindly online and reporting cyberbullying. Parents should engage in open conversations and monitor their children’s digital activities while teachers and principals must foster a safe environment through education, anti-cyberbullying policies, and victim support.

Trafficking Women for Sexual Exploitation: A Systematic Review

Human trafficking is a complex global problem that demands current and scientifically grounded knowledge capable of coordinating interventions among various sectors of society. To address this issue, a systematic collection of scientific articles was conducted in two databases (Web of Science and Scielo) using keywords in both English and Portuguese. After screening 267 articles based on title, abstract, and full text, an 11-article sample was analyzed for quality. The results revealed that conceptual inconsistency is a challenge in signaling human trafficking, particularly in cases of sexual exploitation of women where it may be associated with prostitution, pimping, or migration—all of which are activities tied to financial gain. Addressing human trafficking requires action from concept to practice, including strengthened policies for sanctions and necessary support for victims.