Victim Support Research Articles

Vulnerability and stressors on the pathway to depression in a global cohort of young athletics (track and field) athletes

This research set out to identify pathways from vulnerability and stressors to depression in a global population of young athletes. Retrospective data were collected at age 18–19 years from Athletics athletes (n = 1322) originating from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. We hypothesised that sports-related and non-sports-related stressors in interaction with structural vulnerability instigate depression. Path modelling using Maximum likelihood estimation was employed for the data analysis. Depression caseness and predisposition were determined using the WHO-5 instrument. Thirty-six percent of the athletes (n = 480) returned complete data. Eighteen percent of the athletes reported lifetime physical abuse, while 11% reported sexual abuse. Forty-five percent of the athletes had recently sustained an injury. The prevalence of depression caseness was 5.6%. Pathways to depression caseness were observed from female sex (p = 0.037) and injury history (p = 0.035) and to predisposition for depression also through exposure to a patriarchal society (p = 0.046) and physical abuse (p < 0.001). We conclude that depression in a global population of young athletes was as prevalent as previously reported from general populations, and that universal mental health promotion in youth sports should include provision of equal opportunities for female and male participants, injury prevention, and interventions for abuse prevention and victim support.

Making the most of cybercrime and fraud crime report data: a case study of UK Action Fraud.

IntroductionResearchers and public authorities are increasingly exploring the potential of administrative data to generate new insights. This includes recent work leveraging the opportunities of the crime report data collected by the UK’s national reporting centre Action Fraud (AF). However, the quality of these data and its implications for data users have not been systematically analysed.ObjectivesThis paper outlines challenges and opportunities of using AF data in cybercrime and fraud victimisation research and practice and makes recommendations to improve the quality of this dataset.MethodsThe author has undertaken two studies using samples of AF data pertaining to crime reports within the Welsh police forces, between 2014 and 2020. Quality diagnostic checks, reflections and methodological decisions were considered across each study. These were reviewed, key themes were identified and discussed with data users and a broader group of researchers to finalise the recommendations presented.ResultsThe strengths and limitations of AF data are discussed and grouped into themes, closely aligned with four quality dimensions widely used by statistical authorities. This includes an assessment of 1) the impact of under-reporting and 2) the purpose and rules of crime recording, on the relevance of the data to its users; 3) the accuracy and reliability of the data; 4) the consistency of recording and its impact on coherence and comparability; and 5) the accessibility and timeliness of the data.ConclusionsRecommendations are made to improve AF data to generate better quality insights across the dimensions of relevance, accuracy & reliability, coherence & comparability and the accessibility & timeliness of this dataset. Additionally, a data catalogue would enable frontline officers and researchers to make the most of this dataset, harnessing it to produce key insights for crime prevention, investigation, and victim support.

Staff perspectives on the impact of COVID 19 on the delivery of specialist domestic abuse services in the UK: A qualitative study.

Domestic abuse is a significant public health issue effecting 2.4 million adults in England and Wales each year. In March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic following the outbreak of COVID-19. As a result, the UK moved to a period of lockdown. There is growing evidence that highlights the unintended negative consequences of lockdown, particularly in households where abuse is present. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of frontline specialist domestic abuse staff who continued to support victims during the period of lockdown to understand the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery. Ten, one to one, semi structured qualitative interviews were carried out with staff from a specialist domestic abuse service that operates in regions across the north-east of England. All participants had been involved in service delivery for a minimum of 12 months prior to March 2020 and had continued to deliver services throughout the UK initial lockdown period between March and July 2020. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, anonymised, then subjected to thematic analysis. Six themes were developed from the data covering: emergency support for victims; wider service efficiencies; victim safety; group work versus one-to-one support; criminal and family courts; and workforce development. While lockdown resulted in increased levels and severity of referrals, the switch to remote working brought a range of service efficiencies including time and money saved by negating the need to travel. Remote working also enhanced support offered to male victims and those with mental health issues but not those in rural locations with poor connectivity and those effected by the digital divide. Services should not underestimate the long-term benefits of peer support both to clients and staffs.

Rumination's Role in Second Victim Nurses' Recovery From Psychological Trauma: A Cross-Sectional Study in China.

Background: Nurses can experience psychological trauma after adverse nursing events, making it likely for them to become second victims (SVs). This negatively impacts patient safety and nurses’ development. This study aims to understand the status of psychological trauma and recovery of nurses as SVs in domestic China and examine the influencing mechanism of cognitive rumination during their recovery from psychological damage.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire was completed by 233 nurses from across China. Data were collected using Chinese versions of the Second Victim Experience and Support Evaluation Scale, the Incident-related Rumination Meditation Questionnaire, and the post-traumatic growth (PTG) Rating Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression, as well as mediation analysis, were used for different analyses in this study.Results: Participants experienced apparent psychological traumas (4.65 ± 0.5583) with a certain degree of PTG (76.18 ± 16.0040); they reported a strong need for psychological support (95.7%). Psychological trauma was positively and negatively correlated with rumination and PTG (r = 0.465, p < 0.001; r = −0.155, p < 0.05) respectively. Both psychologically impaired experience and rumination had significant predictive effects on participants’ PTG (both, p < 0.001). Nurses’ active rumination significantly mediated their psychological recovery from trauma to PTG (p < 0.05), but the effect of invasive rumination was not significant (p > 0.05).Limitation: The specific manifestations of the mechanism of invasive rumination are not clarified in this study.Conclusion: The present study investigated the psychological trauma of SV nurses as well as their support needs, and explored the role of cognitive rumination in the psychological repair and PTG of SV nurses. Results showed that SV nurses’ active rumination on adverse nursing events could promote their recovery from psychological trauma, but invasive rumination could not. This study provides a trauma-informed approach to care at the clinical level for nurses who experience psychological trauma caused by adverse events.

Psychosocial risks factors among victim support workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire

BackgroundBeing a victim support worker (VSW) involves exposure to victims' suffering, pain, and traumatic events, which may trigger the risk of VSWs developing mental health problems. Psychosocial risks (PSR) and work-related stress are considered the most challenging issues in occupational safety and health, considering they impact individuals, organizations, and economies.MethodsThe purpose of the present study was to identify the PSR in a sample of 196 Portuguese victim support workers (VSW) (Mean age = 36.49; SD = 10.52). A questionnaire with socio-demographic characteristics, variables related to VSW's job, and the Portuguese medium version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ II) were used to assess these professionals' perception of PSR factors.ResultsThe results reveal that although VSW recognizes some psychosocial factors favourable to their health and well-being, they also identify some PSR that place them at intermediate and severe risk, i.e., emotional and cognitive demands, which are the main areas of risk to the VSW. VSW over 38 years old scored higher in job insecurity, burnout, and offensive behaviours.ConclusionsThese findings give important insights into the areas that must be enhanced in this context involving VSW. Additionally, the results highlight the relevance of encouraging a healthy and supportive work environment, preventing and promoting the health and well-being of VSW, particularly when considering the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Psychological Support for Mothers Victims of Perinatal Death by Caregivers: Case of the Regional Hospital Center (RHC) of Yamoussoukro

The loss of a baby during the perinatal period leads to a real grieving process for mothers since they establish an attachment bond with their baby before birth. If relatives and environment bereaved underestimate this particular type of bereavement and its potential impact, this should not be the case for nursing staff. And yet, in African maternities, there are very few psychological support for mothers who are victims of perinatal death. Perinatal bereavement deserves to be analyzed in all its complexity. The aim of this study is to show the importance of psychological support for mothers who are victims of perinatal death in the prevention of negative impact on the mental health of mothers.&#x0D; Quantitative and qualitative data are collected on a sample of 55 selected mothers through a purposive non-probability sampling strategy.&#x0D; Quantitative data are processed with SPSS 20 software. Text processing as well as tables and graphs were produced with Word 2016 and Excel 2016 software. The results indicate on the one hand that the psychological support provided by the nursing staff reduces the harmful effects of perinatal bereavement on mothers and on the other hand, the need for the establishment of a support protocol for couples in health facilities.&#x0D; Keywords: perinatal death, bereavement, mothers, psychological support.

SOCIAL AND PEDAGOGICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED CHILDREN UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Millions of Ukrainian families with children have been forced to leave their permanent place of residence, moving to safer places under the current conditions of martial law in the country, which in its effects corresponds to the difficult life and often traumatic circumstances. The challenge arises in the need to meet the needs of new residents for social, medical, psychological, legal, social and pedagogical services, and appropriate living conditions. Forced moving can cause emotional and physical stress, fear, depression, inability to adequately assess events and make decisions, respond to them, and adapt to the changed conditions. The need for social protection and psychological and social and pedagogical assistance takes on increasing importance for families, in particular for children in difficult circumstances as a result of military actions. The article reveals the peculiarities of providing social and pedagogical support to children of internally displaced persons under martial law. The need for a multilevel comprehensive system of support for victims and displaced persons, the organization of intersectoral and interdepartmental interaction between specialists of corresponding services in providing complete psychological and social and pedagogical help, and coordination of efforts of various specialists is brought up to date. The need for social and pedagogical and psychological support for internally displaced children, which may require the recovery of their mental health and social well-being, an appropriate response to hostilities, and adaptation to new, changed conditions, is emphasized. It was established that social and pedagogical support is a type of activity of a social care teacher, aimed at organizing preventive and operational social and psychological and pedagogical assistance in preventing and overcoming situations that violate the vital activities of children. An analysis of models of social and pedagogical support for internally displaced children in difficult circumstances has been conducted. The technology of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced persons is considered. The relevant directions and content of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced persons under martial law are outlined. It is noted that modeling and organization of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced persons who suffered from military operations or were forced to leave their homes will help them to overcome the psychological trauma of military events, and will contribute to successful adaptation to the new changed conditions.&#x0D; Keywords: internally displaced persons, difficult life circumstances, social services, adaptation of internally displaced children, social and pedagogical support, model of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced families.

Bystander Attitudes to Hearing Family Violence: An Australian Survey

Male violence against women and children is a pernicious global problem responsible for a high burden of injury, illness, and premature death across societies and cultures. Socio-cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices underpin the conduct of perpetrators, targets, bystanders, and responding service providers, including police, health, and social welfare services. Bystanders’ willingness to act to help targets of family violence is a key dimension framing the social environment of using violence against family members. An anonymous internet survey of 464 Australians, mainly women, identified that around three-quarters of respondents would respond if they heard a cry for help from a nearby home. Most said they would call the police. The key deterrents to taking action were fears for their safety and their confidence that calling the police would lead to effective action. Despite their willingness to act, most believed that the typical Australian public would not do so. They attributed reluctance to take action to bystanders’ fears for their safety, beliefs that it was not their business, and not wanting to get involved. Respondents wanted more financial, housing, and legal support for victims of violence to end abusive relationships. Nationally consistent FDV laws, changes to media reporting, and school-based education were nominated as key strategies to prevent and reduce family and domestic violence.

Validation of the German Version of the Moral Injury Symptom and Support Scale for Health Professionals (G-MISS-HP) and Its Correlation to the Second Victim Phenomenon

Introduction: Comparable to second victim phenomenon (SVP), moral injury (MI) affects health professionals (HP) working in stressful environments. Information on how MI and SVP intercorrelate and their part in a psychological trauma complex is limited. We tested and validated a German version of the Moral Injury Symptom and Support Scale for Health Professionals (G-MISS-HP) instrument, screening for MI and correlated it with the recently developed German version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (G-SVESTR) instrument, testing for SVP. Methods: After translating Moral Injury Symptom and Support Scale for Health Professionals (MISS-HP), we conducted a cross-sectional online survey providing G-MISS-HP and G-SVEST-R to HP. Statistics included Pearson’s interitem correlation, reliability analysis, principal axis factoring and principal components analysis with Promax rotation, confirmatory factor and ROC analyses. Results: A total of 244 persons responded, of whom 156 completed the survey (33% nurses, 16% physicians, 9% geriatric nurses, 7.1% speech and language therapists). Interitem and corrected item-scale correlations did not measure for one item sufficiently. It was, therefore, excluded from further analyses. The nine-item score revealed good reliability (Guttman’s lambda 2 = 0.80; Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79). Factor validity was demonstrated, indicating that a three-factor model from the original study might better represent the data compared with our two-factor model. Positive correlations between G-MISS-HP and G-SVESTR subscales demonstrated convergent validity. ROC revealed sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 63% for G-MISS-HP using a nine-item scale with cutoff value of 28.5 points. Positive and negative predictive values were 62% and 69%, respectively. Subgroup analyses did not reveal any differences. Conclusion: G-MISS-HP with nine items is a valid and reliable testing instrument for moral injury. However, strong intercorrelations of MI and SVP indicate the need for further research on the distinction of these phenomena.

The right to protection from domestic violence

The article is devoted to the study of the essence, content and features of the right to protection from domestic violence. It was stated that domestic violence is one of the biggest problems in the modern world, the level of which has increased in the context of anti-epidemic measures taken by states due to the coronavirus pandemic. The statistical data testifying to the aggravation of the problem of domestic violence in Ukraine are given. The normative bases for the formation of the right to protection from domestic violence and its inclusion in the catalog of human rights are analyzed. The characteristic of legal protection on protection of domestic violence as a subjective public law is given, on the basis of, firstly, in it along with interest of personal establishments and public interests, secondly, its realization within the limits of relations which are public-legal characteristics. The content of the person's interest (to receive protection from authorized entities in the form of measures aimed at restoring violated rights) and the public interest (the need to maintain public order and security), which are the basis of the investigated law. The subject (owner) of the right to protection from domestic violence is determined, its features are singled out, the peculiarities inherent in the child as a subject of such a right are highlighted. It is proved that the exercise of the right to protection from domestic violence is carried out both at the request of the person and without such, at the initiative of the authorized entity based on the results of risk assessment. The subjects endowed with the duty to take measures aimed at protecting a person from domestic violence are outlined, they are divided into types: prevention, support of victims, prosecution of perpetrators. Prevention or prevention involves taking measures to prevent domestic violence. Support for victims is to take the necessary measures to avoid recurrence of violence, to provide independence and economic independence to victims of violence, to take into account the special needs of vulnerable people, including victims, to obtain relevant and timely information on available support services and legal measures. which is understood by the victims. The offender is brought to justice through court proceedings. Liability can be criminal, administrative and material.

Help-seeking for Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse: Experiences of Civilian Partners of UK Military Personnel

There is evidence that Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPVA) is more prevalent among military populations compared with civilian populations. However, there has been limited research into the help-seeking experiences of civilian victim-survivors who have experienced IPVA within relationships with military personnel. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of, and barriers to, help-seeking for IPVA victimisation among civilian partners of military personnel in order to identify strategies to improve the management of IPVA both within the military and civilian sectors. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design and used qualitative research methods. One-to-one telephone interviews were conducted with civilian victim-survivors (n = 25) between January and August 2018. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Three superordinate themes were derived: (1) Drivers to help-seeking; (2) Barriers to help-seeking; and (3) Experiences of services. The findings indicate difficulties in help-seeking for IPVA among civilian partners of military personnel due to stigma, fear, dependency, poor understanding of IPVA, lack of appropriate and timely support, and a perceived lack of victim support. Difficulties in help-seeking were perceived by participants to be amplified by military culture, public perceptions of the military, military protection of personnel and the lack of coordination between civilian and military judicial services. This study reinforces the need for a military specific Domestic Abuse strategy, identifies vulnerable groups and highlights a need for both increased awareness and understanding of IPVA within civilian and military services in order to provide adequate victim protection.

Improving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries Through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner Partnership.

An alternate light source (ALS) is a practitioner-driven technology that can potentially improve the documentation of injuries among victims of interpersonal violence. However, evidence-based guidelines are needed to incorporate and document an ALS skin assessment into a forensic medical examination that accurately reflects the science, context of forensic nursing practice, trauma-informed responses, and potential impact on criminal justice stakeholders. This article introduces the forensic nursing community to a current translation-into-practice project focused on developing and evaluating an ALS implementation program to improve the assessment and documentation of bruises among adult patients with a history of interpersonal violence. Our researcher-practitioner collaboration uses theory-based approaches that consider both the developed program's practice context and stakeholder impact. The goal is to provide evidentiary support for adult victims of violence and a more equitable forensic nursing practice that benefits diverse patient populations.

Perceptions of the rape crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: A community-based approach using an opportunistic design.

For almost three decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced cycles of armed conflict, particularly in the east. During these conflicts, systematic rape has been used as a weapon of war to break women and communities. Knowledge produced about this phenomenon to date relates to the epidemiology, aetiology and the consequences of these rapes, particularly on survivors in care institutions, thus ignoring the impact this phenomenon has on the communities. Our survey aims to investigate the extent to which women from the Orientale, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces have experienced rape, as well as their perceptions regarding its frequency, characteristics, and repercussions for/on victims in their communities. From a sample of 1483 women, more than 99% had directly or indirectly experienced rape, on at least five occasions in three-quarters of cases. In their experience, a large proportion of the rapes took place at the victims' homes in the presence of family members and were perpetrated by members of military or paramilitary groups. Frequent health problems (several possibilities) reported include: bleeding (40.8%), pain (23.9%); unwanted pregnancies/abortions (23.4%), urogenital problems including STD (12.0%). Concerning mental health, they reported fear and anxiety (56.3%), depression and suicidal thoughts (16.8 %), insomnia (5.3%); 94.7% reported feelings of humiliation and shame and 6.9% social exclusion and stigmatization. Support for victims comes largely from NGOs (47.6%), families (27.1%) and Churches (14.3%). This is a major cultural, economic, political, human rights, and public health problem, which the authorities and international community must commit to tackling.

Recommendations for Care and Support of Female Rape Victims

Introduction According to prevalence studies, at least 5% of all women in the Federal Republic of Germany experience rape during their lifetime. While the effects vary according to the individual, rape has serious consequences for the somatic, psychological, and psychosocial health of the victim. The medical care that is provided to presumed rape victims is of special importance, as this care can have a positive influence on the patientʼs ability to process their experience and engage in healing following such a traumatic event. Furthermore, doctors are the professionals whose help is most often sought in this context. Primary care following rape consists of three aspects: the forensic medical examination, medical care, and psychological care. In this position paper, each of these aspects are discussed in detail. Recommendations for follow-up care are also provided. Methods In a multi-tiered process, a selective literature review was performed and a consensus among representative experts from different areas of specialization was formulated. Goals The goal of this paper is to contribute to the further improvement and standardization of the medical care provided to women who are presumed rape victims.

Review of exponential rise in domestic violence amid COVID-19: theories and perspectives

The need for continuous research on domestic violence could be more espoused by the exponential increase in domestic violence, such that characterized the global reign of corona virus. Domestic violence cases have been on the rise in South Africa since 1994; and despite the existence of legal protections and statutory instruments that attempt to hinder domestic violence, there continues to be prevalence of violent behaviours across different families. Indisputably, the outbreak of coronavirus has created myriads of consequences for justice system in South Africa and the world at large. Due to the outbreak, the South African government announced a lockdown to mitigate the spread of the virus. Nonetheless, within a span of one week of the lockdown, the South African Police Services (SAPS) reported a shocking rise in the number of gender-based violence cases, which was approximately reported as 89000. The lockdown primarily suggests that victims be locked with the perpetrators for a period until it is deemed safe to end the lockdown. Using a systematic review of the empirical literature, the paper provides a quadripartite criminological perspective (comprising differential association theory, classical theory, frustration-aggression theory and social bond theory) on the rise of domestic violence during the outbreak of the virus. It further explores the aftermaths of COVID-19 on criminal justice system in terms of dealing with diverse cases of domestic violence in the Republic. Factors pertaining to issues of access to justice system during the lockdown, poor police response and victim reporting, sense of helplessness by victims, delayed justice, as well as victim support, system are significantly evaluated

Living Support for Victims of Large-scale Disasters and Establishment of the Life Insurance Policy Inquiry System

大規模災害が発生した際，生命保険協会は大規模災害対策本部を設置し，被災された方に一刻も早く安心いただけるよう最大限の配慮に基づいた対応を行うこと，会員生命保険会社による被災された契約者等への対応を積極的に支援すること，という基本方針に基づき各種対策を講じることとしている。被災者の生活支援と安心感の提供，大規模災害の状況に鑑みた照会・手続きへの対応，お客さまの安否確認活動，お客さまへの複線的な周知活動，確実に保険金等を支払うためのネットワークが対策の柱である。東日本大震災では生命保険の加入状況が不明な方が多数いたため，2011年4月，生命保険協会はご契約の有無に関する照会を受け付ける「災害地域生保契約照会制度」を開始した。また，2021年7月には，平時において認知判断能力が低下している等の場合にも確実に保険金等を請求していただくための「生命保険契約照会制度」を開始した。

Experiences of peer victimization and teacher support in secondary school predict university enrolment 5years later: Role of school engagement.

Peer victimization has an adverse effect on academic outcomes. However, longitudinal research on how peer victimization affects access to higher education is lacking. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms through which peer victimization and teacher support affect aspirations for and enrolment at university 5years later through engagement in secondary school. We also examined whether these effects were moderated by ethnicity, and whether teacher support may compensate for the effects of peer victimization. The sample (N=15,110, 51% male, 68% White, 12% Black and 20% Asian) was drawn from a nationally representative study of young people in England. We used data from four waves, following adolescents over 3years of secondary education (T1-T2-T3, age 13 to 15years) until university (T4, age 18years). Data were analysed in a longitudinal structural equation model in Mplus 8. Adolescents subjected to more peer victimization at T1 had lower university aspirations 2years later and were less likely to attend university 5years later. These effects were mediated via secondary school engagement. Teacher support at T1 was related to higher school engagement, leading to higher aspirations (T3) and higher likelihood of university enrolment (T4) over time. We also found evidence that teacher support may lessen the effect of peer victimization on school engagement, and that ethnic background may moderate the effect of teacher support. Peer victimization had a small long-lasting negative effect on university choices via school engagement, while teacher support had a positive effect. In summary, relationships in secondary school have long-lasting implications for university aspirations and enrolment.

LGBTQ+ Youth's Identity Development in the Context of Peer Victimization: A Mixed Methods Investigation.

Research rarely explores LGBTQ+ youth bullying in the context of culture-specific outcomes (e.g., LGBTQ+ identity development) and what can mitigate the impact of peer stressors. This study used a concurrent mixed methods design to explore how experiences of peer victimization predicted LGBTQ+ youth’s identity development (i.e., stigma sensitivity, concealment motivation, and difficult process) and whether social support and outness served as protective, moderating factors. The mixed methods approach provides a culture-specific context via qualitative inquiry to inform whether the quantitative findings align with how youth qualitatively discuss their experience of peer victimization, negative outcomes, and social support. Our sample consisted of 349 LGBTQ+ youth 14–17 years old who completed a survey (quantitative sample) and a subset of 39 LGBTQ+ youth who completed a semi-structured interview (qualitative sample). Our quantitative findings indicated that greater overall peer victimization was positively related to LGBIS-revised subscales of stigma sensitivity, concealment motivation, and difficult process, where both outness and social support moderated such relations. Qualitatively, victimized youth also reported stigma sensitivity and concealment motivation while also endorsing how being out and having a support system played a role in their experience of being victimized. These qualitative findings align with our quantitative findings that classmate support mitigated the effects of peer victimization on the difficulty of coming out. Implications for practitioners and researchers are provided.

The Different Contexts of Domestic Violence Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Portuguese Overview

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions impacted the world in numerous ways. These restrictions resulted in victims of domestic violence spending more time with their abuser, contributing to a rise in requests for help. The contexts for domestic violence include intimate partner violence (IPV), abuse of children/adolescent and victimization of the elderly within the family. This article compares the prevalence of domestic violence contexts between a pandemic and a non-pandemic year. Based on the assessment of data, taken from a Service Management Platform (PLAGA) and provided by the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV), 12,576 requests from 2019 to 2020 were analyzed. Findings revealed that a 13.3% increase in requests for help, mainly from child/adolescent victims, was registered in 2020 compared with 2019, with a 100.7% increase solely during the lockdown period. Physical and psychological violence, often reported by victims of IPV, children/adolescents and elders, also increased during this period. Requests for help through distance support increased substantially in the pandemic year. The importance of support for victims during the pandemic and the need for new support strategies have been highlighted if victims, bystanders and professionals are to be assisted.

Second Victims in Intensive Care-Emotional Stress and Traumatization of Intensive Care Nurses in Western Austria after Adverse Events during the Treatment of Patients.

Background: The second victim phenomenon is common among nurses in intensive care units. Apart from quantitative studies, little is known about individual cases among those high-risk groups. This study evaluates the natural history and cause of second victim traumatization in Western Austria for the first time to tailor specific intervention. Methods: A total of 20 guided interviews were conducted with intensive care nurses in Western Austria. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed with MAXQDA software. Evaluation followed the structuring qualitative content analysis scheme according to Kuckartz. Results: The most frequent symptoms of the second victim phenomenon reported were feelings of guilt and problems with falling asleep. Coping with the second victim phenomenon was accomplished by conversations in private as well as among work colleagues. Conclusions: Intensive care nurses are exposed to many exceptional situations which have a high likelihood of resulting in second victim traumatization. As proximal psychosocial support is considered to be a main source of coping, wide-spread implementation of effective psychosocial peer support programs ought to be applied by medical organizations. Patient safety measures such as proactive and reactive clinical risk management (e.g., CIRS) should be linked to second victim support.