Victims Of Child Abuse Research Articles

Psychopathology, psychopathy, body management, and undoing in youthful parricide offenders.

This study of 21 youthful parricide offenders (YPOs) ages 11-21 examined the relationship between psychopathology, level of psychopathy, and crime scene behaviors, particularly two forms of "body management": (1) "body movement" and (2) "body alteration." Undoing, a form of body alteration reflecting psychological rather than practical needs, for example, to lessen guilt or symbolically reverse the killing, was present in one-third of the sample. The sample shared common characteristics with juvenile parricide offenders overall in that most of them killed one parent, were victims of chronic child abuse, had one or more psychiatric diagnoses (PTSD was most prevalent), used a firearm, and committed the killings at the family home. Unexpectedly, YPOs who were child abuse victims were not more likely to engage in undoing behaviors than non-abused youth, and over half of the youth with undoing behaviors had elevated psychopathy levels. Three-quarters of youth who moved victim bodies following the murders had elevated psychopathy levels. Similarly, all three youth who transported bodies away from the crime scene had elevated psychopathy levels and conduct disorder. None of the youth with psychotic symptoms engaged in undoing behaviors, altered victim bodies, moved bodies either within or away from the home, or had an elevated degree of psychopathy; they also most often killed using bladed weapons, whereas the nonpsychotic youth usually used firearms. Studies examining the influence of mental illness and psychopathy level on parricidal behaviors by youth are scarce, and to our knowledge this is the largest study to date investigating this area.

Identifying the Mechanisms Linking Child Abuse Victimization and Substance Use and Misuse Among an Adult Population in China

ABSTRACT Existing research reveals that early child abuse victimization and substance use and misuse in adulthood have a major relationship. To enhance the understanding of the relationship, we proposed models linking child abuse victimization to substance use and misuse later in life through a social learning process and a psychological strain process channeled through deviant peer association, perceived harms of substance use, self-esteem, and psychological distress. Using data from a probability sample of 2,799 adults in a Chinese city, we conducted an SEM analysis to test the relationships among the conceptual constructs. Child abuse victimization exhibited positive and indirect effects on multiple forms of substance use and misuse, including frequency of tobacco use, frequency of binge drinking, and illicit drug use. Deviant peer association and perceived harms of substance use mediated all effects of child abuse victimization on substance use and misuse in adulthood. Self-esteem and psychological distress, however, played varied roles in the mediating processes. Overall, child abuse victimization demonstrated a significant indirect effect on substance use and misuse in adulthood. To understand whether child abuse victimization is related to substance use behavior in adulthood, examining the indirect links between child abuse victimization and substance use and misuse is critical.

Using machine learning modeling to identify childhood abuse victims on the basis of personality inventory responses

Trauma is very common and associated with significant co-morbidity world-wide, particularly PTSD and frequently other mental health disorders. However, it can be challenging to identify victims of abuse as self-reports can be difficult to elicit due to emotional distress. Better confirmation of a history of significant mistreatment can assist significantly in treatment planning. We evaluate an alternate approach based on machine-learning techniques applied to personality inventory data (Minnesota Personality Inventory, Adolescent Version; MMPI-A) obtained concurrently to examine convergence with reports of past trauma exposure. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was administered to 733 child and adolescent inpatients. Statistical and information-theory measures showed that each type of abuse – sexual, physical, and emotional – had a unique “fingerprint” of MMPI-A profiles. In contrast to our previous findings in terms of specific correlations with IQ, individuals positive for Sexual abuse had the fewest MMPI-A elevations, followed by Physical abuse, while those reporting Emotional abuse had the greatest number of elevations. We developed an initial classifier Machine Learning (ML) model for predicting a history of abuse that demonstrates equivalent sensitivity compared to other widely used screening measures. In addition, we show via PCA and cluster analysis that the different levels of severity of emotional abuse present with unique mixtures of personality trait characteristics. Thus, this type of ML mediated analysis could permit at-scale detection of those at potential high risk of a history of abuse by use of real-time information, using a variety of nontransparent data sources.

Eksistensi Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Anak Sebagai Akibat Tindak Pidana Pencabulan di Kabupaten Gianyar

Children have limitations in understanding and protecting themselves from various influences of the existing system. When children are involved in legal issues, the state must provide protection to children through laws and regulations including Law Number 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System. Sexual intercourse with children is an act that is categorized as rape and obscenity, and usually sexual intercourse is carried out by adults to children under the age of 15, therefore the formulation of the problem is raised, namely: 1) What is the legal protection against child victims of sexual abuse in Gianyar Regency? and 2) What are the criminal sanctions against perpetrators of criminal acts of child molestation in Gianyar Regency? This study uses an empirical research type. The results obtained from legal protection for child victims of abuse are that they have received legal protection as stipulated in Law No. 35 of 2014 on amendments to Law No. 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection. Criminal sanctions obtained by perpetrators of child abuse are a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 15 years in prison and a minimum fine of Rp. 60 million and a maximum of Rp. 300 million.

Practices and Effects of Child Abuse on Learner’s Academic Performance in Primary Schools

This study investigated the practices and effects of child abuse on learners’ academic performance in selected primary schools in Budaya Sub-county. The study concluded that parents ranked highest in promoting child abuse. They subject their children to both physical and psychological abuse, which consequently affects their performance at home and school. In addition, the study revealed that physically and emotionally, the abused child becomes aggressive towards fellow pupils and elders and suffers stunted physical and mental development. According to the findings, the study calls for social welfare agencies (public and private organizations) to redouble efforts in educating, counseling, and rehabilitating victims of child abuse. These efforts could encourage many victims of child abuse to continue their education or engage in other meaningful activities. Furthermore, the knowledge of both teachers and other school personnel, along with representatives from health care services, social services, and law enforcement, regarding child abuse is severely limited. Therefore, the government should educate all stakeholders about ways to reduce child abuse. Finally, the government should make and enforce strong laws to isolate the abuser from the victim, impose harsh sentences, and provide treatment services to the sexually offended victims. Keywords: Academic performance, Child abuse, Culture, Primary school, Students

아동보호 목적에 부합하는 아동학대 초기대응 및 피해자지원에 대한 소고

An effective response to child abuse is a coordinated response by all agencies involved in preventing abuse and supporting children. Our legal system is very similar to that of the United Kingdom, which responded to child abuse early on by enacting the Children Act. It is very important to make child protection a nationwide goal and set a specific action plan for it, and to create a system that overhauls the relevant legal system and makes the many organizations involved in child abuse work together organically. The interviews with child abuse officials also highlighted a number of shortcomings in cooperation with other organizations, especially the police, which are involved in handling child abuse cases. The reasons for this include the lack of a complete legal system for information sharing and the lack of a higher authority to mediate conflicts. It is necessary to revise the law to substantially improve cooperation between organizations in the child abuse legal system. In addition, the victim's public defender system is being introduced to provide practical support to victims of child abuse, but it was found that there are limitations in the legal system for victim's public defenders to obtain information on child abuse. In this regard, it can be said that a prerequisite for receiving practical help for the healthy growth and protection of children is to obtain detailed information about the child and the environment in which the child is placed, so the law should be amended to give them practical authority in this regard.

Alexithymia as a mediator between adverse childhood events and the development of psychopathology: a meta-analysis.

Victims of child abuse have an elevated risk of developing mental health issues later in life. Several variables have been suggested as mediators of this correlation, but little is known about the possible influence of alexithymia. Alexithymia is a sub-clinical personality trait that manifests as difficulties recognizing and verbalizing emotions. In this study, two separate meta-analyses were conducted using questionnaire data, and Pearson correlations for overall effects were estimated. The correlation between child abuse and alexithymia showed to be significant (r = .26), as did the correlation between alexithymia and general psychopathology (r = .44). Further analyses revealed no indication for possible publication bias. When investigating differences between various subtypes of child maltreatment, each subtype significantly correlated with alexithymia. Emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect had stronger correlations than physical and sexual abuse. These results suggest that alexithymia plays a mediating role, at least in part, in the relationship between experiences of child abuse and general psychopathology in adulthood. Therefore, alexithymia may be relevant to further research and deserves attention in the prevention of and therapy for mental health issues in victims of child abuse.

Sociodemographic Background and Psychosocial Behaviors of Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: A Hospital-based Retrospective Study

Abstract Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide issue with a high prevalence rate seen in Asia. Aims and Objectives: To plan and implement preventive measures, it is important to understand the characteristics, background, and medico-legal significance, especially from the perspective of perpetrators. Materials and Methods: This study is a questionnaire-based retrospective study conducted among perpetrators of IPV who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Results: Out of 325 subjects, 97.2% were males and 64.0% were aged 26–45 years. Most (80.9%) perpetrators were older than the victimized partner, with a mean age gap of 4.3 years. Only 2.8% had achieved higher education and 78.5% had been married to the victim for more than5 years. Alcohol and/or other substances were abused by 75.4% and 11.1% of them were diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. Perpetrators have been exposed to child abuse (CA) as minors (50.1%), with physical CA being the most common, whereas 42.5% had witnessed IPV during their childhood. Ill-treatment by the spouse (odds ratio [OR] = 24 [95% confidence interval (CI):5.6, 99.9]) and substance use (OR =22 [95% CI: 5.1, 91.5]) were significantly associated with perpetrating emotional violence. A victim having an extramarital affair was 5.1 times more likely to be subjected to sexual IPV, whereas previous IPV, parental deprivation, and affairs of perpetrator were proved to be protective factors. IPV had negatively affected the economy of 71.3% of families. Legal procedures were expected by 22.4%, whereas 60% wanted to negotiate with their spouses. Conclusion: Families having low income and alcohol/substance abuse should be targeted to plan preventive programs at the community level. Proper counseling and follow-up of victims of CA can be used as a primary preventive measure of IPV.

The Correlation Between Exposure to Violence and Parental Monitoring: Differences Between Mothers and Fathers From Palestinian–Israeli Families

ABSTRACTIn this study, I investigated the correlations between retrospectively reported experiences of child abuse in the family‐of‐origin and exposure to community violence as adults on parental monitoring among Palestinian–Israeli parents. A sample of 760 parents (453 mothers, 59.6%) participated in the study. A self‐administered questionnaire was used. Results showed that both experiencing child abuse and community violence victimization were associated with high levels of parental stress, and experiencing child abuse was also associated with low levels of parental monitoring. Indirect effects of parental stress were found between both types of violence exposure and parental monitoring. Among mothers, there were additional indirect effects between violence exposure and parental monitoring. These findings suggest that exposure to multiple contexts of violence correlated with parental behaviours, and parenting programmes should focus on reducing parental stress and improving parental monitoring, considering the gender differences. Overall, this study highlights the importance of addressing the outcomes of trauma on parenting monitoring, which can have significant implications for public health.

Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect Indications: Insights From Medical Students.

Child abuse is a severe issue that impacts medical professionals and patients globally. It can lead to discomfort, risk, or even the demise of a child. One of the most significant facets of a doctor's work involves providing aid to those in need; since children are more dependent on others for care and safety, they should receive attention that is even more special in quality. Hence, this study aims to assess the views, professional experiences, and comprehension of Saudi Arabian medical students regarding child abuse and neglect (CAN). This study was carried out at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital. It involved 65 students who were either victims of child abuse or the relatives/family members of child abuse victims. The participants' awareness of several critical components ofCANwas considerable. However, their understanding regarding the reporting of CAN cases was rather meager. Furthermore, their views of and professional experience with CAN were not excellent in terms of quality. Saudi Arabia should implement an extensive plan to prevent the abuse of children at any level, given the nation's clinical experience and expertise in this field. The nation's pediatricians should direct as well as assist in this process, thereby playing a major role in preventing and addressing CAN cases.

Introduction: COVID-19 Related Professional Challenges, Innovations, and Implications for Child Maltreatment Victims.

The current commentary provides an introduction to the special issue examining COVID-19-related professional challenges, innovations, and implications for child maltreatment victims. The editors of the special issue provide a summary of the research presented as well as the implications for the field of child maltreatment research.

Parvalbumin interneurons in human ventromedial prefrontal cortex: a comprehensive post-mortem study of myelination and perineuronal nets in neurotypical individuals and depressed suicides with and without a history of child abuse.

Cortical parvalbumin interneurons (PV+) are major regulators of excitatory/inhibitory information processing, and their maturation is associated with the opening of developmental critical periods (CP). Recent studies reveal that cortical PV+ axons are myelinated, and that myelination along with perineuronal net (PNN) maturation around PV+ cells is associated with the closures of CP. Although PV+ interneurons are susceptible to early-life stress, their relationship between their myelination and PNN coverage remains unexplored. This study compared the fine features of PV+ interneurons in well-characterized human post-mortem ventromedial prefrontal cortex samples (n = 31) from depressed suicides with or without a history of child abuse (CA) and matched controls. In healthy controls, 81% of all sampled PV+ interneurons displayed a myelinated axon, while a subset (66%) of these cells also displayed a PNN, proposing a relationship between both attributes. Intriguingly, a 3-fold increase in the proportion of unmyelinated PV+ interneurons with a PNN was observed in CA victims, along with greater PV-immunofluorescence intensity in myelinated PV+ cells with a PNN. This study, which is the first to provide normative data on myelination and PNNs around PV+ interneurons in human neocortex, sheds further light on the cellular and molecular consequences of early-life adversity on cortical PV+ interneurons.

Similar rates of denial in NICHD and control interviews with alleged child abuse victims in the Netherlands

AbstractPurposeIn the current study, we investigated whether denial and avoidance rates differed statistically significantly based on the interview protocol used.MethodWe examined 38 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) interview transcripts, and 30 control transcripts from interviews from an earlier study (Applied Cognitive Psychology, 2022, 36, 7) conducted with alleged child victims of abuse at Dutch child protection services.ResultsWe detected 57 denial and 282 avoidance statements across the 68 interviews. No statistically significant differences emerged between (1) the proportion of denials using NICHD (42%, n = 16/38) and control interviews (30%, n = 9/30), and (2) the average number of denial statements between NICHD (M = 0.84) and control interviews (M = 0.83). Furthermore, denials (and avoidances) were not more or less likely to occur in response to certain types of questions, even though the majority of denials in our sample occurred in response to option‐posing questions (60%, n = 34/57). Denials did occur statistically significantly less often within the first half of the individual interviews in NICHD than in control interviews.ConclusionsOur findings call attention to the difficulties child protection services face in investigative interviews with alleged child victims.

Comparing Ruminative and Distracting Responses and Emotion Regulation Difficulties in Early Community Adolescents With and Without Self-Harm.

This study aimed to compare the demographic characteristics, responses to negative emotions, and difficulties in emotion regulation between self-harming adolescents and control individuals aged 12-14 years from the community. Data were collected from adolescents in Chungcheong Province, South Korea, between September 2021 and November 2022. Demographic characteristics and responses to the Depressed Mood Questionnaire and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16) were compared between the self-harm and control groups. The self-harm group exhibited a higher prevalence of child abuse (odds ratio [OR]=4.787, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.591-14.409, p=0.005) and school bullying victimization (OR=4.495, 95% CI=2.353-8.588, p<0.001) than those in the control group. The selfharm group displayed higher levels of rumination (t=7.88, p<0.001) and reduced distraction responses (reverse score t=2.25, p=0.025) than those of the control group. Additionally, the self-harm group scored higher on all subscales and the total DERS-16 score (t=7.61, p<0.001). Interventions for self-harming adolescents should address child abuse and bullying victimization. Prevention programs for self-harming adolescents should focus on reducing rumination responses, increasing distractive responses, and addressing difficulties in emotion regulation using dialectical behavior therapy-skill training.

Investigating the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment and teen dating violence victimization

BackgroundChildhood maltreatment is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for teen dating violence (TDV) victimization. However, far too little research has studied the mechanisms that could explain this higher risk of revictimization. The present study investigated the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment, TDV victimization occurrence and chronicity, and TDV-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. MethodsA total of 2780 adolescents, aged 13 to 19, completed measures of childhood maltreatment and alexithymia at Time 1 and TDV victimization and TDV-related PTSD symptoms at Time 2 (6 months later). Two mediational models were tested to examine the role of alexithymia as a risk factor for revictimization. One model assessed TDV occurrence as an outcome, while the other explored TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms as outcomes. ResultsFindings suggest that cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with an increased probability of TDV occurrence through alexithymia. Cumulative childhood maltreatment and alexithymia are also associated with TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms. Notably, cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with higher levels of alexithymia among adolescent victims of TDV, which, in turn, predicts higher TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms. LimitationsThis study relied on abbreviated measures and did not include all forms of child maltreatment (e.g., emotional and physical neglect). ConclusionsPromoting emotional awareness and identification among youth victims of child maltreatment could reduce the risk of TDV occurrence, TDV chronicity, and TDV-related PTSD symptoms.

“Did I do the right thing?” Nurses' experiences of caring for victims of child maltreatment: A qualitative study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore and gain insight into pediatric nurses' lived experiences in caring for children who experienced maltreatment. Design and methodA qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach using Giorgi's method was used to support the inquiry of this study. Participants were recruited through the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN). To collect data, the research team conducted semi-structured interviews individually with each participant online via online video conferencing. ResultsA total of 21 nurses participated in the study. In the final analysis of data, six meaning units are found: (1) helplessly watching children relive the traumatizing events, (2) lack of knowledge and training on caring for children who experienced maltreatment, (3) adversarial relationship and resentment towards parents, (4) conflicting emotions and feelings, (5) long-lasting effects of trauma, and (6) feelings of isolation and loneliness. ConclusionsPediatric and forensic nurses' experiences of caring for children who experienced maltreatment were highlighted by the fact that they lacked the knowledge of caring for these children and felt isolated. Practice implicationsImplementing simulation training on nurses' knowledge and confidence in caring for children who experienced maltreatment is a paramount of importance. This in turn may improve nurses' sense of belonging and enhance the quality of care victims receive.

Emotional Maltreatment of Children and Adolescents - Definitions, Prevalences, Risk Factors and Psychological Consequences

The aim of this article is to provide an introductory overview of the phenomenon of emotional maltreatment of children and adolescents by presenting national and international literature and, in particular, to illustrate the consequences for the mental health of those affected. First, relevant definitions are made and forms of appearance of emotional child maltreatment are presented. A comparison of national and global prevalences shows that emotional child maltreatment is one of the most prevalent forms of child maltreatment. There are different risk factors that can exist at the level of the parents as well as at the level of the children or the environment. The risk that children and adolescents who have experienced emotional violence will have experienced other forms of childmaltreatment is high.There aremultiple consequences for victims of emotional child maltreatment which can result in different, longterm participatory impairments. Especially the psychological and somatic consequences of emotional childmaltreatment can be compared to the consequences of child sexual abuse and physical child maltreatment. Nevertheless, the significance of emotional maltreatment for affected children and adolescents is still underestimated in practice. Often, the effects of emotionalmaltreatment on those affected are not visible. Froma child and adolescent psychiatric/ psychotherapeutic perspective, the psychological consequences must therefore be clearly stated. Finally, there is a need for a broader understanding of emotional child maltreatment that also includes peer and sibling violence.

Transcriptomic profiling identifies differential gene expression associated with childhood abuse

Childhood abuse is a pervasive global issue that has profound and lasting impacts on the psychological, physiological, and molecular levels of affected individuals. Here, we attempted to identify differentially expressed genes in individuals with a history of childhood abuse and determine enriched biological pathways from those genes that may explain the lasting physiological effects of childhood abuse. We hypothesized that gene groups associated with neuronal plasticity, stress response, and mood regulation would be upregulated in individuals with a history of childhood abuse. We analyzed an existing dataset reporting RNA-sequencing data from victims of childhood abuse (N=24) and healthy controls (N=21). We conducted a differential expression analysis between these two cohorts. Using the results, we entered the top 250 upregulated and downregulated genes into the STRING database to identify gene networks and relationships. We found that oxidative phosphorylation and ribosomal pathways were significantly upregulated, consisting of 7 and 6 genes, respectively. With applications in the field of personalized medicine, this study can guide therapeutic interventions and optimize treatment based on individual gene profiles.

EFFECT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN: A REVIEW

Domestic Violence is like a giant and eats the childhood of the children. Children are precious for the development of the nation. But domestic violence leaves the adverse impact on the children. Children are the center point for the parents, but they are forgetting them in own fight. If children are growing up in the environment of domestic violence and then they are live in tension and anxiety and in fear of anger. Thus, the children are victims of child abuse due to emotionally and psychologically broken. Domestic violence affects the lives of many children in Iraq. 23 children were killed in separate cities of Iraq during year 2020, at the hands of their families, as a result of domestic violence that has been prevalence in the country, while about 50 others were admitted to hospitals because of severe beatings that lead to fractures or burns. Baghdad, Diyala and Basra topped the crimes of violence against children. UNICEF condemns all acts of violence against children and call for society to protect them from such behaviors. Also, calls on government authorities in Iraq to strengthen mechanisms to bring perpetrators of such crimes to justice and safeguard the life of the child. Children in Iraq need a safe environment, free of violence and conducive to allow them to develop their full potential, in order to ensure children´s right to privacy and dignity.

Critical Analysis of Linguistic Features in the Comments of Child Abuse Victims in Select Nigerian Online Media Outlets

Many children in Africa are usually abused in one way or the other. This abuse may involve rape, marrying them off and denying them right to quality education. Some parents force their children to do their wish (es) thereby marrying them off below the age of 18 which by extension denies many of the children the opportunity to further their education. This study, therefore, identifies analyses and discusses linguistic features in the select comments of child abuse victims in Nigeria. The comments were selected from a Nigerian national newspaper, The Punch. The newspaper selected covered the period of January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. The reason for this time frame is based on the fact that the period resurrected the child abuse discourse in Nigeria. The study employs both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary source includes eight comments selected from The Punch. Secondary source includes books and journal articles. It adopted Lesley Jefferies’ Critical Stylistics as a theoretical framework. The study identifies poverty, poor education and insecurity as major causes for child abuse in Nigeria particularly early child marriage and child sexual abuse. It also considers insecurity as one of the causes. It recommends that school fees should be abolished for female children in Nigeria. It further recommends strict punishment for rapists in order to put an end to this ugly menace.