Search Results (50)

Background/Objectives: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious public health and forensic issue, associated with significant psychological, psychiatric, and social consequences. However, data from forensic psychiatric evaluations regarding victims of this type of abuse are limited, especially in Romania. This study primarily aimed to profile the demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics of minors who were victims of sexual offenses and underwent forensic psychiatric evaluation. Secondary objectives included examining relationships between demographic and clinical variables, describing patterns of victimization, and analyzing the co-occurrence of vulnerability factors. Methods: This study was retrospective, descriptive, and analytical, including 51 minors (under 18 years of age) examined at the Mina Minovici National Institute of Legal Medicine (INML), between 2013 and 2025. Data extracted from forensic psychiatric reports included demographic variables, the type of offense, psychiatric diagnosis, psychological issues, intellectual functioning, family environment, and relationship with the aggressor. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson χ² and Fisher’s exact tests, binary logistic regression, and nonparametric tests for cumulative vulnerability. Results: The sample was predominantly female (94.1%), with a mean age of 13.75 years. Rape was the most frequent offense (45.1%). Most victims originated from disorganized family environments or were institutionalized (70.6%), and 60% had below-normal intellectual functioning. A psychiatric diagnosis was present in 56.9% of cases, while 70.6% exhibited psychological issues. Within an exploratory logistic regression model that did not reach overall statistical significance (omnibus likelihood ratio test χ² = 9.31; p = 0.097), the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis showed the strongest individual association with psychological issues (OR = 5.17; 95% CI, 1.22–21.85; p = 0.026). Cases in which the aggressor was not related to the family environment were the most frequent (60.8%), followed by cases involving family members (23.5%). Most subjects displayed multiple co-occurring vulnerability factors. When the cumulative vulnerability score was recalculated to exclude psychological issues (to avoid construction-induced circularity), higher vulnerability remained significantly associated with extrafamilial victimization (Kruskal–Wallis H = 6.93; p = 0.031), but was no longer associated with psychological issues themselves (Mann–Whitney U = 298.0; p = 0.56), indicating that the originally observed association was an artefact of the score’s construction. Conclusions: Minors who are victims of sexual abuse often face multiple overlapping vulnerabilities, including unstable family environments, cognitive impairments, and psychiatric conditions. These factors frequently coexist in victims evaluated in forensic psychiatric settings and are associated with psychological issues and complex victimization profiles. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and victim-centered methods in forensic psychiatric evaluations. Full article

The criminal law assessment of consensual sexting between minors requires interpretation within a child-rights framework that accounts for children’s evolving capacities and the ultima ratio principle of criminal law. Although child self-generated sexual images and videos (CSGIV) may, in many jurisdictions, conceptually fall within the scope of offences relating to child pornography or child sexual abuse material (CSAM), consensual peer-to-peer sharing typically lacks the classical elements of sexual exploitation. This article provides a structured comparative overview of how the criminal law systems of the twenty-seven European Union (EU) Member States regulate consensual minor-to-minor sexting, identifying three regulatory models and assessing their compatibility with child-rights standards. The research is based on a structured comparative legal analysis drawing on the report and country reports of the second monitoring round of the Lanzarote Committee, complemented by a primary analysis of the relevant criminal law provisions of the Member States. The analytical framework relies on a coding manual developed by the authors along thematic dimensions. The findings identify three regulatory models: systems that provide explicit differentiation and safeguards; systems that formally criminalise the conduct but operate with implicit mitigation; and systems that entail a broad risk of criminalisation. The analysis reveals considerable normative fragmentation and demonstrates that the absence of explicit differentiation may expose forms of adolescent self-expression to criminal liability. The article concludes that, to comply with child-rights standards, explicit normative safeguards and a consistent application of the exceptional character of criminal law are required. Full article

This scoping review synthesises the current literature to explore the related concepts of victim blaming and bystander intervention in the context of image-based sexual abuse. Image-based sexual abuse refers to the creation, taking and distribution of non-consensual intimate images, including the threat to share or distribute. The databases Web of Science, ASSIA, ProQuest Dissertation & Theses and Scopus were searched in August 2024, with an updated search being conducted in December 2025. A supplementary search was conducted in Google Scholar, along with a hand search of four key journals within the topic area. The search focused on five geographical locations that share a common cultural background (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia). A total of 31 studies and reviews were included. The main findings were that: (a) there is limited research in relation to bystander intervention in the context of image-based sexual abuse; (b) there are no studies that examine the relationship between victim blaming and bystander intervention; (c) there appears to be a gendered dimension in relation to the phenomena (victim blaming and bystander intervention), which is reflected in the literature around image-based sexual abuse; (d) accountability and victim blaming are increased when a victim–survivor has created the images/videos themselves; (e) research within this area neglects the experiences of diverse communities, specifically sexual and gender minority people; and (f) there appears to be a disregard to capture the experiences of men who are victim–survivors, irrespective of sexual identity. Full article

Background: Young adult sexual minority men (SMM) disproportionately experience childhood interpersonal trauma. The Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology (DMAP) framework proposes that exposure to threat (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) and deprivation (e.g., physical and emotional neglect) are differentially linked to adult psychopathology. Studies of predominantly heterosexual samples have revealed emotion regulation and mindfulness as mechanisms linking childhood trauma to mental health and health risk behaviors in adulthood. However, the influence of emotion regulation (ER) or mindfulness as associated with exposure to threat vs. deprivation has not been examined among SMM in adulthood. Objective: This study explored the relationships between childhood threat/deprivation and mental health and health risk behaviors among SMM with ER and mindfulness as mediators. Participants and Setting: The sample consisted of 317 SMM (M_age = 26.70; SD = 3.87; ages 18–35; 59.3% White) recruited from the community. Methods: Childhood experiences of threat and deprivation were assessed via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; ER difficulties and dispositional mindfulness were assessed using self-report. Mental health behaviors were assessed using a composite score consisting of self-reported depressive, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and suicidality. Health risk behavior score included the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and smoking history (Y/N). Results: Threat and deprivation were both positively correlated with mental health and health risk behaviors. Threat was associated with both mental health and health risk behaviors via emotion regulation (ER) difficulties. Deprivation was associated with these outcomes through both ER difficulties and mindfulness. Conclusions: Treatment aimed at bolstering ER and mindfulness skills among those with histories of abuse and deprivation, respectively, may help reduce psychopathology risk among SMM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including physical and sexual abuse, are significantly associated with long-term health issues, particularly among socially disadvantaged populations. The study examines the social determinants of health, such as poverty, racial inequities, and limited access to care, to assess their association with adverse childhood experiences, including exposure to physical violence and sexual abuse. Methods: We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses using data from the 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n = 8227) to examine associations between selected ACEs and key social determinants of health (SDOH). Results: Our results indicated that a lack of emotional and social support was associated with increased odds of witnessing parental violence (AOR = 2.00) and physical abuse (AOR = 1.90). Absence of food insecurity was associated with lower odds of witnessing parental violence (AOR = 0.65), unwanted sexual touching (AOR = 0.77), and forced sex (AOR = 0.63). Similarly, not reporting transportation barriers was associated with lower odds across ACE outcomes (AORs ranging from 0.54 to 0.65). Sexual and gender minority individuals exhibited substantially higher odds of childhood sexual abuse (AORs = 3.64–5.56). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with increased odds of physical abuse (AOR = 1.47), and older adults (ages 45–64) had greater odds of experiencing forced sex (AORs = 2.08–2.48). These findings highlight complex relationships between SDOH and early trauma. Conclusions: Trauma-informed public health strategies must address structural inequities and strengthen emotional and material support for vulnerable populations. Full article

Adolescent sexual assault survivors have myriad post-assault needs. However, if and how they access resources to attend to those needs can be complicated due to their legal status as minors and child abuse mandatory reporting policies. Such policies that require specific entities to be notified when a sexual assault involving a minor has occurred might deter adolescents from seeking post-assault care. However, no studies to date have examined how mandatory reporting laws inform adolescents’ post-assault decisions and experiences. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews with twenty-one survivors of adolescent sexual assault in one Northeastern US state, we found that mandatory reporting actively deterred sixteen survivors from seeking formal help; would have deterred two survivors from seeking formal help had they known about it; and was a nonissue for three survivors who chose to seek formal help in an attempt to have very specific needs met. Survivors of adolescent sexual assault had serious concerns about losing agency and control and about unwanted involvement from police, parents, and child protective services. Individual providers, organizations, and whole communities must seriously consider the potential harm of mandatory reporting policies and think creatively and collaboratively alongside adolescent survivors to ensure they can access the care they need and deserve. Full article

Background: Bullying in university settings is a significant yet understudied contributor to psychological distress. Differentiating the sources of victimization, may reveal distinct risk profiles associated with mental health and substance use outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with bullying victimization among medical students, and to identify associations with mental disorders and substance use. Methods: A nested case–control cohort study was conducted with 124 medical students. Participants completed nine validated psychometric instruments evaluating neurobehavioral traits, emotional distress, substance use, and scholar bullying. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to estimate coefficients and odds ratios for key outcomes. Results: 42.7% of the students reported victimization, with teacher harassment (37.1%) more frequent than peer harassment (27.4%); 22.6% experienced both. Teacher harassment was primarily characterized by intentional harm (78%); peer harassment involved abuse of authority (63%). ADHD, severe stress, and substance use were associated with teacher-related victimization, while peer victimization was linked to ADHD, stress, impulsivity, and suicide risk. Childhood abuse, high stress levels, and non-heterosexual orientation as predictors of teacher harassment (p < 0.05). Notably, students with a non-heterosexual orientation were over six times more likely to report teacher harassment, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of sexual minorities within academic power dynamics. Conclusions: Teacher- and peer-related harassment are prevalent and often co-occur, with teacher-perpetrated bullying emerging as both more frequent and more strongly associated with mental health and identity-based vulnerabilities. Students with ADHD, high stress levels, and non-heterosexual orientation are at significantly greater risk. These findings emphasize the need for institutional accountability, inclusive academic policies, and targeted mental health support to protect vulnerable students and prevent harm within educational environments. Full article

Child sexual abuse (CSA) has consequences beyond the direct victim, affecting non-offending mothers, who may experience psychological, physical, and social symptoms after disclosure. This systematic review examined the impact of CSA on these mothers and the variables that influence coping and recovery. Searches were run in EBSCOhost (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL) following PRISMA 2020 and a PEO framework. Three reviewers screened 128 records in Rayyan (Cohen’s κ = 0.73), and 17 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was appraised with ROBINS-E. Distress, anxiety, depression, and secondary traumatic stress were the most frequently reported symptoms. These consequences were associated with factors such as maternal history of abuse, perceived social support, coping style, and cultural or religious beliefs, highlighting potentially modifiable cognitive and contextual targets for support. A key contribution of this review is the identification of modifiable cognitive variables that are clinically relevant. Methodological limitations of the evidence base warrant cautious interpretation–comprising seven qualitative, nine quantitative cross-sectional, and one mixed-methods study, with heterogeneity that precluded meta-analysis and limited causal inference. Overall, the findings highlight the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed interventions that address not only the child’s recovery but also the well-being and resilience of their mothers. Full article

Sexual minorities in Nigeria face systemic discrimination that extends into tertiary institutions, where silence and institutional neglect perpetuate stigma and abuse. This institutional inaction reinforces a culture of impunity and highlights the urgent need to understand the mechanisms through which institutional structures and cultures contribute to the well-being or harm of this vulnerable student population. This qualitative study employed a narrative phenomenological approach to explore the perceptions of policy makers and peer supporters about sexual harassment among sexual minority students in a higher education institution in Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit seven institutional decision-makers on student affairs, and four peer supporters for sexual minority individuals in the institution for in-depth interviews. The analysis revealed a profound disconnect. While the university perceives no problem due to a lack of formal reports, the lived experiences of students point to a cycle of harassment, vulnerability, and institutional betrayal exacerbated by the university’s neglect. The findings expose a cycle where the institution’s chosen method of “seeing” through formal complaints perpetuates epistemic injustice, validating the need for mandatory structural reforms over incremental sensitization to genuinely ensure safety and dignity for all students. Full article

Cybersexual victimization is a growing public health concern with severe psychosocial consequences, particularly for younger populations. Despite growing awareness of its prevalence, understanding how cybersexual victimization evolves across different demographic and regional contexts remains limited. The aim was to analyze sex- and age-specific temporal trends and projections of cybersexual victimization in Spain (2011–2022), disaggregated by sex, age group, autonomous community, and offense type, to identify where disparities emerge and persist (particularly from adolescence (<18) into midlife) while also examining gender and regional inequalities to provide evidence for prevention strategies that are both gender-sensitive and tailored to different developmental stages and territorial contexts. Spanish national police-reported data on seven cybersexual offenses (sexual abuse, sexual harassment, corruption of minors, grooming, exhibitionism, child sexual abuse images, and sexual provocation) from 2011 to 2022 were analyzed. Data were disaggregated by sex, age group, and regions. Mean rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated, independent-sample t-tests assessed sex differences, and linear regression models projected trends to 2035 for each age-sex group. Between 2011 and 2022, cybersexual crimes in Spain increased across most offense types, with grooming, child sexual abuse images, and contact offenses showing the steepest upward trends (all p < 0.001). Women consistently presented higher mean victimization rates than men in most offense types and age groups. Among those under 18, mean grooming rates were 2.55 for females versus 0.95 per 100,000 for males (p < 0.001), with significant differences also in corruption of minors (p < 0.01). In young adulthood (18–25 years), women showed higher rates in sexual harassment (p < 0.001) and sexual abuse (p < 0.01), while, in midlife (26–40 and 41–50 years), female predominance persisted for sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual provocation (all p < 0.05). Projections to 2035 indicate that sex gaps will remain or widen, particularly among females under 18 and in the 26–40 age group. The Balearic, Canary Islands, and Andalusia regions recorded the highest mean rates, whereas Galicia and Castilla-La Mancha reported the lowest. Cybersexual victimization in Spain disproportionately affects females from adolescence into midlife, with the most considerable disparities emerging before age 18 and persisting into adulthood. The combination of rapid offense growth, persistent sex-based disparities, and marked regional inequalities underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive, developmentally targeted prevention strategies that address both early vulnerability and the reinforcement of risk in adult digital environments. Full article

Cyber-sexual crimes have become a growing concern in the digital age, as rapid technological progress continues to create new forms of violence and victimization. These offenses affect society unevenly, striking more intensely among minors, women, and other vulnerable groups. Their prevalence is shaped by structural inequalities, educational, economic, and technological, that condition both exposure to digital risks and the capacity for protection. Although international research has connected these disparities with digital victimization, evidence from Spain remains limited. The aim was to analyze the regional distribution of cyber-sexual crimes in Spain between 2011 and 2022 and to explore how education, income, and digital access relate to their incidence. To this end, official data from the Spanish Statistical Crime Portal (PEC) were combined with structural indicators provided by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. The analysis encompassed reported cases of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, corruption of minors, online grooming, exhibitionism, pornography, and sexual provocation, using standardized incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants. Statistical methods included ANOVA with post hoc comparisons, correlation analyses, and K-means clustering to identify territorial patterns. Results revealed a sustained national increase in cyber-sexual crimes, with grooming and sexual harassment showing the most pronounced growth. The Balearic Islands (mean 4.9), Canary Islands (4.0), and Andalusia (3.9) registered the highest incidence rates, well above the national average (3.0). Educational disadvantages and low income were linked to sexual abuse and corruption of minors, whereas greater digital connectivity, expressed through higher mobile phone use, broadband access, and computer ownership, was strongly associated with grooming and other technology-facilitated offenses. Cluster analysis identified three distinct territorial profiles: high-incidence regions (Balearic and Canary Islands, Andalusia), intermediate (Murcia, Madrid, Navarre, Valencian Community), and low-incidence (Galicia, Catalonia, Castile and León, among others). In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that cyber-sexual crimes in Spain are unevenly distributed and closely linked to persistent structural vulnerabilities that shape digital exposure. These results underscore the need for territorially sensitive prevention strategies that reduce educational and economic inequalities, foster sexual and digital literacy, and promote safer online environments. Without addressing these underlying structural dimensions, public policies risk overlooking the conditions that sustain regional disparities and limit adequate protection against technology-driven sexual crimes. Full article

There is little research exploring the grey area of sexual violence (SV), considered in the literature as being a more subtle manifestation of SV, and therefore tending to be trivialized, legitimized, and normalized by society. This study aimed to compare students’ perceptions of the grey area of SV based on the gender of those involved, in a cis-hetero context, as well as potential sex differences in these perceptions. A vignette methodology was employed to gain valuable insights into the topic. The sample consisted of 164 university students living in Portugal, 71.3% (n = 117) female, with an average age of 23 (SD = 5.84). The thematic analysis revealed a central theme, Severity, reflecting participants’ perceptions of the seriousness of sexual violence within the “grey area”. This theme is expressed through four sub-themes: Attribution of severity, referring to how seriousness is assigned depending on context and beliefs; Identifying sexual violence, highlighting difficulties in recognizing certain behaviors as abusive; Frequency, capturing perceptions of how often such situations occur; and Report, addressing the barriers and facilitators to formal reporting. Our results indicated that while some participants minimized the scenario, the majority of the sample considered the situation as somewhat or very serious. Only few participants trivialized subtle forms of SV, perceiving incidents without overt physical force as less severe. Notably, sex differences emerged, despite being in the minority of the sample, female participants were more inclined to recognize these behaviors as abusive and to view the allegations as credible, whereas male participants tended to downplay the severity. Full article

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has far-reaching health and social consequences, particularly for survivors experiencing polyvictimization—multiple forms of IPV such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This study examined help-seeking behaviors and the perceived helpfulness of formal support sources (police, medical professionals, and psychologists) among a nationally representative sample of 2387 IPV survivors drawn from the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) in the United States. Latent class analysis identified three distinct polyvictimization profiles: Coercive Control and Psychological Aggression (CCPA), Psychological and Physical Violence (PPV), and Multiple Violence (MV). Survivors’ patterns of formal help-seeking varied significantly by gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and type of victimization. Psychologists were the most commonly contacted and perceived as the most helpful overall, though disparities emerged. Female survivors and those with less severe victimization were more likely to rate support as helpful, whereas male and sexual/gender minority (SGM) survivors, particularly those facing severe or multiple forms of violence, were less likely to find formal sources helpful—especially law enforcement. These findings highlight the need for more inclusive, culturally competent, and trauma-informed services tailored to the diverse experiences of IPV survivors. Full article

Background: Teen dating violence (TDV) is a serious public health concern, with sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) at elevated risk due to minority stress and systemic inequalities. This systematic review examines individual, relational, and contextual risk factors for TDV among SGMY. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and APA PsycInfo on 10 December 2024. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 focusing on teen dating violence (TDV) as an outcome among sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) aged 13–19 were included. Study selection was independently performed by multiple reviewers using Rayyan. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Due to heterogeneity in the study design and measurement tools, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Six risk domains emerged: (1) Demographic/Identity (e.g., gender, orientation, or race); (2) Psychological/Behavioral (e.g., distress or substance use); (3) Violence/Bullying (e.g., cyberbullying or exclusion); (4) Family/Sexual Abuse (e.g., family rejection); (5) Relational/Social (e.g., partner outing); and (6) School/Community (e.g., non-inclusive environments). Bisexual, pansexual, transgender, and racialized youth showed heightened vulnerability. Most studies were conducted in the USA and relied on non-validated TDV measures and cross-sectional designs, limiting comparability and causal inference. Conclusions: SGMY face unique, often overlooked TDV risks. There is a need for intersectional, longitudinal research and inclusive, developmentally appropriate prevention efforts that address both relational and structural factors. This review received no external funding and was not registered. Full article

Sexual minority men (SMM) experience anti-SMM stressors and have elevated rates of mental health issues compared to heterosexual men, such as depression. Importantly, strengths-based factors may directly increase wellbeing and provide a buffer against the detrimental effects of such stressors. In the present study, we integrated risk and strengths-based models to examine predictors of depression symptoms in a sample of 465 Canadian SMM across three time points using multilevel modeling. Higher scores on a measure of childhood physical abuse at baseline, and greater within-person (i.e., deviation from individual’s average) and between-person (i.e., deviation from group average) internalized homonegativity and heterosexist discrimination were associated with higher depression scores. Higher within- and between-person scores on measures of self-esteem, social support, and hope were associated with lower depression scores. Social support buffered the effects of between-person heterosexist discrimination on depression symptoms: at mean and high levels of social support, heterosexist discrimination was not associated with depression symptoms. This is the first study to disaggregate between-person and within-person effects of both risk factors and strengths-based factors among SMM, which has critical importance for the development of tailored individual-level interventions that target internalized homonegativity, hope, social support, and self-esteem to alleviate symptoms of depression among SMM. Full article