Transgender and gender-diverse adolescents (TGDA) experience multiple victimization types (i.e., multi-victimization) more often than their cisgender peers. While greater socioecological supports are associated with reduced victimization, their role in protecting TGDA against multi-victimization is underexplored. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of health risk behavior survey data from students (N = 4207) across 13 high schools in a mid-sized U.S. city. We compared victimization rates and socioecological support levels (i.e., parental monitoring, perceived social support, food and housing security) and associations between socioecological support and victimization, accounting for between-school differences. We included two-way interactions between gender and socioecological supports. TGDA reported more frequent multi-victimization and lower socioecological support than cisgender adolescents. Across all groups, greater socioecological support was associated with experiencing fewer victimization types. Food security was more protective for cisgender girls than cisgender boys. Enhancing socioecological support may reduce multi-victimization for all youth, with TGDA having the greatest need. Schools' advocacy and innovative efforts to bolster socioecological support are critical to TGDA wellbeing. Modifiable socioecological supports may reduce adolescent multi-victimization. TGDA have lower support rates and higher multi-victimization rates, suggesting the need for tailored interventions.

Purpose This research aims to examine how the effectiveness of representative victim appeals in charitable marketing depends on the compatibility between donor mood and the number of victims depicted. Specifically, it investigates whether presenting a single representative victim, rather than multiple representative victims, enhances charitable giving when donors experience negative moods. Design/methodology/approach Across five experimental studies and one internal meta-analysis, this research examines donation behavior and intentions as a function of donor mood (negative vs positive/neutral) and representative victim type (single vs multiple). Donor mood is induced both incidentally and through charity appeals. Hypotheses are tested using theory driven planned contrasts. The proposed psychological mechanism is examined using measures of processing fluency and sympathy. Findings Across studies, planned contrasts consistently show that when donors are in a negative mood, charity appeals featuring a single representative victim generate higher donations and donation intentions than appeals featuring multiple representative victims. This difference does not emerge under positive or neutral mood conditions. The serial mediation analyses suggest that this effect may be partly explained by greater compatibility between negative mood and a single representative victim, which is associated with higher processing fluency, increased sympathy and, in turn, greater charitable giving. Research limitations/implications The studies rely on controlled experimental settings and online samples, which may limit generalizability to real-world donation contexts. Future research could examine additional boundary conditions, such as victim entitativity (perceived groupness) or donor characteristics, and test these effects in field settings. Practical implications For charitable organizations soliciting donations for groups of beneficiaries, featuring a single representative victim can be an effective strategy when appeals evoke or coincide with negative donor moods. This approach allows organizations to motivate giving to collective causes without relying on identifying a specific beneficiary. Originality/value This research extends the charitable giving literature by distinguishing representative victims from identified victims and by identifying donor mood as a critical boundary condition. By demonstrating that the effectiveness of a single representative victim emerges through mood–message compatibility, this research offers a novel theoretical explanation and practical guidance for charitable marketing communications.

The longitudinal effect of peer victimization on subsequent loneliness, especially after controlling for baseline loneliness, remains unclear, and the potential moderators of this effect have not been systematically examined. This study synthesized longitudinal studies through meta-analysis to estimate this predictive effect and to examine demographic (e.g., gender and age) and methodological factors (e.g., types of peer victimization and time intervals) as moderators. A systematic search was conducted across six databases: Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and CNKI. A total of 30 longitudinal studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 32 independent samples and 71 effect sizes, with a total sample of 37,952 children and adolescents. A multilevel random-effects model was used for analysis. The results showed that the zero-order correlation between peer victimization and subsequent loneliness was r = 0.26 (p < .001). However, after controlling for baseline loneliness, the longitudinal predictive effect was trivial (partial r = 0.07, p < .001), suggesting minimal practical significance. Moderation analyses revealed that this weak association became weaker over longer time intervals, in European samples, and with peer-nominated measures. These findings indicate that the long-term effect of peer victimization on loneliness may be negligible, warranting caution in the development of targeted intervention strategies.

Existing literature indicates that bullying victimization elevates the risk of depression among adolescents; however, longitudinal evidence on the associations between specific types of victimization (physical, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying) and depression remains limited, particularly with regard to gender differences. This study examined the predictive effects of these four forms of victimization on depression at a six-month follow-up and further explored the moderating role of gender. We collected two-wave longitudinal data from 457 Grade 10 students (230 boys, 227 girls; Mage = 15.93, SD = 1.94) at a high school in Gansu Province, China, in June 2024 (T1) and December 2024 (T2). Participants completed a series of self-report questionnaires, including measures of demographic characteristics, the Revised Bullying Victimization Questionnaire (BVQ-R), and the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine both main and interaction effects, and simple slope analyses were performed to probe significant interactions. After adjusting for demographic covariates, all four forms of T1 bullying victimization significantly predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms at T2 in the main-effects models. In the interaction models, none of the victimization × gender interaction terms reached statistical significance. These findings suggest that multiple forms of bullying victimization are prospectively associated with subsequent depressive symptoms and that these associations do not appear to vary by gender in this sample.

Little is known about risk and protective factors associated with distinct forms of violence victimization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth, or youth who define their sexual identity another way (LGBTQ+). This study sought to examine this in a statewide representative sample of Rhode Island high school students. Data were from the 2023 Rhode Island High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey-a biennial, voluntary, and anonymous survey designed to measure health-related behaviors and experiences among high school students. The sample comprised 1,932 high school students (weighted sample n = 46,603), of whom 28% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or defined their sexual identity another way ("LGBTQ+" weighted sample n=11,891). The primary outcomes of interest were three types of victimization: bullying/discrimination, intimate partner violence (IPV), and sexual coercion/exploitation. Bivariate analysis explored differences in rates of victimization based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Weighted logistic and multinomial regression models focused on LGBTQ+ youth and examined the role of risk and protective factors in victimization. LGBTQ+ students who reported always having their basic needs met at home were less likely to experience IPV (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=0.53, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]= 0.31-0.88), sexual coercion/exploitation (AOR=0.38, 95% CI=0.17-0.85), and multiple types of victimization (AOR=0.32, 95% CI=0.18-0.57). Housing insecurity (AOR=3.36, 95% CI=1.73-6.50), ever living with someone with a drug/alcohol problem (AOR=2.56, 95% CI=1.63-4.04), and ever living with someone with mental illness (AOR=3.97, 95% CI=1.76-8.96) were associated with higher odds of sexual coercion/exploitation. Overall, findings contribute to the understanding of distinct types of victimization that LGBTQ+ youth face. Further research into the relationship between risk factors associated with unstable home environments and victimization would be valuable in identifying opportunities for prevention.

Associations between gender nonconformity and SOGIE-attributed victimization: Setting-specific variations by sociodemographic characteristics.

Suicide is a serious and growing concern in South Korean adolescents. Poly-victimization (i.e., having experienced multiple types of victimization) is a risk factor for increased levels of suicidal ideation (SI) among adolescents. The current study examined the interactive effects of sexual victimization and intersectional discrimination on SI using a national sample of Korean adolescents. Moderation analysis showed that intersectional discrimination moderated the relationship between sexual violence and SI. Specifically, the relationship between sexual victimization and SI was significant and positive in low (-1 SD), medium (mean), and high (+1 SD) levels of intersectional discrimination. In addition, the results indicated that adolescents who experienced sexual victimization in the past year and experienced high levels of intersectional discrimination had the highest chance of experiencing frequent SI. However, the significant negative interaction results suggest that the difference in SI in those who experienced sexual victimization in the past year and those who did not appeared smaller at higher levels of intersectional discrimination. These findings highlight the complexity of poly-victimization and the importance of the need for more nuanced approaches in mental health interventions for individuals affected by multiple forms of victimization.

Bullying victimization among Chinese adolescents manifests in distinct types (verbal, physical, relational, cyberbullying) with unique adverse outcomes and influencing factors, yet predictive models for specific types remain scarce. Collapsing these distinct victimization types into a single outcome may obscure critical differences essential for tailored prevention. Therefore, this study applied machine learning to predict distinct victimization types and reveal type-specific risk and protective factor patterns, supplying an evidence base for targeted intervention. Chinese adolescents (n = 1,981, aged 11-18 years) completed measures of bullying victimization, depression, anxiety, friendship quality, emotion regulation, social support, school climate, trait anger, and moral disengagement bullying behavior. Multiple machine learning algorithms were trained using 5-fold cross-validation, with sensitivity analyses conducted without oversampling. For each victimization type, the hyperparameter configuration yielding the highest F2-score was selected to retrain the model on the full training set and subsequently applied to the test set. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was performed on the F2-optimal model using test set data to identify key predictors, and feature importance rankings were compared between the main and sensitivity analyses. Random Forest achieved optimal performance for overall (F2 = 0.67) and physical (F2 = 0.52) victimization, Bagging for verbal (F2 = 0.65), Logistic Regression for relational (F2 = 0.57), and Naïve Bayes for cyberbullying (F2 = 0.51). Depression, anxiety, angry reaction and moral disengagement were common risk factors, while student-student was relationship a common protective factor, while angry temperament, gender, conflict and betrayal, and teacher-related factors, among others, showed distinct patterns across victimization type. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these patterns: the top five predictors were consistent across verbal, physical, cyber, and overall victimization, and four of the top five were also consistent for relational victimization. This study demonstrates that machine learning enables prediction of distinct bullying types and identification of their unique risk and protective factor patterns. These findings suggest that prevention strategies should move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches toward tailored interventions addressing the specific combination of risk factors of each victimization type.

Childhood victimisation and polyvictimisation (experiencing two or more distinct crime types) can have lasting developmental, psychological, and social consequences. Yet there is limited research on victimisation and polyvictimisation in England and Wales using robust data sets. This study addresses this gap by investigating prevalence, trends, and individual, household, and area-level predictors of non-sexual non-familial violence, personal theft, household theft, and criminal damage and polyvictimisation using the 10- to 15-year-old Crime Survey for England and Wales (2011/2012–2019/2020; N = 25,415). A series of binary logistic regressions was performed, supplemented by visualisations. The weighted percentage of children experiencing a single type of victimisation ranged from 1.1% (criminal damage) to 5.8% (violence), while 1.1% were polyvictimised. Although most victimisation types and polyvictimisation declined over the 9-year period, reductions in polyvictimisation varied depending on socioeconomic status. Both individual (sex, ethnicity, disability) and area-level (deprivation) factors predicted polyvictimisation and individual victimisation types. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Traumatic Injury in Older Adults in Pakistan: A Prospective Cohort Study.

A Path Analysis Model on the Relationship Between Victimization, Cognitive Distortions and Antisocial Behaviors in Adolescents.

Over the past 5decades of social science research, scholars have examined false narratives and beliefs associated with rape and sexual assault (often called "rape myths"). This scoping review employs an innovative technique to sample and describe a large cohort of scholarly articles that investigate sexual assault victim interpretation and rape myths between the years 1973 and 2025. We describe how the field has gone through innovations such as the development of rape myth measurement scales, experimental and field research designs, an increasing emphasis on rape myths in legal contexts, and a broadening exploration of the types of victims affected by rape myths. We discuss trends such as the association between gender and rape myths, and common theoretical explanations for their persistence. We further highlight current gaps in the literature and offer areas where future research can expand current knowledge.

Research on polyvictimization (PV) generally builds on a cumulative risk model to explain posttrauma functioning. However, evidence becomes unclear when child sexual abuse (CSA) in particular is assessed alongside other types of victimization, necessitating a closer examination of how CSA fits within the PV framework. This scoping review aimed to (a) identify conceptual and operational definitions of PV in CSA research, (b) map evidence on organizing CSA into the PV framework, and (c) highlight research trends and gaps. A systematic search was conducted across six databases for primary studies focusing on CSA in victim/survivor samples or as a central topic, with explicit application of the “polyvictimization” construct. From 1064 references initially retrieved, 62 met eligibility criteria. Four approaches to situating CSA within the PV framework were identified: (a) interconnection (CSA’s link to other abuse), (b) cumulative risk (additive effects), (c) comparative (CSA vs. other abuse/PV), and (d) configural (co-occurring patterns). Results highlighted substantial inconsistencies in how CSA characteristics and PV were measured and analyzed, precluding definitive conclusions regarding the distinct contribution of CSA versus collective impact of PV. The review concludes that a comprehensive PV framework for driving CSA studies should move beyond the simplistic “more is worse” posit to explore how different types of victimization interconnect, interact, accumulate, and aggregate to differentially impact psycho-behavioral development.

Previous reviews of the effectiveness of intimate partner violence (IPV) programmes have shown mixed results. A systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted to understand the methodological challenges in determining the effectiveness of IPV perpetrator programmes. A two-stage search strategy was employed. Firstly, a systematic search was conducted across six electronic databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health, ASSIA, and Web of Science to identify systematic reviews exploring the effectiveness of interventions for IPV perpetrators. Secondly, primary studies from selected reviews were screened for inclusion. In total, 508 full-text manuscripts from 38 reviews were assessed against eligibility criteria. Twenty-six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this review. Methodological issues included the following: (1) short-term follow-up; (2) an over-reliance on perpetrator self-reported (physical) IPV outcomes with few studies collecting collateral victim IPV reports; (3) a lack of data presented on attendance and completion rates; and (4) changes in partners or having more than one partner were not considered in the methods or analysis. Perpetrators may under-report their abusive behaviour. No RCTs accounted for changes in relationship status nor reported on outcomes for new or multiple partners, potentially underestimating IPV recidivism as a result. Future evaluations of IPV perpetrator programmes should collect victim and perpetrator self-reported outcomes of different types of IPV victimisation and perpetration, respectively, alongside official re-offence data over the longer term. Evaluations should present data on treatment completion and dose response to enhance our understanding of what works for whom and to examine outcomes for new or multiple partners.

The purpose of this study was to examine paths stemming from early childhood victimization, including maltreatment exposure, community violence exposure, and home violence exposure, exploring how these experiences affected middle childhood behaviors and negative outcomes into adolescence, including delinquency, arrest, dropout, and early sexual intercourse. Variation in paths by sex and type of victimization was also explored. Using data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) consortium and multigroup path models, findings suggested differences in paths by sex and victimization type. According to results, composite victimization was broadly associated with a wide range of negative outcomes in adolescence for both boys and girls. By type, maltreatment was more predictive of negative outcomes for girls (including delinquency and early sexual intercourse), while maltreatment and community violence exposure increased the risk of dropout and delinquency for boys. Findings highlight the importance of exploring variations in patterns following early victimization over time and across environments in order to better meet children's needs and prevent long-term negative outcomes.

Gun ownership is often motivated by a desire to protect oneself and one's family from perceived threats. These perceived dangers may include hypothetical or future scenarios and can be based on personal experiences of victimization. In this article, we extend the extant body of literature assessing the linkages between criminal victimization and firearm ownership and related behaviors, leveraging data from the Guns in American Life Survey. In particular, we examine whether ever being a victim of sexual assault-by itself or also experiencing other forms of violence is associated with gun ownership and practices and whether these patterns vary by gender. Our dependent variables include firearm ownership and related behaviors (i.e., firearm storage methods, loaded status, and carrying). Our findings present a mix of both expected and surprising outcomes. The type of victimization plays a significant role in understanding patterns of gun ownership and behaviors. Interestingly, experiencing rape alone was positively associated with only one outcome-access to a loaded gun for males-and negatively associated with one outcome-male victims' gun ownership. Experiencing sexual assault and another form of violent victimization was positively associated with most outcomes. Additionally, gender differences emerge in these relationships, suggesting that men and women may respond differently to victimization when it comes to firearm ownership and usage. We address these findings and conclude with a discussion of policy implications.

ABSTRACT Sexual victimization (SV) disproportionately affects individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yet few studies have incorporated updated, well-validated tools that capture the full range of SV experiences. This study utilized the revised Sexual Experiences Survey – Victimization (SES-V) measure to examine rates of four forms of SV (noncontact, technology-facilitated, illegal, and verbal pressure) among U.S. adults with and without self-reported ASD diagnoses. Participants (N = 663) were recruited online and categorized into ASD (N = 287); non-ASD (N = 270); and an exploratory subclinical group (N = 106), consisting of individuals who suspected they might have ASD but had never received a formal diagnosis. Logistic regressions controlling for gender, age, and sexual orientation revealed that ASD participants were significantly more likely than non-ASD participants to report noncontact and illegal SV, but not technology-facilitated or verbally pressured SV. Women were consistently at higher risk than men across all SV categories. Notably, individuals in the subclinical group reported SV prevalence rates comparable to those with formal diagnoses. Exploratory analyses using RAADS-14 scores suggested that sensory reactivity was consistently associated with SV experiences and was particularly strongly associated with noncontact SV. Together, these findings suggest that vulnerability to SV may extend beyond categorical diagnosis and be linked to specific neurodevelopmental traits, rather than diagnostic status alone. This underscores the importance of education efforts that address sensory-related vulnerabilities regardless of formal diagnostic status.

ABSTRACT School victimization poses serious threats to the well-being of students. Scholars have considered that risk of school victimization is largely shaped by school factors but also may be influenced by the neighborhood in which schools are situated. Using the National Crime Victimization Study School Crime Supplement (NCVS-SCS) (N = 37,340), we investigate the mediation effects of student-perceived school factors on the neighborhood crime – school victimization relationship. We find that students’ perceptions of neighborhood crime is positively associated with the odds of school victimization. Though students’ perceptions of school factors mediated the association between neighborhood crime and victimization risk in schools, this mediation varied by type of victimization. We find that while there are school neighborhood influences on school victimization, school context is more salient in shaping school victimization.

Sexual violence is a major threat to women living in the urban slums of India, where structural limitations often render traditional interventions ineffective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a low-cost community-based alarm intervention in preventing sexual victimization in informal urban settlements. A single-blind cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted across 20 blocks of slums in Delhi. Five hundred adult women were randomized by block into the intervention (nine blocks; n = 239) and control (11 blocks; n = 261) groups. The intervention included the distribution of personal safety alarms and community-based training workshops. Data on sexual victimization and interpersonal trust were collected before and after the 6-month intervention. Of the 500 participants, 485 (intervention group, n = 226; control group, n = 259) completed both assessments. The rates of lifetime sexual victimization were high at baseline: stalking (n = 413, 84.9%), verbal harassment (n = 338, 69.7%), and non-consensual physical contact (n = 304, 62.7%). Significant group-by-time interaction effects were observed for reductions in underwear theft (odds ratio [OR] = 0.207, 95% CI [0.062, 0.694]) and non-consensual physical contact (OR = 0.199 [0.059, 0.670]). Other types of victimization declined over time in both groups. A significant main effect of time on interpersonal trust was also observed (F[1, 966] = 40.47, partial η2 = .040, p < .001). This context-sensitive intervention effectively reduced opportunistic sexual violence and improved interpersonal trust among participants. The community self-defense method offers a pragmatic and scalable harm reduction approach for high-risk settings in the absence of a formal protection infrastructure.Trial registration: Trial registry name, URL, and registration number: UMIN-CTR (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm), ID# JPRN-UMIN000050136.

Children exposed to polyvictimization (exposure to multiple types of victimization), experience severe impacts on health andwell-beingacross the life course. While the prevalence, risk factors, and health consequences of polyvictimization have been well documented in lower-middle-income countries, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding the situation in humanitarian contexts, particularly in refugee settings. We examined the prevalence, risk, and protective factors of polyvictimization and its association with mental health outcomes in refugee settings in Uganda and Ethiopia. We utilized data from the Uganda Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS) 2022, which included 1,338 females and 927 males, and the Ethiopia HVACS 2024, which comprised 1,937 females and 1,536 males. These were representative, cross-sectional household surveys of females and males aged 13-24 years living in refugee settlements in Uganda and Ethiopia. Analysis entailed cross-tabulation with chi-square test and estimation of a multivariate logistic regression model. In both settings, males experienced higher rates of polyvictimization than females (49% vs.30% in Uganda and 33% vs. 29%. in Ethiopia). Several risk factors for childhood polyvictimization were identified at the individual level, including having a disability and endorsing intimate partner violence against women, and at the family level, such as having a difficult relationship with one's father and household food insecurity. Conversely, living in a female-headed household was found to be protective against childhood polyvictimization across both settings. Additionally, polyvictimization was significantly associated with higher odds of mental distress, self-harm, and suicidal ideation/attempts among females and males in both Uganda and Ethiopia refugee settings. Our findings confirm that childhood polyvictimization is prevalent among refugee populations in Uganda and Ethiopia, with nuanced insights into the risk and protective factors. The challenging circumstances within these refugee settings may exacerbate polyvictimization and its consequences. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize preventive measures alongside response strategies in addressing polyvictimization in these contexts, starting much earlier in the life course.