Victims Of Child Abuse Research Articles

Collaborating for Family Safety

Over the past three decades, children exposed to domestic violence have moved from being considered “invisible victims” to being the focus of extensive social science research and the target of innovative interventions. Class action suits such as the Nicholson case have accelerated attention to these children and their families as well as accelerated changes in policy and practice. As this interest was growing nationwide, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), supported by the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, convened a national working group in the late 1990s to focus on the fragmentation of services provided to families with children where adult domestic violence was occurring. The children in these families may have been direct victims of child abuse and neglect and/or exposed to the violence between adults in their homes. The result was a set of best practice guidelines published in 1999 as Effective Intervention in Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment: Guidelines for Policy and Practice. This document has become known as the Greenbook, deriving its name from the color of its cover.

An examination of risky sexual behavior and HIV in victims of child abuse and neglect: A 30-year follow-up.

This article examined links between childhood maltreatment and risky sexual behavior (early sexual contact, promiscuity, prostitution) and HIV in adulthood. Using a prospective cohort design, physically and sexually abused and neglected children (ages 0-11) with documented cases during 1967-1971 were matched with nonmaltreated children and followed into adulthood. Early sexual contact, promiscuity, and prostitution were assessed through in-person interviews and official records (prostitution) at approximate age 29 (N=1196). HIV tests were conducted at approximate age 41 (N=631). Child maltreatment was associated with prostitution (OR=2.47, 95% CI=1.35-4.50) and early sexual contact (OR=1.73, 95% CI=1.24-2.40). Prevalence of HIV in the abuse/neglect group was twice that in controls (OR=2.35, 95% CI=.64-8.62), although this difference did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance. SEM provided significant support for a model linking child abuse and neglect to prostitution through early sexual contact and a marginal link to HIV through prostitution. These findings provide prospective evidence that maltreated children are more likely to report sexual contact before age 15, engage in prostitution by young adulthood, and test positive for HIV in middle adulthood.

Longitudinal Analysis of Repeated Child Abuse Reporting and Victimization: Multistate Analysis of Associated Factors

Most child subjects of maltreatment reports to child protective services (CPS) are involved just once, whereas other children experience repeated investigations and victimizations. This study examines individual, maltreatment, and service-related factors associated with maltreatment rereporting and substantiated rereporting in a multistate context. Case-level National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System data (505,621 children) were analyzed. Within 24 months, 22% of children were rereported, and 7% were rereported with substantiation. Younger and White and mixed race children, those with disabilities, and those whose caregivers abused alcohol were more likely to be rereported and rereported and substantiated. Service provision, including foster care placement, was associated with increased likelihood of subsequent events. When CPS agency performance is assessed using measures of reentry, separate measures may be necessary for children who receive services, so that improvements in safety can be appropriately recognized. Reentry into CPS is a complex interaction of risks to children and systemic factors tied to the intervention they receive.

Public Perception and Reporting of Different Kinds of Family Abuse in Hong Kong

The prevalence and serious consequences of family violence have given rise to massive research efforts. However, there is often a discrepancy between the official definitions and public perception of child abuse, elder abuse, and spouse abuse cases. Under-reporting is common due to lack of awareness of the abusive behaviors by the public. Differences between perception of abuse and reporting are well documented in the context of single group of victims. However, research studies on the differences in perception and reporting of different forms of abusive behaviors that occur to victims of child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse are scarce. The present study attempts to examine whether perception and reporting of abuse will be different with respect to who the victim is and how the victim is abused. Findings show that perception and reporting of abusive behavior differ with respect to the victims of abuse and to the nature of abusive behaviors. Implications of these differences and directions for practice are discussed.

The nurse facing childhood sexual abuse diagnosis

The present article discuss nursing diagnosis face sexual abuse victim child, considering magnitude problem in health and psychosexual development repercussions. The objective is reflect about nurse action face childhood sexual abuse situations. Methodology: this is a descriptive and exploratory study, using bibliographic survey about nurse participation in childhood sexual abuse diagnosis. We believe that is necessary to sensitize nurse about detection responsibility of determinants aspects, attempting for social, cultural and economical children's family context. The result point to the necessity of an efficient and quality nursing assistance, witch is able to identify and recognize psychosocial indicators, having focus in child protection and damage reduction.

Cigarette burns in forensic medicine

Skin lesions suspected to have been caused by a burning cigarette require thorough diagnostic evaluation as to the mode of infliction. Accidental cigarette burns must be differentiated from injuries due to self-infliction or maltreatment. The typical categories are presented on the basis of the literature and exemplary cases from the authors’ own study material. An intentional infliction must be taken into consideration when a body region is involved which does not normally come into contact with a cigarette by chance. Full thickness burns from glowing cigarettes require an exposure time of more than 1 s. One should also keep in mind the possibility of confusion with local skin infections or thermal effects by traditional medical practices (e.g. moxibustion). In unclear cases, repeated inspection of the lesion is recommended in order to facilitate its classification as to causation and age. The courses of healing in first- to third-degree cigarette burns are demonstrated by means of continuous photographic documentation. The discussion deals with different kinds of accidental and intentional cigarette burns, e.g. in drug addicts, psychiatric patients, victims of child abuse, maltreatment and torture, but also in persons feigning a criminal offence.

This Couldn't Happen to Me: Boundary Problems and Sexual Misconduct in the Psychotherapy Relationship

Drawing on their own consultative experience illustrated by case vignettes and with support from the professional literature, the authors discuss the perennial problematic issue of boundary violations and sexual misconduct, aiming at an audience of both experienced and novice clinicians. The authors review the difference between boundary crossings and boundary violations and stress the therapist's responsibility to maintain boundaries. Therapist risk factors for violations include the therapist's own life crises, a tendency to idealize a “special” patient or an inability to set limits, and denial about the possibility of boundary problems. Factors exacerbating patient vulnerability, such as overdependence on the therapist, seeking therapy to find an intense relationship or even “true love,” and the acceptance by childhood abuse victims of an abusive therapy relationship, are discussed. Consultation and education—for students and for clinicians at all levels of experience—and effective supervision are reviewed as approaches to boundary problems. (Reprinted with permission from Psychiatric Services 2003; 54(4):517–522)

Child Maltreatment, Youth Violence, and Intimate Partner Violence: Developmental Relationships

Understanding the cycle of violence, from victimization to perpetration across the life span, is critical for designing successful prevention interventions. This study uses a nationally representative sample to examine the developmental relationships among three forms of child maltreatment, youth violence perpetration or victimization, and young adult intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration or victimization. Data describing self-reported youth violence perpetration (or victimization) from Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (1994-1995) were matched with self-reported IPV perpetration (or victimization) in young adult sexual relationships and retrospective reports of child maltreatment collected during Wave III (2001-2002). Bivariate probit regression models were used to analyze the developmental relationships between child maltreatment, youth violence, and IPV. Analyses were completed in September 2006. Compared to nonvictims of child maltreatment, victims of child maltreatment are more likely to perpetrate youth violence (a likelihood increase ranging from -1.2% to 6.6% for females and 3.7% to 11.9% for males) and young adult IPV (an increase from 8.7% to 10.4% for females and from 1.3% to 17.2% for males), although the direct and indirect effects vary by type of child maltreatment experienced. Gender differences exist in the links between child maltreatment, youth violence and IPV, and in the effects of socioeconomic factors on youth violence and IPV. Results suggest that it may be important to account for gender differences when designing violence prevention programs, and an integrative approach is critical for stopping the developmental trajectory of violence.

Child Abuse Victims' Siblings Seldom Medically Investigated

Child Abuse Victims' Siblings Seldom Medically Investigated

청소년의 자살생각 관련 요인: 자아존중감과 우울의 매개효과를 중심으로

This study examined the effects of eco-system factors on adolescents' suicidal ideation and whether self-esteem and depression mediate in the process to provide theoretical basis for prevention and treatment for problems of adolescents who have suicidal ideation. 2,088 high school students were asked to complete self-administering questionnaires on eco-system factors and adolescents' suicidal ideation. Data were analyzed with frequencies, t-test, ANOVA with Scheffe ad-hoc test, correlation analysis using SPSS 12.0 program and AMOS 5.0 program. Study results were ; First, adolescents' suicidal ideation showed significant differences according to their gender, socio-economic financial status, family structure, and the type of school they attended. Second, self-esteem and depression were proved to have significant mediating effect. Child abuse victimization, subjective school achievement and influence of media coverage of celebrity suicide were most important variables which influenced adolescents' suicidal ideation. These results reinforce importance of understanding adolescents' suicidal ideation with eco-system perspective. Moreover, prevention programs for adolescents' suicide require differentiated strategies and tactics according to the target group characteristics.

Women Domestic Violence Offenders: Lessons of Violence and Survival

SUMMARY This qualitative study examined female domestic violence offenders via structured interviews with 13 women referred for treatment in batterers' intervention programs in a major metropolitan area. The majority of women were victims of childhood abuse and/or witnessed violence between their parents. Most reported feeling cut-off from their mothers, left their childhood homes before the age of 18, and experienced violence at the hands of a prior partner. Women's motivations for current violence were primarily in self-defense or in retaliation for their partners' physical abuse, and secondarily in response to partner emotional abuse, control tactics, to get attention/be heard, or to express anger. A minority sought to control their partners. Differential treatment considerations and recommendations for women versus men batterers are included.

Forced suffocation of infants with baby wipes: A previously undescribed form of child abuse

Background Foreign body aspiration in children is commonly seen in emergency departments and carries a significant mortality. Abusive foreign body suffocation is not well described. Methods We present a case-series of four infants who presented with aspiration of a baby wipe. Results Each child was found to be a victim of child physical abuse with substantial morbidity and mortality associated with the aspiration of the wipe and associated injuries. Conclusions We recommend that infants who present with a baby wipe aspiration should be considered as likely victims of child abuse and physicians should evaluate each infant for associated injuries of the oropharynx, skin, skeleton, and head.

A child with raccoon eyes masquerading as trauma

Raccoon eyes are easily recognized and generally believed to be a common symptom of basal skull fractures. However, it may be a sign of some health threatening situations such as amyloidosis, Kaposi's sarcoma, multiple myeloma, and neuroblastoma. In this case, we present an infant with the final diagnosis of neuroblastoma who presented with raccoon eyes and was initially suspected of being a victim of child abuse. The exact diagnosis of this condition is sometimes delayed because of the workup for child abuse or trauma as occurred in the present case. Consequently, in order to avoid this conflict and possible delay of diagnosis and treatment, raccoon eyes should be considered meticulously and one should not be prejudiced until he / she reaches the exact diagnosis. We are presenting this well-known but interesting case in order to attract attention in this important issue once again.

Whole-body STIR MR imaging in suspected child abuse: An alternative to skeletal survey radiography?

Child abuse is a major problem worldwide. An early and reliable recognition and diagnostic work up is important for the management of these children and their caregivers. Radiological skeletal surveys in combination with brain imaging are mandatory in the initial evaluation. In selected cases, repeat radiography and/or bone scintigraphy is necessary. The radiation dose from these studies is significant. Whole-body STIR MR imaging permits evaluation of the entire skeleton and all viscera with a single examination while avoiding ionizing radiation. We report on a 2-month-old female suspected victim of child abuse in whom whole-body STIR MR imaging revealed multiple rib fractures suggestive of child abuse that were only partially recognised by conventional radiography. Our case suggests that whole-body STIR MR imaging should be considered as an alternative imaging modality in children in whom child abuse is suspected.

Maltreatment and delinquency: Investigating child welfare bias in juvenile justice processing

There is at least thirty years of research that focuses on the increased risk of delinquency associated with child maltreatment. Yet there are few studies that investigate the outcomes associated with victims of child abuse and neglect beyond the initial arrest. Using child welfare and juvenile justice administrative data from Los Angeles County, the current study investigates the relationship between child welfare status and two judicial outcomes: case dismissal and probation. The results indicate that delinquency cases originating in child welfare are less likely to receive probation, controlling for a wide range of factors including age, gender, race, and type of offense. The results also indicate that the child welfare system is a significant source of overrepresentation for African American youth in juvenile justice. Adolescents simultaneously involved with child welfare and juvenile justice may require alternative arrangements with regard to juvenile justice dispositions and placements.

Childhood abuse, adult alcohol use disorders and suicidal behaviour

Childhood abuse is linked to a variety of maladaptive outcomes that can extend far into adulthood. Two of the most significant are alcohol use disorders and suicidal ideation/behaviour. This article explores the pathway from childhood abuse to suicidal behaviour through the development of alcohol use disorders, and examines the significance of a familial history of alcohol misuse in exacerbating suicidal behaviour in adults who were abused as children. It discusses the implications of this pathway, and describes areas of focus for those who work with child abuse victims and/or patients experiencing alcohol use disorders. Practitioners working with children or adolescents who have experienced or are experiencing abuse should take a preventative approach, identifying and treating those at risk for alcohol misuse and/or suicide. Practitioners working with adults who are already abusing alcohol and/or are suicidal should work with the adult to identify and examine life events such as abuse that may be responsible. By identifying factors that have led to the misuse of alcohol and/or suicidal ideation, adults can obtain appropriate psychotherapy and deal in a more productive and beneficial manner with the pain that underlies their self-destructive impulses.

A psychometric comparison of internet and non-internet sex offenders from a community treatment sample

This paper compares psychometric test assessments of 39 men convicted of internet sex offences with 39 convicted of contact offences against a specific victim. Higher rates of socially desirable responding were identified in the internet group, as well as higher rates of emotional loneliness and under assertiveness, although the latter two findings were not statistically significant. This group also achieved lower scores measuring external locus of control, which might reflect their generally higher levels of education and employment (identified from research carried out in tandem with this work). The internet group achieved lower scores on sexualized attitudes towards children, emotional congruence with children and empathy distortions with regard to victims of child abuse. Hence, although they exhibited the kinds of general personality problems exhibited by other sex offenders, they did not support attitudes that explicitly endorse or condone the sexual abuse of children. This paper presents some hypotheses about these results and identifies further research necessary to develop understanding about this new kind of sexually abusive behaviour.

Enterprise Liability: Justifying Vicarious Liability

In Lister v Hesley Hall [2002] 1 AC 215 the House of Lords reformed the law on vicarious liability, in the context of a claim arising over the intentional infliction of harm, by introducing the ‘close connection’ test. The immediate catalyst was the desire to facilitate recovery of damages on the part of victims of child abuse. The precise form the revision assumed was derived from two Canadian Supreme Court cases: Bazley v Curry [1999] 174 DLR (4th) 45 and Jacobi v Griffiths [1999] 174 DLR (4th) 7. The Canadian jurisprudence contains a detailed review of the policy factors underpinning the law of vicarious liability and expresses the view that the most significant of these is ‘enterprise liability’. This article attempts to establish whether enterprise liability holds the same significance in the UK. And, on the assumption that it does, the article goes on to consider any difficulties that may ensue and any further common law reforms that may result. In particular it considers whether the law on vicarious liability for independent contractors is likely to change.

Breaking the cycle of intergenerational abuse: The long-term impact of a residential care program

Objective The number of youth in residential care programs who have been abused is high. The relationship between childhood abuse victimization and adult intimate partner violence (IPV) is well documented. This study compared the rates of IPV 16 years after individuals had participated in a long-term residential care program with individuals accepted to the program who did not participate. The IPV rates for these two groups were also compared to national normative data. Method Information on adult functional outcomes was obtained from former residential care and comparison youth via a confidential survey that was administered either by telephone or by mail. Analysis was limited to respondents who were currently married or involved in a marriage-like relationship ( n = 131; 92% male). Results The IPV rates for the sample were 9.3% for those who stayed in the residential program less than 18 months and 6.5% for those who stayed more than 18 months, neither of which were significantly different from the national norm of 8.4%. The IPV rate for the comparison group was 26.1%, which was significantly higher than the national norm. Regardless of length of program stay, respondents who were maltreated in childhood had a 14.5% IPV rate, which was significantly lower than the estimated 36–42% rate projected for individuals with similar backgrounds. Conclusion We conclude that time spent in a treatment-oriented residential care program was associated with lower adult IPV rates. Specifically, the skills taught in a long-term, treatment-based residential program (e.g., healthy interpersonal relationships, self-government) may have a long-term beneficial impact for adolescents at high risk of adult IPV.

Understanding, assessing, and treating adult victims of childhood abuse

Chapter 1 The Nature, Origins, and Prevalence of Child Abuse Chapter 2 The Initial Impact of Maltreatment on Children and Adolescents Chapter 3 Childhood Abuse and Adult Attachment Disorders Chapter 4 Childhood Abuse and Borderline Personality Disorder Chapter 5 Childhood Abuse and Eating Disorders Chapter 6 Childhood Abuse and Substance Use Disorders Chapter 7 Childhood Abuse and Adult Sexual Dysfunction Chapter 8 Childhood Abuse and Adult Self-Destructive Behavior Chapter 9 Childhood Abuse and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorders Chapter 10 Assessment of Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse Chapter 11 Individual Therapy with Survivors of Childhood Abuse Chapter 12 Group Treatment for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse Chapter 13 Treating Survivors Who Have Posttraumatic Symptoms and Co-Morbid Substance Use Disorders