Family Violence Research Articles

Emotional Insecurity and Psychosocial Problems in Children Exposed to Family Violence: Exploring the Role of Well-Being at School

Emotional Insecurity and Psychosocial Problems in Children Exposed to Family Violence: Exploring the Role of Well-Being at School

Where drinks and danger meet: Analyzing the spatial link between Bars and crime in Detroit

Alcohol consumption has long been linked to various crimes, including homicide, assault, sex-related offenses, family violence, and chronic aggressiveness in adults. While the association between alcohol use and violent crime is well-documented, few studies have examined the spatial co-occurrence of bar locations - a primary venue for alcohol sales - and crime incidents across precise geographical locations and over time. This study employs the global colocation quotient (GCLQ) and the local colocation quotient (LCLQ) to analyze the spatial correlation between five types of liquor establishments (bar, lounge, live house, nightclub, and pub) and seven types of crimes (aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, murder, motor vehicle theft, rape, and robbery) in Detroit, Michigan from 2017 to 2022. Findings demonstrate stable spatial relationships between bars and crimes across different years, with downtown bars showing a lower crime association, bars in clusters showing diverse patterns, and isolated bars in higher risk. The analysis reveals discrepancies in risk among different types. The safety index of the neighborhood surrounding bars is assessed through colocation analysis, demonstrating a correlation with bar-related security. Based on these insights, the study recommends heightened supervision for bars in high-risk areas and developing tailored prevention measures.

Two voices in harmony: A creative family‐led intervention post domestic and family violence

AbstractMothers who experience DFV are often at risk of being epistemically harmed by professional discourses that are mother‐blaming because professionals often overburden them with unrealistic expectations of protecting their children. In addition, children and young people who experience DFV are frequently at risk of being subjected to epistemic injustice by professional discourses that negate them as knowledge generators. Added to this tangle of epistemic misplacement is the wedge that perpetrators drive between mothers and children so they both cannot see each other survivance wisdom and connection to each other. Family‐inclusive/lead therapy that epistemically privileges mothers' and children's survivance wisdom can repair the damage done to them as knowledge generators and to their relationships. This article describes an example of nondeliberative work that highlights family‐inclusive/lead therapy has a place in family intervention post‐DFV.

The Need for a Whole of Family Response: The Invisibility of Siblings in Adolescent-to-Parent Violence Interventions

Abstract Purpose Adolescent-to-parent violence (APV), especially son-to-mother violence, often occurs in the context of adult-perpetrated domestic and family violence (DFV). APV interventions largely focus on the behaviour of the young person using violence, and their relationship with the protective parent, often the mother. Focus on the mother-young person dyad is important yet ignores their relationships with siblings, who have also experienced DFV and APV. If dynamics within the home are unaccounted for, strategies developed within the contained environment of an intervention program are unlikely to be sustained. This paper examines the experiences of siblings whose mothers and brothers are attending an APV intervention. In order to inform more responsive policies and practices, it addresses two research questions: 1) What are the needs of siblings whose brothers are engaging in APV? and (2) how can APV interventions better recognise and respond to the needs of siblings? Methods This paper reports on a subset of qualitative data from the evaluation of an Australian APV intervention, conducted between 2020 and 2022. Interviews were undertaken with mothers (n = 17), sons using APV (n = 9), practitioners (n = 11) and a sibling (n = 1). Case files (n = 16) containing data related to the levels of violence witnessed by siblings were also reviewed. Results Thematic analysis produced five themes: (1) intersecting complexity; (2) recognition of violence experienced by siblings; (3) different sibling cohorts; (4) family disruption; and (5) siblings and the program. Conclusion We argue that a whole of family response is needed for families recovering from DFV where APV is present.

Informed, Affirming and Focused: Client Perspectives on the Importance of Specialist LGBTIQ + Family Violence and Other Health Services

Informed, Affirming and Focused: Client Perspectives on the Importance of Specialist LGBTIQ + Family Violence and Other Health Services

Legal Policy in Handling Domestic Violence The Role of Protection and Legal Institutions

Domestic violence (DV) is a complex phenomenon that stems from various social, cultural and economic aspects. Domestic violence includes not only physical violence but also psychological, sexual, and economic violence, all of which have a significant impact on victims and their families. The Indonesian government has issued various regulations and laws to combat domestic violence, such as Law No. 23/2004 on the Elimination of Domestic Violence. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of legal policies to combat domestic violence (KDRT) in Indonesia as well as the role of protection organizations and law enforcement agencies in providing support to victims. Domestic violence is a serious problem that requires comprehensive and systematic treatment. This research uses qualitative methods with analysis of policy documents, annual reports and statistics on domestic violence cases. The research results show that although there are supportive policies, their implementation is still not optimal due to lack of coordination between institutions, lack of resources and sensitivity of the judicial apparatus to domestic violence issues. Protection agencies play an important role in assisting and assisting victims, but limited financial and human resources hamper the effectiveness of these agencies. The study recommends increased training for law enforcement officers, increased funding for protection agencies as well as public education campaigns to increase awareness and participation in managing family violence. Collaboration between the government, protection agencies, law enforcement and the community is very important in creating a more effective and fair system for dealing with family violence.

Improving Access to Justice for Women Who Kill Their Abusers: Practitioner Insights and Experiences

Over the past decade, Australia has made significant reforms aimed at improving legal understandings of intimate partner violence, women’s use of force and their access to self-defence. While some courts have recognised the cumulative effects of coercive control and social entrapment on women’s responses, significant problems remain that deny many women access to justice. This article presents findings from a Victorian pilot study involving interviews with lawyers and experts who work with victim-survivors in these cases. Results revealed that a number of interviewees had limited knowledge of the family violence legislation. While psych-based expertise was seen as helpful, this tended to be in limited ways. Interviewees emphasised both the challenges accessing, and limited authority afforded, family violence experts/expertise by the courts. We conclude with recommendations for building the workforce and capacity of experts to work in this area and targeted training to skill up practitioners to more effectively utilise the family violence evidence provisions throughout the whole court process.

The feasibility of integrating an alcohol screening clinical decision support tool into primary care clinical software: a review and Australian key stakeholder study

BackgroundThis study explored the feasibility of integrating a clinical decision support tool into general practice clinical management software in Australia to prompt for alcohol screening among patients who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study aimed to increase understanding of what is an appropriate and acceptable clinical decision support tool, the circumstances when a prompt to use such a screening tool should occur, and the barriers and enablers of successful implementation.MethodsThis feasibility study employed a mixed methods approach and purposive sampling to identify key stakeholders to interview. Participants included vendors of clinical software used in Australian general practice, clinicians in general practice, and relevant others. Data from a literature review and 23 interviews were analysed leading to recommendations which were ‘sense-tested’ by an additional 22 stakeholders.ResultsAlthough there are at least 18 clinical software packages used in Australian general practice, it is feasible to integrate an alcohol screening tool for pregnancy into software for the majority of general practices in Australia. The AUDIT-C alcohol screening tool for pregnancy was widely accepted as suitable for such a purpose. Clinicians suggested the greatest barriers to screening were lack of time within antenatal consultations and insufficient remuneration for longer consultations. Many clinicians saw opportunity for introducing a multifunctional antenatal tool that could incorporate screening and clinical decision support for alcohol, tobacco and other substance use, mental health, domestic and family violence and potentially other areas informing healthy pregnancy. It could also be used opportunistically for preconception screening and counselling. Deployment of the tool could be supported by an education campaign from professional associations.ConclusionThe integration of a tool for screening for alcohol use among women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy into general practice clinical software is feasible; however, a multifunctional antenatal screening tool, incorporating other psychosocial elements, was considered more useful than a stand-alone alcohol screening tool. Codesign is needed with vendors and end-users to develop an acceptable tool that can be widely implemented. Issues with GP renumeration need also to be addressed to encourage alcohol screening pre-pregnancy and in the early months of pregnancy.

Domestic and Family Violence Affecting Children and Young People from Culturally and Racially Marginalized Migrant Backgrounds in Australia: A Scoping Review of Child Experiences and Service Responses.

In Australia, children and families from culturally and racially marginalized (CARM) migrant backgrounds experience a range of compounding structural and interpersonal factors that limit help-seeking and exacerbate the impacts of domestic and family violence (DFV). This scoping review examines the current state of knowledge on how children and young people from CARM migrant backgrounds experience DFV, and the services that respond to DFV including child protection services. A systematic search was conducted across PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases and Google Scholar, alongside a complementary grey literature search. Articles were included in the review if participants were from CARM migrant backgrounds, and the article included information related to children and young people's experiences of DFV, and the DFV service system. The review found 19 articles that met selection criteria. Due to limited research on this topic in Australia, most articles focused on children and young people's experiences shared through parental, carer or service provider perspectives. To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review to examine how children and young people from CARM migrant backgrounds experience DFV. Findings demonstrate children and young people are victim-survivors of multiple forms of DFV. Children and young people's engagement with the DFV service system is often accompanied by feelings of fear and distrust. Findings suggest that to strengthen system responses to DFV, services must build their capability to implement intersectional approaches that simultaneously support the safety and well-being of both the child and the non-violent parent or carer.

Son-to-mother violence in the aftermath of domestic violence: Experiences of sons attending group violence prevention programs

There is growing acknowledgment that son-to-mother violence can occur as part of domestic and family violence (DFV) dynamics. DFV can significantly impact mother–child relationships. This situation is complex because mother–child relationships have different power dynamics and responsibilities than intimate adult partnerships. Recognition of and responses to adolescent-to-parent violence (APV) are inconsistent in service and justice systems, often leaving families under-serviced. There is a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of programs specific to APV. This article analyses participants’ experiences in two APV reduction group programs. Both of the programs focused on encouraging accountability, addressing trauma, rebuilding attachment between sons and mothers, challenging harmful gendered attitudes, and increasing mothers’ parenting confidence. We report on a thematic analysis of interviews with 15 sons aged 12–17 whose mothers had experienced DFV from adult male partners. The participants were taken from the two different group programs. Our findings highlight sons’: 1) complex needs and trauma; 2) feelings of injustice and shame; 3) uncertainty regarding program aims; 4) connection with other young people; and 5) increased empathy for their mothers. Our findings can inform more responsive policy and practice interventions that engage this vulnerable cohort, address trauma, and prevent future violence.

Abuse and neglect as indicators of unhealthy behaviours among 15-year-old schoolchildren in Albania

ObjectiveWe assessed the independent associations of lifetime child abuse and neglect indices with behavioural characteristics of children. Study designA cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022. MethodsParticipants consisted of a nationwide representative sample of 1877 schoolchildren aged 15 years (55 % girls; response: 96 %). Data on lifetime child abuse and neglect were collected, along with behavioural factors and sociodemographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the independent associations of child abuse and neglect with behavioural factors of schoolchildren. ResultsIrrespective of sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime physical abuse was positively related to lifetime smoking (OR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.4–2.3), lifetime alcohol consumption (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.9–2.9), and breakfast skipping (OR = 1.3, 95%CI = 1.0–1.6). Furthermore, positive independent factors associated with emotional abuse included lifetime alcohol intake (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.3–2.1) and breakfast skipping (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.0–1.8). Additionally, positive factors associated with lifetime emotional neglect consisted of lifetime smoking (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.6–3.0) and alcohol intake (OR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.5–2.6), and a lower fruit consumption (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.3–2.3). Positive factors associated with lifetime sexual abuse included lifetime alcohol consumption (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.4–4.1) and especially smoking (OR = 4.3, 95%CI = 2.6–7.3). Also, lifetime witnessing of family violence was positively related to lifetime smoking (OR = 2.7, 95%CI = 1.8–4.1) and alcohol intake (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.2–2.6). ConclusionsWe evidenced strong and consistent links between child maltreatment indices and unhealthy behavioural practices among 15-year-old children in Albania. These findings underscore the potential impact of early trauma on developmental trajectories. The association between child abuse and the adoption of detrimental behaviours highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support and intervention strategies to break the cycle of harm.

The Impact of Familial and Economic Factors on Juvenile Delinquency in Bangladesh

This study examines the impact of familial and economic factors on juvenile delinquency in Bangladesh. Juvenile delinquency, characterized by illegal acts committed by individuals under 18, is a growing concern in the country. The research focuses on understanding how dysfunctional family environments, such as violence, neglect, and parental antisocial behavior, contribute to delinquent behaviors among youth. It also investigates how economic hardships, including poverty and unemployment, drive juveniles towards criminal activities as a coping mechanism. The study adopts a quantitative approach, using a survey conducted in three selected areas of Dhaka: Mohammadpur, Mirpur, and Azimpur. Data were collected from 100 respondents aged 10 to 18, capturing the socio-demographic, familial, and economic factors influencing juvenile delinquency. The findings reveal that limited parental supervision (reported by 80% of respondents), exposure to family violence, and financial instability (experienced by 96% of respondents) are significant contributors to delinquent behaviors. Additionally, peer influence and lack of access to education were identified as key factors driving juveniles towards crime. The results suggest that addressing juvenile delinquency in Bangladesh requires comprehensive interventions, including strengthening family support systems, improving economic conditions, and providing mental health services. The study highlights the need for targeted community-based programs to prevent delinquency and support the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

Association Between Unmet Needs in Health Care and Social Services and Exposure to Violence Among Parents.

Existing research has shown that parental exposure to violence has negative consequences on health outcomes, but the effect of such exposure on unmet health care and social service need is unknown. This study aims to investigate the association between unmet health care and social services and parental violence exposure among parents with children. This study used the data of 6289 parents aged 18-60 years who had at least one child under 18 years living in the same household. Parental violence exposure was measured. Unmet child and adult health care and social service need was operationalized through questions on the services needed, those that had not been received, and those that were considered inadequate. Parents who experienced any kind of violence had more unmet service need. There were more women among parents with violence experience (65.4%) than those with no violence experience (51.9%). Violence experience increased the odds of unmet need for general adult healthcare services (OR 2.02, CI 1.64-2.57), maternity and child health clinics (OR 2.52, CI 2.00-3.18), family guidance clinics and home help (OR 2.38, CI 1.60-3.54), mental health or child welfare services (OR 2.05, CI 1.52-2.75), and school health care (OR 1.99, 1.50-2.65). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the associations between exposure to violence experience and unmet needs for healthcare and social services remained statistically significant. Violence in close relationships profoundly impacts health and well-being. By addressing unmet health care needs and supporting parents, we can break the cycle of violence and promote better mental health outcomes. Preventive policies and early interventions are essential to mitigate the consequences of violence in families.

Violence against Women: An Unending Social Scourge

Violence against women is globally a stark reality. Women are affected in so many ways because of the violence perpetrated primarily by men and also, in many cases, by the women themselves. Violence against women takes place in each section of the population irrespective of their class, religion, ethnicity or any other social identity. Some legislation has been enacted in almost every country to deal with this violence committed against women. Although perpetrators of violence are sometimes punished based on the law of a particular country, it has not decreased substantially. Instead, it has taken multiple forms in different countries. This editorial aims to depict the manifold types of violence frequently occurring in different parts of the world. It investigates the significant reasons that are responsible for committing violence against women and also tries to find out the consequences of this violence at the individual, familial, and societal levels. This editorial piece is based on secondary data extracted from relevant literature like journal articles, books, research reports, periodicals, working papers, etc. Relevant literature has been detected and downloaded using internet search engines such as Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic Search, JSTOR, etc. Some words like violence against women, domestic violence, family violence, and couple conflicts have been used to identify relevant literature. Papers or research reports published between 2000 and 2024 have only been considered for writing this editorial. Findings show that patriarchal norms that still dominate one way or the other in many of the countries across the globe are, to a great extent, responsible for violence against women.

CRIMES OF PHYSICAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND NEGLIGENCE IN THE HOUSEHOLD

Study This aim For do study to influencing variables​ happen violence in House stairs (domestic violence) in family , that is form violence physical and neglect . Additionally , research​ this is also purposeful For know action preventing and dealing with domestic violence carried out by husbands to wife , as Decision South Jakarta District Court Number 995/ Pid.Sus /2021/PN Jak.Sel . and Verdict South Jakarta District Court Number 130/ Pid.Sus /2022/PN Bks. Second decision the made with objective For discuss domestic violence problems . Specifically, the South Jakarta District Court and the South Jakarta District Court are the research locations. Both courts are in the South Jakarta area. The data collection process was carried out using several research methodologies, namely library research and field research. Primary data collection can be done by conducting interviews with relevant sources. Apart from that, secondary data was also obtained in the form of papers, books and research reports which were directly related to the topic of domestic violence in the form of physical violence and neglect in the household. This data was collected as additional primary data. To uncover the root causes of domestic violence in the form of physical violence and neglect in families in the South Jakarta and Bekasi City areas, the data obtained was then analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. This is done to find out what actions can be taken to reduce the impact of domestic violence. Based on the research results, the main factors that cause domestic violence crimes committed by husbands against their wives are internal factors, especially those related to the personality characteristics (temperament) of the perpetrator. In conditions that trigger uncontrolled anger, such as lack of communication and intense jealousy, these characteristics make it easier for individuals to commit criminal acts. This is because they are more easily affected by these events. It should be noted that education and economic factors are one of the external factors that cause domestic violence. To overcome the problem of criminal acts of domestic violence committed by husbands against wives in South Jakarta, it is necessary to carry out preventive efforts such as instilling moral values from an early age, preventive efforts such as increasing awareness of laws and regulations. , and repressive efforts such as taking action against perpetrators of criminal acts of domestic violence (KDRT).

Assessment of practices and attitudes of undergraduate students toward family violence in the University of Baghdad

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess undergraduate student's practices and attitudes toward family violence in the University of Baghdad. Methods: This was a descriptive study on non-probability (purposive) sample of 100 undergraduate students from different colleges at the University of Baghdad from November 15, 2022 to May 20, 2023. A validated questionnaire was prepared with 43 questions, which consisted of three parts: eight items related to students’ demographic data, 13 items related to students’ attitudes, and 22 items related to students’ practices. Results: Positive attitudes toward family violence were used by the parents, and with respect to the total relative sufficiency (86.18%), the attitude level was moderate. Undergraduate students reported low levels of family violence practices from their parents with respect to the total mean scores (1.43) and the relative sufficiency (47.5). There was a significant relationship between students’ practices and their parents’ perception of family violence (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study concludes that students in the University of Baghdad had positive, moderate attitudes toward parents’ violence. They also experienced a low level of practice toward family violence, as well as parents’ level of education has an impact on students’ violence practices. Recommendations: There is a need to raise community awareness about the consequences of family violence and mistreatment of the family members through mass media, and to establish family violence counseling centers for students.

VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA E FAMILIAR CONTRA A MULHER: UMA ANÁLISE DOS FATORES DE IMPULSIONAMENTO DOS CASOS DE VIOLÊNCIA DURANTE À PANDEMIA DA COVID-19

This article examines the factors that contributed to the increase in cases of domestic and family violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the consequences of social isolation measures and the fragility of protection networks in the State of Goiás. The pandemic, by bringing economic and social challenges, highlighted a dark side of gender-based violence, exacerbating an already endemic problem. Compulsory confinement, necessary to contain the spread of the virus, drastically restricted the mobility and safety of women, who were often confined with their attackers. Furthermore, reduced access to formal care services has further compromised victims' ability to seek help and protection. This study aims to offer an analysis of statistical data and identify the factors that drove this escalation of violence, seeking to provide support for more effective preventive actions and the strengthening of public protection policies.

VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA E FAMILIAR CONTRA A MULHER: UMA ANÁLISE DOS FATORES DE IMPULSIONAMENTO DOS CASOS DE VIOLÊNCIA DURANTE À PANDEMIA DA COVID-19

This article examines the factors that contributed to the increase in cases of domestic and family violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the consequences of social isolation measures and the fragility of protection networks in the State of Goiás. The pandemic, by bringing economic and social challenges, highlighted a dark side of gender-based violence, exacerbating an already endemic problem. Compulsory confinement, necessary to contain the spread of the virus, drastically restricted the mobility and safety of women, who were often confined with their attackers. Furthermore, reduced access to formal care services has further compromised victims' ability to seek help and protection. This study aims to offer an analysis of statistical data and identify the factors that drove this escalation of violence, seeking to provide support for more effective preventive actions and the strengthening of public protection policies.

Shared-Time Parenting After Separation in Australia: How Much Does the Law Matter?

ABSTRACT This article examines the prevalence of post-separation shared-time arrangements in Australia over the last 20 years while also examining various significant legislative shifts during this period. We draw on data from the population of children of separated parents newly registered with the Australian Child Support Agency. Surprisingly, there was no marked increase in shared-time parenting among new entrants following the amendments of 2006 encouraging shared parenting. Nor was there a marked decrease after major family violence amendments in 2011 prioritizing safety. Yet there was a noticeable increase in shared-time arrangements among new entrants during COVID-19. The Australian data suggest that legislative change may not have the impacts that their proponents might have expected, and that other factors such as income, socio-demographic changes, and pandemics are potentially more powerful forces impacting on shared-time arrangements in complex ways.

Exposure to family violence and school violence among Palestinian high schoolers: The moderating effect of gender and school climate

BackgroundThere is a serious dearth of research on the phenomenon of school violence in the Arab world. Moreover, studies have examined the relationship between students' exposure to family violence (EFV) and school violence. Objective: This study measured the correlation between Palestinian high schoolers' EFV (i.e., witnessing and experiencing family violence) and their violence against both peers and school staff. The moderating effects of gender and school climate were also explored. Participants, setting, and methodA pioneer survey was conducted among 1183 7-12th graders (about 55 % boys) in the Hebron district of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), using a self-administered questionnaire, and informed by social learning theory (SLT). Their ages ranged from 12 to 19 years (M = 14.64, SD = 1.47). More than a third (38.8 %) attended all-boy schools, 32.5 % attended all-girl schools, and 28.7 % attended co-ed schools. Most (71.2 %) of the participants lived in rural areas, 26.5 % lived in urban areas, 2 % lived as semi-nomads, and 0.3 % lived in refugee camps. ResultsA considerable percentage of students behaved violently towards other students, but the rates of student violence against school staff were lower. Results of t-test show that boys behaved more violently against students and school staff than did girls. Correlation as well as multiple regression analyses revealed significant relationships between EFV and violent behavior against other students and the school staff, which were moderated by participants' gender and perceived school climate (PSC). A negative PSC predicted a higher degree of both types of violence. ConclusionSchool violence is possibly learned as a result of EFV. This learning is more likely to occur among boys than among girls; however, it is less likely to occur where positive PSC prevails. The study's strengths and limitations as well as its implications for future research and for practice are discussed.