Victimization Experiences Research Articles

Lived Experience of Victims of Human Trafficking for Sex Work in India: Liminality Within Rehabilitation Process

The paper focuses on the lived experience of female victims of human trafficking in the sex industry in India, analysing the phenomenon through the lens of liminality. The research combines the obtained data together with the theoretical concepts of liminality through which the daily reality of survivors living in Rehabilitation centre with focus on their transformative period and liminality is depicted. The study is based on field research conducted in 2022 and 2023 in Mumbai and Delhi in selected NGOs and its rehabilitation centres and adjacent RLAs. The submitted contribution is based on research for a dissertation within the framework of doctoral studies.

Assessing Risky Online Behavior for Cyberharassment and Cyberstalking Among University Students in New Zealand.

This study examines the relationship between two types of cyberabuse-cyberharassment and cyberstalking-and constructs from the lifestyle-routine activity approach relating to the visibility and accessibility of victims (targets) online. Data were collected from 185 university students in New Zealand via an online survey. Descriptive statistics shows that cyberabuse victimization experiences in the previous year were common, but respondents only reported associated feelings of fear or distress for half of these experiences. Findings indicated that using dating apps is associated with an increased risk of cyberharassment, and including details of other social network accounts in a user profile is associated with an increased risk of cyberstalking. Interestingly, demographic characteristics did not correlate with victimization. Overall, this research underscores the importance of differentiating between cyberharassment and cyberstalking to inform prevention activities.

The association between self-esteem and physical aggression in elementary school students in Türkiye: the role of being a victim as mediator

Abstract Childhood and early adolescence play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ attitudes and behaviours through the cultivation of self-esteem. While this dynamic may differ among various age groups, self-esteem is anticipated to serve as a protective factor against peer bullying and aggression, particularly within the school setting. The present study aimed to explore the associations between self-esteem, experiences of victimisation, and engagement in physical aggression. This research, structured as a cross-sectional quantitative inquiry, involved administering an online survey to 445 primary and middle school students in Türkiye. Descriptive and correlation analysis was performed with the SPSS 22.0 program, and mediation analysis was performed with the IBM AMOS 24 program. Being a victim was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between self-esteem and physical aggression. Self-esteem reduces physical aggression by reducing being a victim. In this context, educators and policymakers need to focus their efforts to increase self-esteem while developing programs to prevent peer bullying and aggression in schools.

Investigating Agricultural Theft in Japan: A Qualitative Study of Japan Agricultural Cooperatives

Theft of agricultural produce and equipment, especially fruit, has become a serious issue in Japan. However, current understanding of the kinds of challenges each agricultural region faces, which is important to prevent agricultural theft and farmer victimization, is limited. Against this background, the current study involved interviews of stakeholders from Japan Agricultural Cooperatives to better understand the current situation of theft of agricultural products and equipment victimization, the introduction of prevention measures, as well as cooperation with related actors in agricultural theft prevention. In total, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results demonstrate that situations of agricultural theft vary across areas, and a poor harvest may lead to higher risks of theft. It was also found that implementing agricultural theft prevention measures has been difficult due to the limited budget and an ageing population, including farmers. Additionally, in accordance with prior literature in Western nations, some farmers were reluctant to report their victimization experiences to the police. The current study highlights the need for introducing a system through which farmers can report their victimization to the police easily during the harvest season and for conducting empirical research on trends in agricultural theft with a focus on the possibility of displacement of crime. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of implementing crime prevention measures that reflect the characteristics of rural areas and promote mutual understanding among community members.

Criminal Acts Of Attempted Rape Yanng Resulting In A Sense Of Fear ( See Also Decision No. 474 / Pid/2013 / Pt-Mdn)

Sexual violence is a serious offense that involves the coercion of sexual relations without consent, and affects victims in various aspects of their lives. In Indonesia, coercion of sexual relations with violence or threats against women outside of marriage is a complex social problem. The issue of sexual violence, especially involving attempts to force a woman to have sex outside of marriage through violence or threats of violence, has become a profound problem and affects many aspects of human life, both legally, socially, and psychologically. These actions not only violate human rights, but also reflect the deep gender inequality in society. This study aims to examine the phenomenon from three main perspectives: legal, social, and psychological. From a legal perspective, the sexual coercion of a woman outside of marriage through violence or the threat of violence constitutes a serious violation of the laws governing human rights and the protection of women. In this context, in Indonesia, sexual violence is regulated in law No. 12 of 2022 on the crime of sexual violence (TPKS), which provides greater protection for victims and establishes more severe sanctions for perpetrators. Socially, this phenomenon highlights the structural injustices that often occur, in which victims are often blamed or ignored by society, as well as the existence of social stigma towards victims of sexual violence. Patriarchal social norms and gender inequality further exacerbate this situation, leading many victims to feel isolated and afraid to report the violence they experience. From a psychological perspective, sexual coercion can leave a deep traumatic impact on the victim. Such Trauma not only affects the emotional and mental state of the victim in the short term, but can also continue in the long term, affecting interpersonal relationships, and overall mental health. Psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, as well as feelings of inferiority are often experienced by victims of sexual violence. This study aims to provide a more comprehensive picture of the interaction between these three perspectives and how legal, social, and psychological factors play a role in shaping victim experiences as well as in sexual violence prevention and response efforts. Thus, the results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of more effective policies in addressing the problem of sexual violence, as well as increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting women and the mental well-being of victims of sexual violence.

The Role of Resilience Portfolios in Overcoming Trauma

This special issue offers a series of papers that use the resilience portfolio model (RPM) to explore multidimensional, strength-based approaches to resilience in a wide variety of communities. The field is urgently in need of research that helps identify the factors that help people thrive despite exposure to violence and other trauma. We need to know how people typically overcome victimization and other adverse experiences if we are going to improve intervention and minimize the global burden of trauma. The series of papers in this issue consider resilience portfolios across geographic locations, forms of violence and trauma, communities, and age groups. In this introduction, we synthesize key themes in four RPM domains: meaning making, regulatory, interpersonal, and environmental. We use these themes to describe a revised RPM and implications for future research and practices.

Empowering Justice through AI: Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence with Advanced Solutions

This paper scrabble around multipart issues of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based violence (TFGBV) by scrutinizing the overlap between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and legal strategies sighted at diminishing widespread obstacles. Examine the legal structure focused on the effectuality of operating laws engaging in the Technology facilitated Gender Based violence, suggesting improvements and new policies to make invulnerable shield for victims. This paper center on the technological advancements, on the dual role of Artificial Intelligence both as the contrivance exploit to encourage TFGBV and also as a strong collaborator in hinder it, that could aid law enforcement in dispatching justice. Challenges look on to law enforcement and judiciary in taking up TFGBV are underlined, initiating methods to impel response and appropriate justice, stressing the necessity for specialized training and resources. Acknowledging the divergent encounter of victims, paper emphasizes the essentials for justice system to embrace the approaches that examine interesting identities such as sexuality, race, disability, which affect victim experiences and desire reshape legal responses. By comparative research of international approaches to TFGBV discloses constructive policies for counters against online harassment. This paper focused on the balancing sufferer privacy, observation, and unties speech instructions for managing digital verifications. The paper inspects the role of international agreements in acknowledging TFGBV, underling how they can strengthen global endeavors. This paper focused on accommodate the Artificial intelligence and legal framework to flourish and extensive paths to TFGBV, connecting technological innovations with sturdy legal manners strengthen victims protection and grantee offender answerability.

Emotional Resilience and Experiences of Flood Victims in Jitra, Kedah: A Phenomenological Approach

This study aims to explore the experiences and emotional resilience of flood victims in Jitra, Kedah, using a phenomenological approach. Focusing on subjective experiences, the study involves in-depth interviews with two respondents who have repeatedly experienced flooding. Participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques and met the criteria set by the researcher. The study identifies seven main themes: initial flood experiences, flood preparedness, experiences during the flood, challenges faced, the home recovery process after the flood, community and authority support, and future recommendations for better disaster management. The findings suggest that early flood experiences raise awareness of disaster risks and the need for mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts. Preparedness involves storing essential items, ensuring family safety, and taking precautionary steps to minimize property losses. However, the spirit of neighborliness and community support helped alleviate emotional distress. Assistance from the community, NGOs, and authorities—including food aid, financial support, and manpower—played a crucial role in helping victims cope with the situation. Future recommendations highlight the need to improve infrastructure, enhance flood risk awareness, and foster close collaboration between communities and public institutions to strengthen resilience against disasters.

“They Knew Something Was Different About Me, They Date Raped Me”: A Pilot Study on the Sexual Victimization Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults with Differences of Sex Development/Intersex Variations

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities experience an increased risk for sexual victimization. Because these rates are reported in aggregate, little is known about the unique experiences of sexual violence among individuals with differences of sex development/intersex variations (DSD/I). The purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of sexual victimization in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with DSD/I as part of a larger qualitative study exploring experiences of minority stress, stigma, and resilience. Participants were recruited through multidisciplinary care clinics and DSD/I support groups in the United States and the Netherlands. Data on sexual experiences and sexual health were analyzed thematically, with a specific focus on reports of sexual victimization. Of the 20 participants, 25% reported experiences of sexual violence. Experiences were reported across gender identities and DSD/I diagnoses. Participants described experiences as (a) resulting from DSD/I, (b) exacerbated by DSD/I, or (c) healthcare practices experienced as sexual violence. Medicalization, early loss of (bodily) autonomy, and cisgender heteronormative reproductive societal norms were reported as possible factors associated with sexual victimization experiences. The sexual victimization of individuals with DSD/I appears prevalent and associated with specific risk factors and, therefore, deserves clinical and scientific attention.

Campus Sexual Violence Victimization and Perpetration Experiences in Racial, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation Minority Student Subpopulations: A Scoping Review.

Research on campus sexual violence (CSV) victimization and perpetration has grown considerably in recent years; however, knowledge of the experiences of CSV among students within specific racial, gender identity, and sexual orientation subpopulations remains limited. The purpose of this scoping review was to (a) determine any documented differences in CSV prevalence rates among students based on race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and (b) synthesize proposed mechanisms relating to these differences. A total of 37 studies published between 2004 and 2022 met our inclusion criteria, which included peer reviewed quantitative methodology, a U.S. higher education student sample, measures of CSV since entering college/university, and prevalence reports on CSV rates for racial, ethnic, sexual, and/or gender minority students. We found that cisgender women and gender-nonconforming students, sexual minority students, and students from some racial/ethnic minority groups experienced elevated rates of CSV victimization. However, we observed considerable variation in sampling procedures as well as victimization, perpetration, and demographic measures used in these studies. We discuss these findings and offer several explanations for the higher prevalence rates among minoritized student subgroups. We conclude with recommendations for future research.

Associations Between Peer Victimization and Aggression and Three Types of Domestic Violence in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background/Objectives: Peer victimization and aggression can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of adolescents. Adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are one of the risk groups involved in peer victimization and aggression. The association between multiple types of domestic violence and engagement in peer victimization and aggression warrants more examination in adolescents with ADHD. This study examined the associations of parent-to-child aggression (PCA), witness to domestic violence (WDV), and child-to-parent violence (CPV) with the experiences of peer victimization and aggression among adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: In total, 247 adolescents with ADHD (206 boys and 41 girls, mean age [SD] = 13.2 [2.0] years) agreed to participate in this study. Adolescents’ peer victimization and aggression, PCA, WDV, and CPV in the previous year were collected. Results: This study found that 28.3% and 12.6% of adolescents with ADHD reported experiences of peer victimization and aggression, respectively. The rates of having PCA, WDV, and CPV ranged from 38.1% to 56.3%. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis found that child-to-parent financial demand (p = 0.016) and child-to-parent control or domination (p = 0.018) significantly correlated with the experiences of peer victimization. PCA (p = 0.010) and child-to-parent control or domination (p = 0.042) significantly correlated with the experiences of peer aggression. Conclusions: The results of this study show that both CPV and PCA significantly correlate with the experiences of peer victimization and aggression in adolescents with ADHD. CPV and PCA should be included in adolescent prevention programs.

Gendered IPV Disclosure: Understanding Factors That Influence Women's Decision to Report IPV Experiences to the Police.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is pervasive and has several negative consequences. However, IPV victims mostly do not disclose their victimization experiences to law enforcement agencies, and this attitude largely hinders their ability to receive needed treatment. The main purpose of the current study was to examine factors that impact IPV victims' decisions to call the police about their victimization. Using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (1992-2022), we specifically explored the influence of relationships, weapon usage, and injuries on women's disclosure of IPV victimization. A total sample of 476 cases was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results from our analysis showed that injuries sustained and respondents' ethnic background predicted reporting of IPV. Also important were the place of occurrence and frequency of incidents. Specifically, victimizations that resulted in injuries that occurred within the victim's city and happened less than 10 times were significant predictors of the likelihood of reporting to the police. In addition, women who identified as Hispanic were more likely to report their victimization to police compared to those who identified as non-Hispanic. Policy implications of these findings include programs that address the underlying conditions of non-disclosure of IPV to increase reporting among women.

Criminalising feminism: Feminist activists’ experiences and perceptions of state repression in China

State repression of women remains a pressing issue worldwide, yet it is seldom classified as a form of crime in criminological research. While feminist criminology and victimology have extensively explored the experiences of women victims within the context of violence against women, empirical research into women's perceptions and experiences of state repression remains limited in criminology. This article aims to broaden the scope of inquiry to encompass a wider array of victim experiences. This study applies the lens of political repression and state crime victimisation to the situation of feminist activists facing state repression in China, delving into the tactics, characteristics and repercussions of such repression. By conducting detailed interviews with feminist activists and analysing material from public sources, our data illustrates that state repression of feminist activists is perceived by victim-survivors as a form of state crime that harms women both physically and mentally and facilitates other forms of crime against women in society. We argue that victim-survivors’ experiences and perceptions underscore the critical importance of prioritising the act of listening to their voices in criminological discussions of state misconduct.

Exploring the role of technology in human trafficking in Pakistan: A qualitative study of lived experiences of victims.

With the ongoing digital transformation, the internet, mobile, social media and other computer technologies are being increasingly used in the targeting, recruitment, transportation and exploitation of human trafficking victims. The current study is the first of its kind which uses a qualitative method to comprehensively investigate the role of technology in the lived experiences of human trafficking victims in Pakistan. This qualitative study was carried out with a phenomenological approach in two provinces of Pakistan. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with 13 victims who were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The data was then analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach. The data analysis results were divided into four main themes and ten sub-themes. The main themes are: Recruitment approaches, transportation process, exploitation process, and mental health consequences. The analysis show that traffickers extensively use technology across all phases of human trafficking. This study aims to support a range of relevant institutional stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, legislative bodies, policymakers, civil society and SDG (2030) goals, in Pakistan and globally, in their efforts to address and enhance the learning and awareness level regarding related technologies in order to improve investigation in combating technological based human trafficking.

Trajectories of mental health symptoms, suicide attempts and substance use disorders among women after prison release in Santiago, Chile.

Limited research has characterized how mental health changes or persists during reentry, particularly among women, who are a minority in the criminal legal system. We aimed to describe the mental health symptoms trajectory groups, suicide attempts, substance use dependence, and mental healthcare utilization among formerly incarcerated women in Santiago, Chile, during 1-year after release. We assessed 200 women in a five-wave prospective cohort study using three different mental health indicators: the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) scale before release and at one week, two, six, and twelve months after release, self-reported suicide attempts, and substance use dependence using the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview. We used latent class growth analysis to identify groups following similar symptom trajectories using the Global Severity Index of the SCL-90-R. We performed multinomial and logistic regressions to identify correlates of these outcomes. Three trajectory groups were identified: Low (85.8%), Increasing (6.8%), and High (7.4%) symptom severity. 19.3% attempted suicide during follow-up. 18.9% met the criteria for substance use dependence at both baseline and twelve months. In multivariate regression analysis, the previous number of convictions and victimization experiences were associated with all outcomes. 10% or less received mental health services at any measurement. Most women had stable severity of mental health symptoms during the first year after release. Pre-release cross-sectional screening misses a group with increasing symptom severity and substance use dependence during reentry. Routine mental health assessments would be useful during reentry and guidance to make better use of services during this critical period.

Ikhlas, Lepas, Tuntas : Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis tentang Pengalaman Perempuan Korban Toxic Relationship dalam Berpacaran

A toxic relationship is an unhealthy relationship between a man and a woman, which generally causes psychological and physical discomfort. This study focused on women as victims of toxic relationships, with semi-structured interviews with two female participants who experienced toxic relationships. Aiming to find out the description of the experiences of women victims of toxic relationships, with the uniqueness of each participant, then be analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The results found five main themes: toxic behavior; motivation to maintain relationships; the impact of a toxic relationship; self- awareness; hope. The unique theme that emerged in the participants was a complex form of violence in the second participant which was influenced by the duration of the relationship including physical, psychological, economic violence and other things. The findings in this study can be a lesson especially for people who are dating to be more aware of the health of the relationship that is being undertaken.

Sexual and gender minority identity, peer victimization, and suicidality in adolescents: Amediation study using the ABCD Study.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are more susceptible to suicidal ideation and attempts compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Yet, it is unclear how interpersonal and online victimization experiences account for the elevated suicide risks in this population. This study investigates the extent of peer and cyber victimization among SGM youth and its contribution to their higher risks of suicidal ideation and attempts longitudinally. Data were from the first three waves of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (5,596 9-10-year-old youth; 2,640 [47.2%] female; 3,107 [55.5%] non-Hispanic White). Youth reported sexual and gender identities and experiences of peer (overt, relational, reputational) and cyber victimization. Suicidal ideation and attempts were assessed using youth reports of Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for DSM-5. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to quantify the association between SGM identity reported at waves 1-2 (9-11 years) and suicidal ideation and attempts at wave 3 (11-12 years) and longitudinal mediation analysis to determine whether peer and cyber victimization accounted for these associations. SGM youth were at greater risk for lifetime suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR] 4.75, 95% CI 3.74-6.03), lifetime suicide attempts (OR 5.87, 95% CI 3.72-9.28), and current suicidal ideation or attempts (OR 4.94, 95% CI 3.19-7.68) compared to non-SGM youth. SGM youth experienced elevated peer (overt: β = 0.40, 95% CI 0.31-0.49; relational: β = 0.43, 95% CI 0.34-0.53; reputational: β = 0.51, 95% CI 0.42-0.60) and cyber victimization (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.77-3.11). Around 22%-28% of the disparities in current suicidal ideation or attempts were mediated by peer or cyber victimization. SGM youth are disproportionately affected by both interpersonal and online victimization, which are subsequently associated with their elevated suicide risks. Our findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to foster safer school and online environments to reduce suicide among SGM youth.

Voices on the Wall: Analyzing Intimate Partner Violence Graffiti with Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning

Abstract Purpose Graffiti can communicate much about notions of justice. We were interested to see what U.S. restroom graffiti, directly outside of a domestic violence protective order issuing court, might tell us about the experiences of the women and men seeking protection from intimate partner violence (IPV). Specifically, our research addressed four questions: whether the graffiti thematically connects to its proximity to an IPV protective order court; whether it differs measurably from other restroom graffiti; whether it provides potential for mutual support and connections; and whether it conveys victim realities that foster a sense of community among IPV survivors. Method Restroom graffiti was collected in three different locations. One was a women’s restroom outside of a protective order issuing courtroom, one was the men’s restroom outside the same location and the third was a random women’s restroom. We used a language processing model and predictive machine learning models to analyze the data for similarities and differences. Results The analysis explored four primary research questions offering insight into the themes within the content, uncovering measurable differences across locations, emphasizing graffiti’s potential to facilitate connections and mutual support and demonstrating how this type of graffiti contributes to building meaningful communities. Conclusions This study highlights that graffiti outside IPV protective order issuing courtrooms reflects the emotional experiences of victims, creating thematic connections between their shared realities. It reveals that this graffiti is distinct from other restroom graffiti, suggesting that the location shapes its content. The graffiti also appears to facilitate connections, offering victims an outlet for expression. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community among victims, symbolizing solidarity and support in a public yet personal manner.

Experiencing and subsequently reporting sexual victimization among U.S. college students with disabilities.

We examined whether U.S. college students across multiple disability types were at an increased risk for sexual victimization (compared with students without disability) and whether disability type or registration with the accessibility office was associated with odds of reporting sexual victimization experiences to any campus-designated program/resource. We predicted (a) students with disabilities will have higher odds of sexual victimization than students without disabilities, (b) student survivors with disabilities will have higher odds of reporting than student survivors without disabilities, and (c) student survivors with disabilities who are registered with the accessibility office will have higher odds of reporting than student survivors with disabilities who are not registered. This study used the 2019 Association of American Universities campus climate survey data (N = 163,190) to examine experiences with and reporting of sexual victimization through a series of mixed-effects logistic regression models. We expected that students with disabilities would be more likely to experience and report sexual victimization and that registration with accessibility services would further increase reporting. Students across disability types were more likely than students without disabilities to experience sexual victimization. Among student survivors, students with disabilities were more likely to report their victimization to at least one program/resource than students without disabilities. Student survivors who were registered with the campus accessibility office had a higher likelihood of reporting to each program/resource examined. Findings reinforce the importance of collaboration across programs/resources to ensure care to student survivors irrespective of students' points of contact. Given that student survivors with disabilities are reporting, institutions should unpack "what's working" and tailor strategies to encourage reporting among student survivors who are less likely to report. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Mediating Role of Psychological Capital, Coping Styles Between Neurotic and Negative Experiences in Chinese Nurses' Second Victims: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Nurses commonly experience negative experiences after experiencing a patient safety event, triggering a domino effect on the nurses themselves, subsequent patients, and healthcare organisations, thus requires urgent attention. To explore the mediating role of psychological capital and coping styles between neurotic personality and negative experiences of nurses' second victims, and to provide theoretical guidance for nursing administrators to develop targeted strategies to mitigate negative experiences of nurses' second victims. In June-July 2023, a general information questionnaire, a neurotic personality subscale, the Chinese version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Scale, the Nurses' Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and the Coping Styles Questionnaire were used to conduct an online survey of 213 nurses' second victims and structural equation modelling was constructed to clarify the relationship between these elements. Psychological capital and coping styles partially mediated the relationship between neurotic personality and negative experiences in the nurses' second victims, with a total indirect effect value of 0.203 and a total effect value of 0.303, for a mediating effect of 33.00%. Neurotic personality and immature coping styles negatively predict the degree of negative experience, while psychological capital and mature coping styles positively predict the degree of negative experience. Psychological capital and coping styles play a partial mediating role between neurotic personality and negative experience. After a patient safety incident, nursing managers can mitigate the negative experiences of nurses' second victims in patient safety incidents by reducing their neurotic personality tendencies, enhancing their level of psychological capital, and guiding them to adopt mature coping styles. No patient or public contribution.