Victims Of Assault Research Articles

Does Youth Resentment Matter in Understanding the Surge of Extremist Violence in Burkina Faso?

Abstract The year 2019 marked an unprecedented step in violence in Burkina Faso. Before 2018, attacks targeted central government officials and expatriates. In 2019, the victims of sexual assaults, attacks, abductions or forced disappearances and assassinations were mostly local civilians. The surge in these violent attacks against civilians generates population movements. As of 2023, internally displaced people represent about 10% of the total population in the country. Several observers point to the youth of the attackers. This study investigates the motives that could drive young people to resort to violence in the country. It aims to highlight youth resentment's effect on violence against civilians in the country as of 2019. It takes advantage of one of the latest nationwide United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-sponsored surveys conducted in Burkina Faso before some parts of the country became inaccessible because of attacks. Among other information, this survey collected data on youth resentment towards the ability of their kinship to fulfil their needs in 2018, namely before the shift in violence against civilians. We merge this survey into an original dataset that gathers data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), mining data from the MINEX project and distance data computed using Burkina Faso's roads information. The results of an event count model show that youth resentment matters in understanding the occurrence of conflicts. Moreover, the presence of mining companies, the remoteness of infrastructures, ethnic diversity and polarisation also significantly affect violence against civilians.

Development and Validation of the Bystander Engagement Scale for Witnessed Intimate Partner Violence: A South Korean Version.

Bystanders play a crucial role in assisting and rescuing victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) or sexual assault, thereby preventing further harm. Consequently, an increasing amount of research has focused on improving bystander interventions in such situations. While many existing scales that measure bystanders' willingness to intervene and their behaviors are likely tailored to Western settings and primarily focused on preventing sexual assaults, pursuing diversity to make these scales applicable to a variety of contexts is necessary. This study aimed to develop and validate a scale from South Korean samples that measure the likely level of bystander engagement in witnessed IPV situations, named the Bystander Engagement Scale for Witnessed Intimate Partner Violence (BESW-IPV). Preliminary items, developed to describe various IPV situations that a bystander might witness, underwent content validity testing through expert review and cognitive focus group interviews. Afterward, the scale was administered to 311 participants from the target population in South Korea. The scale's factor structure was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability and validity were rigorously assessed. The final version of the BESW-IPV comprised 28 items. Through EFA, "direct IPV indicators" and "indirect IPV indicators" were identified. Together, these factors accounted for 76.10% of the total variance. CFA affirmed that the final model offers an acceptable fit. The scale's convergent and discriminant validities were also well established. The Cronbach's alpha and the McDonald's omega values were 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. In contrast to many existing tools that measure bystander intervention predominantly within the confines of Western educational settings, we believe that the BESW-IPV can be applied in broader contexts, especially in patriarchal environments. Further research is required to translate and validate this tool in different cultural contexts.

Drinking, Diversity, and Discrimination: Campus-Level Factors that Influence Students' Risk of Experiencing Sexual Assault.

College students' individual-level risk factors for sexual assault victimization have been studied for decades, but fewer studies have looked at whether and how campus-level factors, such as campus-level rates of discrimination and campus diversity, might also influence student victimization risk. Identifying these broader factors can inform efforts to develop more effective campus-level sexual assault preventive interventions. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a large, multi-campus health and well-being survey (N = 309,171 students across 474 US campuses) to explore how campus-level factors shape students' risk of experiencing sexual assault after accounting for students' individual-level risk factors. Using mixed-effects logistic regression, we examined the influence of campus-level factors (e.g., campus sexual orientation demographics and gender diversity) on students' odds of experiencing sexual assault, after accounting for individual risk factors (e.g., sexual and gender minority status). Although some campus characteristics, such as enrollment size, had small significant effects on students' odds of experiencing sexual assault, we found larger significant effects from aggregated campus-level rates of binge drinking, campus diversity (particularly regarding sexual orientation and gender), and discrimination. These findings suggest that comprehensive campus sexual violence prevention would benefit from strategies that promote safe and inclusive campuses, especially for students with marginalized sexual and gender identities.

Protecting but Not Protected: Sexual Assault in the Military

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to uncover common themes among tweets shared by victims of military sexual assault (MSA) and make suggestions for policy implications. By using Twitter as a unique data source, researchers were able to analyze self-report data that were not available elsewhere. Results of this qualitative study indicate leadership has a profound impact on MSA. Leaders failed victims in several ways: some were the offenders, some hindered the reporting process, and others ridiculed the victim. Researchers suggest reevaluation of current programs, creation of training programs for military leaders, and adequate resources be made available to MSA victims.

Do Concerns About Police Reporting Vary by Assault Characteristics? Understanding the Nonreporting Decisions of Sexual Assault Victims Who Utilize Alternative Reporting Options.

Forensic nurses routinely provide services to sexual assault victims who are uncertain about reporting their assault to police. The purpose of this study was to determine whether assault characteristics are related to the concerns about police reporting expressed by sexual assault victims who have forensic evidence collected but do not report their assault to police at that time. We analyzed medical records of patients who received services at a hospital-based forensic nursing program between 2010 and 2021. Records were included if a sexual assault evidence kit was collected, the patient declined to report the assault to police, and the patient completed a nonreport sexual assault evidence kit supplement form that included a question asking why they chose not to report the assault ( N = 296). We qualitatively analyzed patients' reasons for not reporting the assault and then used two-variable case-ordered matrices and chi-square analyses to explore relationships between reasons for not reporting and assault characteristics. Identified reasons for not reporting included lacking information about the assault, fear of harm/retaliation, and self-blame/minimization. Physical force, drug/alcohol consumption, and victim-offender relationship were related to patients referencing lacking information and fearing harm/retaliation as reasons for not reporting, but not related to the frequency of patients referencing self-blame/minimization. Results indicate that assault characteristics are related to reasons for not reporting at the time of the medical forensic examination. Being aware of these relationships may help forensic nurses provide patient-centered services and anticipatory guidance.

Impact of Self-Blame and Social Reactions on Adult Sexual Assault Sequelae

This study examined the effects of self-blame attribution and social response after disclosure of sexual assault on the adult female victims’ trauma symptoms. The author applied a sequential explanatory mixed method and quantitatively analyzed the data from 81 women and subsequently conducted in-depth interviews with 10 women who experienced sexual assault in their adulthood. In the final stage, we integrated the two phases and interpreted how self-blame, family reactions, response from institutions, and rape myths affect the sequelae of the victims of sexual assault. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship and impact of individual and social contextual factors of sexual assault sequelae.

Conductas autolíticas suicidas y no suicidas en víctimas de violencia sexual infantil

Sexual violence against children and suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors are two social and health problems that have increased. Sexual assaults have an impact, affecting the tendency to carry out autolytic behaviors. Therefore, it was intended to study the relationship between having been a victim of sexual violence in their childhood and the probability of engaging in suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in adolescence and early adulthood. For this, a systematic review has been carried out, through the Pubmed and PsycInfo databases of articles published between 2015 and 2022. A significant relationship has been found between both problems, observing that the suicide attempts of these victims were intrinsically related to their experiences of aggression. Thus, it has been found that variables such as gender, rumination, emotional dysregulation, social support, and characteristics of aggression mediate the relationship between sexual violence against children and suicidal and non-suicidal autolytic behaviors. This type of investigation helps us to establish the focus of intervention in the cases of victims of child sexual assault, but it should also help to give visibility to the problem and promote preventive intervention protecting children.

L'expérience subjective des femmes de diverses origines ethniques victimes d'agressions sexuelles intrafamiliales pendant l'enfance: Deux études de cas

IntroductionChild sexual abuse (under 18 years old) in women is a widespread problem in all communities, with many serious consequences. Although there are several studies concerning victims of sexual assault, few focuses on their experiences by taking ethnocultural aspects into account. Moreover, although internal attribution is common among victims, i.e., feelings of guilt and shame, few studies explore this aspect in victims from different ethno-cultural backgrounds. However, specific values in different cultures can influence the emotions victims feel and, thus their experiences. ObjectiveThis article aims to explore the experiences of victims of intrafamilial child sexual abuse from different ethno-cultural backgrounds. MethodTwo case studies were carried out. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with two women from different ethnocultural backgrounds who were victims of intrafamilial child sexual abuse. ResultsThe results reveal some similarities between the experiences of these two volunteers, despite their diverse backgrounds, notably concerning the relationship with their mother, gender roles, cultural differences, identity issues, sexuality, feelings of shame and guilt, and consequences of sexual assault. ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of conducting more research on the subject to understand their experiences better. This will enable us to assess their needs better and provide appropriate support.

Timing of Surgery and Preoperative Predictors of Surgical Site Infections for Patients with Depressed Skull Fractures in a Sub-Saharan Tertiary Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major cause of life-threatening morbidity following surgery for depressed skull fractures (DSFs) among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The timing of the surgery for DSF has been questioned as a risk of SSI without a clear cutoff. We aimed to compare the risk of SSI within 3 months between surgery done before versus after 48 h of injury and with its preoperative predictors. We conducted a prospective cohort study at Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Patients with mild-to-moderate TBI with DSF were followed up perioperatively from the operating time up to 3 months. The outcome variables were the incidence risk of SSI, types of SSI, microbial culture patterns of wound isolates, and hospital length of stay. We enrolled 127 patients with DSF, median age = 24 (interquartile range [IQR] = 17-31 years), 88.2% (112/127) male, and assault victims = 53.5%. The frontal bone involved 59%, while 50.4% had a dural tear. The incidence of SSI was 18.9%, mainly superficial incisional infection; Gram-negative microorganisms were the most common isolates (64.7%). The group of surgical intervention >48 h had an increased incidence of SSI (57.3% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.006), a longer median of postoperative hospital stay (8[IQR = 6-12] days versus 5 [IQR = 4-9], [p < 0.001]), and a higher rate of reoperation (71.4% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.05) in comparison with the group of ≤48 h. In multivariate analysis between the group of SSI and no SSI, surgical timing >48 h (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-6.22), pneumocranium on computed tomography [CT] scan (95% CI: 1.50-5.36), and involvement of air sinus (95% CI: 1.55-5.47) were associated with a >2.5-fold increase in the rate of SSI. The SSI group had a longer median hospital stay (p value <0.001). The SSI risk in DSF is high following a surgical intervention >48 h of injury, with predictors such as the frontal location of DSF, pneumocranium on a CT scan, and involvement of the air sinus. We recommend early surgical intervention within 48 h of injury.

The interaction between polygenic risk score and trauma affects the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder in female victims of sexual assault.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered by traumatic events, but genetic vulnerability and a history of childhood trauma may also increase the risk of PTSD onset. Thus, we investigated the interaction between genetic susceptibility according to polygenic risk score (PRS), and traumatic events. We evaluated 68 women with PTSD who had been sexually assaulted and 63 healthy controls with no history of sexual assault. DNA was genotyped using the Infinium Global Screening Array (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA), and PRS analysis was performed using PRSice. Logistic regression models were also used to determine the interaction between childhood trauma, traumatic life events, and PRS and how they contribute to PTSD risk. We found a significant association between PRS, childhood trauma (p = 0.03; OR = 1.241), and PTSD. There was also an interaction between PRS, traumatic life events, and childhood trauma, particularly physical and emotional neglect (p = 0.028; OR = 1.010). When examining neglect separately, we found a modest association between emotional neglect and PTSD (p = 0.014; OR = 1.086). Our findings highlight the importance of considering genetic vulnerability and traumatic experiences in understanding the etiology of PTSD.

Dreams: Charcot's Last Words on Hysteria.

Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893), the leading neurologist of his time, is best remembered for his studies on hysteria presented in clinical lectures at the Paris Salpêtrière hospital. Developing the concept of traumatic male hysteria after accidents in which patients suffered slight physical damage led him to advance a psychological explanation for hysteria. Traumatic hysteria is the context for a close reading of Charcot's "last words" based upon a final unpublished lesson in 1893. This case history concerns a seventeen-year-old Parisian artisan whose various signs of hysteria developed following a dream in which he imagined himself the victim of a violent assault. Charcot identifies the dream/nightmare as the "original" feature determining traumatic hysteria. The dream sets in motion an overwhelming consciousness followed by a susceptibility to "autosuggestion" producing somatic signs of hysteria. Charcot's final lesson on dreams thus culminates his study of the psychological basis of traumatic hysteria.

A Study of the Criminal Victimization of Policewomen by Other Police Officers

Abstract Our research focuses on the criminal victimization of policewomen by other police officers. The data derive from a larger nationwide study on police crime, or cases in which police officers have been arrested for the perpetration of one or more criminal offenses. The current study identifies cases involving policewomen who are victims of police-perpetrated sexual harassment, official misconduct, stalking, indecent exposure, simple and aggravated assault, and rape. The specific goals of the research are three-fold: (1) explore the nature and character of police crimes perpetrated against policewomen, (2) describe cases of police crime perpetrated against policewomen that specifically involve some form of sexual violence, and (3) compare cases of police crime perpetrated against male and female police victims. Findings demonstrate the differential criminal victimization of policewoman, particularly in terms of cases involving police sexual violence (PSV) and officer-involved domestic violence (OIDV).

The Hidden Truth Behind Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market and Speaking Likenesses: The Poetess’ Own Words as Key to Understanding her Troubled Mental Health

In 1845 Christina Rossetti's mental health deteriorated raising questions that caught scholars' attention for decades. This paper aims to pursue a preliminary analysis aiming at answering what may have been the cause behind the alleged sudden decline of the poetess's psychological and physical well-being. The most popular hypotheses are two: the first sees Rossetti suffering from a mental breakdown, and the second and most recent one states that the poetess may have been the victim of a sexual assault. The proposed research follows a qualitative approach by analysing two poems by Rossetti (Goblin Market and Speaking Likenesses) and contextualising her lines to recent studies on the poetess's life. A definitive answer as regards of what was the true reason behind Christina Rossetti’s mental health troubles is yet to be found. However, both poems highlight the depressive state of Rossetti and how this may have been determined by a strong sense of guilt and distress suffered by the poetess. Rossetti highly criticised the strict mindset she was raised in her work. Her state could have been either determined by reaching puberty with the consequent changes in her body or as a consequence of sexual awareness and temptation.

Police perception of their assault victimization risk and advice to cope with the risk

Abstract Policing can be a dangerous profession. While the rate of intentional violence against the police has declined slightly over the past few decades, police rhetoric seems to communicate the opposite. Given this messaging, do officers accurately assess their own risk of violence? To address this question, interviews were conducted with 184 police officers in Pennsylvania. Participants were asked about (1) the risk of assault on police officers compared to 5 years ago; (2) the risk of assault on officers in their own department compared to other police departments; and (3) how they would advise others to cope with this risk. Bivariate analyses indicate that respondents thought police are more likely to be assaulted now compared to 5 years ago. Other findings and implications of these results will be discussed, along with officer advice on how to cope with the risk of policing.

Assessment according to the Crime Victims Compensation Act (OEG) of victims of sexual assault in the area of responsibility of the Catholic Church

Assessment according to the Crime Victims Compensation Act (OEG) of victims of sexual assault in the area of responsibility of the Catholic Church

Comparing the Demographic Characteristics of Victims of Sexual Assault in Rural Versus Urban Areas.

In 2019, over 459,000 persons in the United States survived sexual assault, and 21%-26% sought medical treatment. Ideally, trained medical professionals who understand the unique physical and mental health needs of this patient population, such as forensic nurses, would provide care. Yet, the care that forensic nurses and other healthcare providers can offer to sexual violence/abuse survivors is hindered by the lack of understanding of the demographics of those who seek care. With the delineation of highly affected demographic groups, barriers to care can be addressed. This study compared rates, demographic characteristics, acuity, and codes for sexual violence/abuse encounters experienced by those patients residing in rural versus urban counties of Kentucky (KY). This included encounters before and after SARS-CoV-2. Deidentified claims data were extracted for patient encounters billed with the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification for sexual violence/abuse seen at a university healthcare center serving the Northeastern, Southeastern, and Central regions of KY from October 2015 to February 2021. Analysis comprised descriptive statistics, independent samples t tests, and chi-square tests of association. Significant demographic differences were identified between the two groups. The mean age of those residing in rural areas was significantly younger than those living in urban areas. Similarly, the percentage of male survivors was significantly higher in the rural population. The racial composition also differed, with higher percentages of survivors being Black and Hispanic in the urban population, relative to rural dwellers. Findings suggest that rural youth (especially boys aged 10 years and younger) and urban minorities are at a higher risk for sexual violence/abuse in KY when compared with their counterparts (i.e., urban youth and rural minorities).

A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Treatments for Adolescent and Adult Sexual Assault Victims.

Sexual assault (SA) is a serious crime that is a prevalent mental and public health problem. Addressing the needs of SA victims and providing appropriate treatment are essential to reduce potential adverse short- and long-term outcomes. Our team undertook an extensive systematic literature review (published between January 2006 and July 2021) to provide evidence-based mental health intervention recommendations for adolescent and adult victims of SA. Where SA-specific research was limited, the literature and clinical practice guidelines on treatments for trauma-induced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were reviewed to provide additional information to formulate recommendations. Findings strongly support several primary psychotherapy treatments: cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, narrative exposure therapy, and prolonged exposure therapy. Complementary (aerobic exercise, art, drama, and music therapy) and pharmacological treatments were explored. Mental health nurses who provide services for victims of SA can utilize this overview to guide recommendations for treatment of SA trauma and related PTSD symptoms to mitigate the short- and long-term negative impacts after a traumatic event. When victims of SA receive optimal mental health treatments, our communities benefit as victims heal and recover.

Sexual misconduct among elementary and middle school‐aged children in partial hospitalization setting

Often discussions of sexual misconduct of minors center on adult‐on‐child incidents; however, the frequency of student‐on‐student sexual misconduct has been on the rise. Sexual misconduct is defined as any conduct which is sexual in nature and is unwelcome and engaged in without consent. Sexual misconduct can include a range of behaviors including sexual harassment and unwanted touching. Recent data indicates that one‐half to three‐quarters of child sexual abuse and assault victimization experiences are committed by other children.

Emergency Department Usage Patterns Among Pediatric Victims of Gun Violence and Physical Assault.

Violent injuries are a common reason for pediatric emergency department (ED) visits, with gun violence being the leading cause of violent death among children. The objective of this study was to assess for patterns of pediatric ED usage that are associated with future ED visits for violent injuries. This case-control study included youths aged 6 to 19 years who presented to a pediatric ED over a 3-year period due to a physical assault (PA) or their first known gunshot wound (GSW). We compared them with age-, race-, and sex-matched youths presenting for nonviolent medical complaints. All previous ED visits were coded as (1) injuries due to a previous PA, (2) mental/behavioral health visits, (3) sexual/reproductive health visits, (4) sexual assault, or (5) concerns for child abuse. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify patterns of previous ED usage associated with future ED visits for injuries related to PA and/or GSW. The PA and GSW groups used the ED for previous PAs, mental/behavioral health, sexual/reproductive health, sexual assault, and/or child abuse concerns on average 4 to 8 times as often as the control group. Previous ED visits for mental/behavioral health (odds ratio [OR] 5), sexual/reproductive health (OR 3), sexual assault (OR 9), and prior PA (OR 8) were predictive of a future ED visit for PA. Male sex (OR 6) and previous ED visits for PA (OR 5) were predictive of a future ED visit for GSW. Two percent of the PA group and 9% of the GSW group returned to the ED with a subsequent GSW in the following 16 to 40 months. Emergency department visits due to interpersonal violence, mental/behavioral health, sexual/reproductive health, and sexual assault are associated with recurrent ED visits for violent injuries. Awareness of patterns of ED usage may aid in identifying patients at high risk for violence and increase opportunities for preventative interventions.

Time to Heal: Trauma's Impact on Rape &amp; Sexual Assault Statutes of Limitations

Short statutes of limitations for sex crimes ask the impossible of many victims: report the crime before they have recovered from the trauma. Perpetrators go free as a direct result of the injury they caused. Nearly a third of victims of rape and sexual assault have PTSD during their lifetimes. PTSD is associated with three symptoms pertinent to reporting a crime: avoidance coping (avoiding distressing thoughts, feelings, or reminders of the attack), dissociative amnesia (forgetting important or all aspects of the attack), and depression. These symptoms all affect a victim’s psychological ability to report a crime before a short statute of limitations runs.&#x0D; This Article summarizes and critiques the current state of statutes of limitations across the country for rape, forcible rape, and sexual assault. In many states, the statute of limitations is shockingly short. No state tolls limitations periods for trauma-induced reporting delay, but every state should. In fact, given the rates of PTSD among victims and the associated symptoms, this Article advocates for extending statutes of limitations in all cases to ten years for rape and sexual assault and abolishing limitation periods for forcible rape. These changes will give victims more time to heal from the trauma inflicted on them, allowing victims to report when they are ready, and will help ensure that attackers will not escape punishment because of the trauma they inflicted.