Victim Support Research Articles

FCR special issue on Covid-19 pandemic.

FCR special issue on Covid-19 pandemic.

The impact of crime on tourists and the need for greater support for tourist victims

This article presents the first research to address the impact of crime on citizens who suffer crime during a vacation. Based on a small sample of US residents victimised while visiting five different countries, and drawn from a crowdsourcing platform, it is, essentially exploratory. However, the findings suggest that tourist victims are severely affected by their experiences and that this impacts their feelings about revisiting the country where the offence occurred. Most victims reported receiving support from both formal and informal sources, but at the same time most said they would have appreciated more support. While more research is needed to build on this study, the findings do underline the need for a greater focus on both crime reduction and harm minimisation.

Second victim experience and support desire among nurses working at regional levels in China.

The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the degree of second victim syndrome and the desire for supports among nurses working in regional hospitals in China. The evidence on the prevalence of second victim among health care workers remains inconsistent and has rarely focused on the regional level. A quantitative, descriptive, survey-based, online, cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,194 nurses in three regional hospitals. A total of 918 (76.88%) nurses, who reported have had experienced patient safety incidents, were selected for the final analysis. The mean score for the Chinese version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (C-SVEST) was (65.58 ± 10.05). Psychological distress (15.91 ± 2.99) and practice distress (15.26 ± 4.32) had the highest score. The mean score for the desired form of support was (4.29 ± 0.614). The option 'the opportunity to get guidance and suggestions for future work' was rated the most desired. Nurses working at the regional level reported a similar degree of second victim experience and support desire, while the prevalence was much higher. The second victim phenomenon has become increasingly complex and challenging and deserves more attention. Not only Safety-I but also Safety-II approaches are suggested to integrated to patient safety.

Teachers' Responses to Bullying Questionnaire: A Validation Study in Two Educational Contexts.

Given the high prevalence and dramatic impact of being bullied at school, it is crucial to get more insight into how teachers can reduce bullying. So far, few instruments have measured elementary teachers’ responses to bullying. This study investigated the validity of the student-reported Teachers’ Responses to Bullying Questionnaire. The factor structure and measurement invariance were tested across two educational contexts among fourth and fifth grade students from Italy (n = 235) and Belgium (n = 667). Furthermore, associations between student-perceived teachers’ responses and students’ bullying behavior were examined. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the predicted five-factor structure, distinguishing Non-Intervention, Disciplinary Methods, Group Discussion, Mediation, and Victim Support. A partial factor means invariance model was found, allowing for valid comparisons between the Italian and Belgian educational contexts. Significant associations were found between self-reported, but not peer-nominated, bullying behavior and most student-perceived teachers’ responses.

여성친화도시에 대한 중요도-만족도 분석

The purpose of this study is to improve the effectiveness of women-friendly cities by providing policy priorities through the Importance-Performance Analysis of the evaluation index of women-friendly cities. It was analyzed for citizen participation group, public officials, and women's policy experts implementing women-friendly city in Gyeongsangbuk-do. As a result of the analysis, first, the items with high importance and satisfaction(Quadrant I) are the will of local government heads and local councils, and operation of citizen participation group. Second, important but low-satisfaction items(Quadrant II) were sexual violence prevention, victim support, women's employment and start-up support, and third, items that were not important and low-satisfaction(Quadrant III) were the creation of a women's and family-friendly village. Finally, items with higher satisfaction than low importance(Quadrant IV) were found to be the management system by objectives for female representation. In addition, it was found that there was difference in importance between citizen participation group and public officials, but there was no difference in satisfaction, and there was no difference between regions. Based on these results, implications for improving the operation of a women-friendly city were presented.

Computer-mediated social support for sexual harassment victims: the case of Sororitas in Indonesia

The objective of this research is to design a computer-mediated social support platform for women in Indonesia who have experienced sexual harassment. In doing so, the following are the research questions that had to be answered: What types of social support are most needed by women victims of sexual harassment? What are the most effective ways to communicate with women victims of sexual harassment? And, what features are most necessary in a CMSS platform for women sexual harassment victims? In-depth interviews with representatives of four organizations that deal with victims of sexual harassment, as well as a survey on 278 Indonesian women were conducted. Data was analyzed through the lenses of the CMSS and Barbee and Cunningham’s Support Activation Behavior Coding System (1995) theoretical framework. Findings showed that: Legal and psychological support are the types of support most needed by sexual harassment victims; The most effective ways to communicate with the victims of sexual harassment are by giving assurance of anonymity; allowing them to tell their story uninterruptedly; communicating through an advocate or companion, when needed; getting the family on board; campus visits and campaigns; and, using online tools, and; The most important features in a computer-mediated social support online platform for sexual harassment victims are: Easy accessibility, information, anonymity, means of catharsis, and referral to other organizations. Sororitas was designed based on these findings. However, some tasks still need to be done before launching, including establishing the standard operating procedures, fostering collaborations with partner non-profit organizations, and recruiting website administrators and volunteers. Regular monitoring and evaluation must also be conducted to measure its effectiveness. The healing process for every victim varies greatly, and Sororitas may only be a miniscule part of that process, but the objective is to provide support.

Legal Trends in the Protection of Victims in Romania

In the pandemic context, the number of cases of violence, especially of domestic violence has increased. After the Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards of rights, support and protection of victims of crime, the Romanian legislation on the matter has changed. So, Law no. 97/2018 regarding some measures to protect the victims of crime, Emergency Ordinance no.24/2019 for the amendment and completion of Law no. 211/2004 and others normative acts have been adopted to complete the legal framework. The author is trying to answer the question of whether these measures are sufficient to ensure a real protection for victims, even during periods of health crises?

Operation provide: a multi-agency response to increasing police engagement in cases of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Because of the lockdown conditions imposed in the United Kingdom to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, police services responded to the risk of increased domestic abuse and intimate partner violence in a variety of ways. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a multi-agency pilot program put in place to increase the engagement in both the criminal investigation and safeguarding actions of the police and other agencies for victims of intimate partner violence. In this program, independent domestic violence advocates and independent sexual violence advocates work side by side in a police patrol capacity, conducting joint incident response to reports of domestic abuse in an effort to provide enhanced, immediate victim support. The early findings indicate significant overall increases in engagement with criminal prosecutions. The level of engagement of repeat victims in respect of safeguarding and criminal investigations also greatly increased. In addition, individual offences of controlling and coercive behaviour, harassment, threats to kill, affray and malicious communications showed significant rises in engagement. The findings indicate that improved victim support at an earlier stage improves the likelihood of agencies protecting, preventing and reducing cases affecting victims of intimate partner violence. Areas of further research include victim and practitioner perspectives and a more comprehensive data analysis to evaluate if these early findings remain at greater volumes and over time.

Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool Questionnaire.

This study aimed to assess the validity and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST-E) questionnaire. This was a cross-sectional study aimed at midwives and obstetricians in Spain. An online survey was conducted consisting of 2 parts: the first part collected different variables, and the second part collected the SVEST-E. The temporal stability of the instrument was evaluated using the test-retest method. For the construct validity and reliability, an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were performed using FACTOR program v.10 with a polychoric correlation matrix. A total of 689 professionals participated in the study (323 obstetrician physicians/366 midwives). The mean (SD) score on the SVEST-E for the total sample was 3.09 (0.50). The parallel analysis of the exploratory factor analysis suggested a 5-factor solution, with a total explained variability of 61.8%. The goodness-of-fit indices of the model were the following: root mean square error of approximation = 0.038 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.031-0.042) and comparative fit index = 0.989 (95% CI, 0.988-0.992). The factor model obtained was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, obtaining the values of root mean square error of approximation = 0.038 (95% CI, 0.026-0.053) and comparative fit index = 0.989 (95% CI, 0.969-1.000). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99). The SVEST-E instrument maintains the same items as the original questionnaire but introduces changes in the organization of its dimensions. The Spanish version maintains adequate construct validity, reliability, and temporal stability, so it is a valid tool to evaluate the second victim experience in Spanish health professionals.

Translation and Validation of the Malay Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (M-SVEST-R) among Healthcare Workers in Kelantan, Malaysia

“Second victims” are defined as healthcare professionals who are traumatized physically, psychologically, or emotionally as a result of encountering any patient safety incidents. The Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST-R) is a crucial instrument acknowledged worldwide for the assessment of the second victim phenomenon in healthcare facilities. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the SVEST-R. This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 350 healthcare professionals from a teaching hospital in Kelantan, Malaysia. After obtaining permission from the original author, the instrument underwent 10 steps of established translation process guidelines. Pretesting of 30 respondents was performed before embarking on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate internal consistency and construct validity. The analysis was conducted using the R software environment. The final model agreed for 7 factors and 32 items per the CFA’s guidelines for good model fit. The internal consistency was determined using Raykov’s rho and showed good results, ranging from 0.77 to 0.93, with a total rho of 0.83. The M-SVEST-R demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and adequate validity and reliability. This instrument can be used by Malaysian healthcare organizations to assess second victim experiences among healthcare professionals and later accommodate their needs with the desired support programs.

Practical Scenario of Implementation of the Children Act, 2013 in Sylhet Metropolitan Area and Rule of Law

According to section 96 of the Children Act, 2013 "the Government shall take all necessary measures for the effective implementation of this Act and may, if necessary, issue directions in this regard". That means Bangladesh has to take essential steps regarding implementation of the Children Act, 2013 under its territory including Sylhet Metropolitan Area. To ensure protection of the best interest of the child and application of rule of law in this Sylhet Metropolitan Area the Government of Bangladesh shall try its best. If in that mentioned area does not get implementation of this said Act the Government cannot say they are able to establish rule of law whole over Bangladesh. Main objective of this study is to highlight the current situation of implementation of the Children Act, 2013 in Sylhet Metropolitan Area. This study provides suggestions to the Government, which steps are necessary to take for the effective implementation of the mentioned Act in Sylhet Metropolitan Area. Secondary and primary data used in the research are based on fieldwork in different child related institutions (Probation Officers Office, Police Station, Metropolitan Children’s Court, Sharkari Shishu Paribar, Chotomoni Nibash, Safe Home, Victim Support Centre, and Development Fair 2018).

Вплив волемічної підтримки збалансованим кристалоїдним розчином на предиктори розвитку ниркового пошкодження в постраждалих із тяжкою черепно-мозковою травмою

Актуальність теми. Інфузійна терапія являє собою невід’ємну частину інтенсивної терапії постраждалих із тяжкою черепно-мозковою травмою, однак ефективність інфузійно-трансфузійної терапії багато в чому залежить від цілеспрямованого обґрунтування її програми, характеристик інфузійних розчинів, їх фармакологічних властивостей та фармакокінетики. На даному етапі інтенсивної терапії вибір розчину для проведення волемічної підтримки в постраждалих із тяжкою черепно-мозковою травмою залишається дискутабельним. Мета дослідження: оптимізувати методику проведення волемічної підтримки в постраждалих із тяжкою черепно-мозковою травмою з метою зменшення ймовірності ниркового пошкодження та забезпечення проведення осмолярно безпечної терапії. Матеріали та методи. Обстежені 90 постраждалих із тяжкою черепно-мозковою травмою віком від 18 до 65 років. Рівень свідомості за шкалою коми Глазго при надходженні та через 12 годин після проведення первинної ресусцитації — 5–11 балів, тяжкість стану за шкалою APACHE II — 21,0 ± 2,7 бала. Усі хворі були поділені на дві групи — групу контролю та дослідження. Постраждалим у групі контролю волемічна підтримка проводилась 0,9% розчином NaCl за загальноприйнятою методикою. У групі дослідження волемічна підтримка проводилась збалансованим кристалоїдним розчином. В обох групах моніторувалися показники натрію, хлору, а також визначалася осмолярність плазми крові. Результати. За даними нашого дослідження, у постраждалих, волемічна підтримка яким здійснювалася збалансованим кристалоїдним розчином, спостерігаються безпечні показники натрію та осмолярності плазми крові впродовж усього терміну дослідження. У той час як у групі контролю до 9-ї доби лікування гіперосмолярність сягає свого максимуму. Також у групі дослідження спостерігається значно менш виражена гіперхлоремія. Висновок. Установлено, що застосування для волемічної підтримки збалансованого кристалоїдного розчину суттєво зменшило вираженість гіпернатріємії та гіперхлоремії впродовж перших 10 діб лікування, також збалансований кристалоїдний розчин дозволяє забезпечити проведення осмолярно безпечної терапії.

Sex trafficking screening and intervention in the emergency department: A scoping review.

IntroductionHuman sex trafficking is a global public health crisis. Emergency departments (EDs) are important access points for trafficked persons who seek medical care. However, because of victims’ hesitancy to disclose their situation and health care practitioners' lack of training and institutional protocols, many trafficked persons go unrecognized.MethodsWe performed a scoping review of current literature. PubMed, SCOPUS, and reference lists were searched to identify articles for inclusion. We aimed to identify gaps in knowledge and shortcomings to assist this vulnerable population. Two reviewers independently screened literature search results and abstracted data from included studies. Descriptive analysis was conducted.ResultsWe selected and analyzed 23 studies that focused on adult human sex trafficking identification, screening, interventions, or education in the ED. Eight (35%) of the publications used a survey model to quantitatively assess outcomes. Many of the other publications were descriptive or qualitative in nature, with some using a structured interview approach. We have observed that no validated or consistent screening tool exists for the identification of possible adult trafficked patients in the ED. However, we found that educational interventions and screening tools can improve health care practitioners’ confidence, victim identification, and knowledge of “next steps” for victims.ConclusionsWe found that most ED clinicians and staff have little or no formal training in sex trafficking victim identification, support, institutional protocols, or available local resources. Our review demonstrates a paucity of formal training programs, validated adult screening tools, and standardized institutional protocols to aid in the care of trafficked patients in the ED.

Violences sexuelles entre partenaires intimes : caractéristiques et enjeux cliniques

IntroductionIntimate partner sexual violence is identified as a common form of intimate partner violence. It is also the most widespread form of sexual violence in the world, with one woman in four affected during her lifetime. In France, couple relationships appear to be the area of life most at risk of sexual victimization in adulthood. However, our understanding of this phenomenon is limited, with few targeted studies in the international literature and very little data in France. Most studies tend to focus on sexual violence in general or intimate partner violence in general, without exploring in depth the characteristics and issues of sexual violence when committed by a partner. While intimate partner violence is a major public health issue, what do we know about intimate partner sexual violence and how can we use this information to provide a better support for victims? ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to summarize the current state of the art about intimate partner sexual violence, along two major lines: a descriptive line, focusing on the nature, extent, and expressions of sexual violence in couples, as well as its clinical effects; and a food-for-thought line, focusing on the identification of issues likely to contribute to the harmful power of intimate partner sexual violence. Materials and methodsArticles were selected from referenced databases, such as PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science. The terms “intimate partner sexual violence” and “intimate partner rape” were used as first choice, and then the keywords “intimate partner violence; domestic violence; domestic abuse; intimate partner; relationship; battered women; spouse; wife; marital” were cross-referenced with the terms “rape; sexual violence; sexual abuse; sexual coercion; unwanted sex; forced sex”. The search for articles was carried out between February 2021 and May 2021. ResultsThe literature tends to indicate that intimate partner sexual violence develops mainly in relationships already marked by violence. It appears to be co-occurring with physical and psychological violence by the partner elsewhere in the relationship, but also simultaneously with the abuses. Intimate partner sexual violence is repetitive and has multiple expressions: their reality extends beyond intimate partner rape. They seem to be associated with unique deleterious effects for the victims, and could be an indicator of the severity of the overall situation of intimate partner violence, with increased post-traumatic and depressive symptomatology, as well as a greater number of deaths by suicide and homicide. However, they are still perceived as less serious than sexual violence by a non-partner or a stranger, both by society and by the women affected. This discrepancy between the seriousness of sexual violence between partners and its global and individual perception is to put into perspective with the dysfunctional dynamics of sexual consent in violent relationships. However, the research is scarce, and more studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the numerous aspects of intimate partner sexual violence. ConclusionsThe clinical reality of intimate partner sexual violence is both worrying and poorly understood. It must be recognized and addressed in treatment because of its traumatic potential and its power regarding psychological confusion for the victims. The current state of knowledge indicates that asking women who have experienced violence from their partner about sexual violence is an essential part of practice. The professionals in contact with this public must be properly trained to be able to provide adequate responses.

Model of victims’ socio-psychological support in emergency conditions

The article presents a model of socio-psychological support of victims at all stages of the emergency. The methodological basis of the study were the provisions on stress and distress (G. Cellier), the requirements on psychological preparedness for emergencies (V. Dukhnevich), and the achievements of crisis, extreme psychology (Yu. Alexandrovsky). Theoretical analysis of the literature on this issue was used as research methods; systematization and generalization of concepts, approaches, and research in social and psychological support of victims of emergencies. The stage of emergency deployment is considered: 1) the stage of vital reactions; 2) stage of acute emotional shock; 3) stage of psychophysiological demobilization; 4) stage of actual completion; 5) recovery stage; 6) stage of distant reactions. Objective risks are described for each stage; life tasks; features of psycho-emotional states; typical psychological, behavioral reactions; ethical dilemmas; manifestations of constructive and destructive behavior; necessary self-regulation skills; social and psychological assistance needed by victims. It is concluded that the socio-psychological support of victims of emergencies is a gradual solution to specific life tasks of an individual or group, which allows minimizing the negative consequences for physical and mental health at each stage of the emergency. Creating protocols for each of the stages of the emergency will further help to standardize the socio-psychological support of victims. Thanks to the implementation of the proposed model in training rescuers, it will be possible to create an image of constructive action at each stage of the deployment

The second victim experience: cross-cultural adaptation of an instrument for the Brazilian context.

To cross-culturally adapt and analyze the evidence of content validity of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool for the Portuguese language spoken in Brazil. Psychometric study of cross-cultural adaptation following the steps of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System. Semantic, idiomatic, experimental, and conceptual equivalences were evaluated. The content validity was verified using the Content Validity Ratio. 31 health professionals from the city of São Paulo participated in the pre-test. The equivalence analysis showed an agreement rate was 88.7%. The content validity presented 86% of the items with Content Validity Ratio values ​​above the stipulated. In the pre-test, the participants reported that they understood the items of the instrument and only 10% of the participants reported difficulty in understanding any item. The Brazilian version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool presented a good translation quality and good evidence of content validity.

Water Disappearing into Water: Healing Male Victims of Sexual Violence

This research paper presents key aspects of the experiences of Chinese male people who identify as sexual assault victims. The paper will also focus on the impacts of their experiences on their livelihoods. Using aspects of law, sex education, and psychological counseling as a lens, the report refers to domestic and foreign sexual assault reports and related policies and documents to explore the potential reasons for an observed lack of support for male victims of sexual assault. It then interprets and synthesizes the results and provides potential solutions. For a period of twenty years, data were collected from multiple sources, including books, journals, and online media. It is worth noting that cases of rape and defilement among men are less likely to be reported than cases involving women. Despite this, male victims of sexual assault are not uncommon, but society, for various reasons, evades the issue. The fact that male sexual violence is not adequately acknowledged and addressed by Chinese society not only affects those who identify as having lived experiences of sexual violence but also leads to larger social problems, such as alienation of oneself from society and dysfunctional social structures. It is, therefore, imperative to find solutions that address the needs of these men. This article proposes action in three areas: to adjust the legal scope of rape and the identification of individuals who need help; to improve the quality of sexual education with regards to its content, deliverance, and accessibility; and to strengthen and regulate professional counseling services, and providing access to competent psychological services through the Chinese health insurance system.

A study on the psychology and support for a male sex crime victim

A study on the psychology and support for a male sex crime victim

Interpersonal social support for women victims of violence in Latin America: review of the literature

Interpersonal social support for women victims of violence in Latin America: review of the literature

The stench of bathroom bills and anti-transgender legislation: Anxiety and depression among transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender LGBQ people during a state referendum.

Informed by structural stigma theory, this article presents the results of two studies that explored mental health experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse (TNG) individuals and cisgender lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) individuals (N = 523) prior to and following a state referendum to remove gender-based protections. In the Preelection Study, a path model explored relationships among individual factors (i.e., TNG identity, history of gender-based victimization), interpersonal variables (i.e., Referendum familiarity, exposure to Referendum-related messages, sexual orientation, and gender identity-specific social support), and mental health factors (i.e., Referendum-related anxiety and depressive symptomatology). Referendum-related anxiety mediated the relationships between TNG identity, gender-based victimization, sexual orientation and gender identity social support, and depressive symptomatology, explaining 40% of the variance in depressive symptomatology. Postelection, a subsample of participants (N = 117) was used to test a model of differences from pre- to postelection. Neither TNG identity nor victimization predicted Postelection mental health, however, Referendum-related anxiety and depressive symptomatology were significantly lower following the ballot vote that retained gender-based rights. Clinical implications suggest sexual and gender minorities may report increased anxiety in the face of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) legislation, which may be associated with heightened symptoms of depression. TNG people and LGBTQ people with histories of gender-based victimization may be more at risk for mental health concerns related to anti-TNG legislation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).