Search Results (353)

This study examines how U.S. immigration policies enact legal violence and multigenerational punishment through the spousal reunification process, particularly in mixed-status, transnational families. Building on the concept of “deportability,” we introduce “importability” to describe a beneficiary’s potential to secure permanent residency, which varies according to social markers such as race, gender, and region of origin. Drawing from a content analysis of threads on the Immigration Pathways (IP) web forum, we analyze discussions among U.S. citizen petitioners navigating marriage-based green card applications, with a focus on experiences involving administrative processing (AP) (i.e., marriage fraud investigations). Our findings show that couples who do not align with the state’s conception of “proper” family—particularly U.S. citizen women petitioning for Black African partners—face intensified scrutiny, long delays, and burdensome requirements, including DNA tests and surveillance. These bureaucratic obstacles produce prolonged family separation, financial strain, and diminished sense of belonging, especially for children in single-parent households. Through the lens of “importability,” we reveal how legal violence and multigenerational punishment of immigration policies on mixed-status families beyond deportation threats, functioning as a gatekeeping mechanism that disproportionately affects marginalized families. This research highlights the understudied consequences of immigration policies on citizen petitioners and contributes to a broader understanding of inequality in U.S. immigration enforcement. Full article

This study investigates how demographic characteristics, severity of intimate partner violence (IPV), social support, gender equality awareness, and demographic factors (e.g., living with children at home) influence help-seeking behaviors among 2527 IPV-experienced women in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Drawing on the help-seeking model and conservation of resource theory, the study distinguishes between formal (e.g., police, legal aid) and informal (e.g., family, friends) help-seeking. Logistic regression results reveal that greater violence severity, stronger perceived social support, and higher gender equality awareness significantly increase both formal and informal help-seeking. Notably, living with children is associated with a higher likelihood of seeking formal help, possibly due to increased concerns for children’s safety and the desire to change the abusive environment. While help-seeking behavior is on the rise overall, particularly among women with strong support networks and progressive gender attitudes, structural and cultural barriers remain. The findings underscore the need to improve public education, reduce stigma, and enhance accessibility of support systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on IPV in China and provides evidence for refining policy interventions and service delivery. Full article

Children’s safety, well-being and inclusion in the school environment can be severely impacted by social isolation and bullying. This study examined these threats in a sample of 14 group-classes (291 students) from four different primary education schools. A total of 44 special educational needs (SEN) students and 44 students without SEN were selected. The social network structure of each group-class was analysed, as well as the number of friendship ties, the degree of emotional well-being and social participation (both inside and outside of the school), and the possible cases of bullying. The results show a significantly greater rate of social rejection, emotional distress and risk of exclusion in SEN students with respect to their peers, as well as a considerably higher perception of bullying (38.6% vs. 4.8%). The SEN students who reported bullying were mostly schooled in social networks with a more segregated and fragmented structure. Moreover, the mean value obtained in these groups was lower for all the analysed indicators, although the differences were not statistically significant. These data support the idea that the social capital of the group class could influence the prevention of violence and bullying towards SEN students. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm this. Lastly, strategies to promote the social inclusion of SEN students in primary education schools are discussed. Full article

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of mothers who are victims of domestic violence regarding their children’s interactions during animal-assisted activities conducted over three months in a residential shelter. Utilizing a semi-structured interview approach, six mothers from diverse national backgrounds, aged 24 to 48 years, participated in the research. The study identifies perceived benefits, behavioral changes, and challenges encountered during the sessions. Content analysis revealed four main categories: (A) Parents’ perceptions of their children’s previous contact with pets; (B) initial expectations of parents regarding their children’s participation in the intervention; (C) mothers’ observations during the intervention sessions with the animals; and (D) mothers’ reflections after the intervention. Findings indicate benefits for children’s behavior and development, perceived improvements in socio-emotional skills and communication, as well as a positive emotional experience for the mothers throughout the process. The results underscore the significance of animal-assisted activities in promoting the well-being of children and their families. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating family perspectives in evaluating therapeutic interventions and offers insights for structuring more inclusive and effective animal-assisted intervention programs. Full article

Creole writer Sidonie de la Houssaye (1820–1894) registered the threat of anglophone dominance after the Civil War on behalf of a host of characters drawn from the geographies and ideologies in and around her home in Louisiana. Her little-known literary tales depict the period as a cultural and linguistic border zone. In addition to the texture of Louisiana French and Creole heritage, the tales depict the vexed social dynamics of prejudice and fragility. In the context of this special issue on good and evil, the poorly known children’s tales offer insight into these pernicious tensions that persisted under the surface of moral victory after the Civil War. La Houssaye’s lessons for children take up the moral panic of a Louisiana reckoning with its legacies of racial violence and cultural erasure. This article argues that morality in these tales takes shape in interpersonal practices that can be learned to heal social ills. What I have called La Houssaye’s “ethics of social life” relies on education rather than condemnation to redefine human bonds. If a broader lesson emerges from the stories taken together, it suggests that structural change is slow to heal cultural wounds. We must ourselves be the agents of a healthier community. Full article

Even though South Africa is a signatory to international declarations that aim to eliminate violence against women, intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant problem. While many women eventually leave IPV relationships after enduring violence for a long period, the matter of why women leave IPV relationships is not adequately researched in South Africa. This study explored the turning points that trigger the decision to leave IPV relationships and examined the process of leaving in a sample of women who left their abusive partners. In-depth interviews with 11 women living in shelters of safety for women in Gauteng Province, South Africa, were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis method. Leaving IPV relationships was a complex process that involved multiple decisions and actions over time; thus, most women endured many years of abuse. Leaving was triggered by various turning points, resulting in the leaving process being either planned or unplanned. For some of the women, the turning point was a specific violent event, while, for others, it was a culmination of violent events. Severe or escalating violence and the desire to protect their children from the impact of violence were key turning points for most of the women, such that they feared for their lives and that of their children. Overall, turning points played a crucial role in the decisions to leave abusive partners, and the leaving process for women was characterized to a great extent by fear. Understanding the complexities of the process of leaving and the relevance of turning points is essential to informing the development of appropriate interventions to respond more appropriately to women experiencing IPV. Full article

Background: Sexual violence against adolescents and young people (AYP) remains a public health concern. This study explores patterns of sexual violence and help-seeking behaviour as well as their associated risk/protective factors with guidance of a technical package (INSPIRE) designed to reduce sexual violence in low-resource settings. Methods: The 2019 Violence Against Children Survey (VACS) dataset comprises 788 males and 1344 females. After describing the prevalence and patterns of sexual violence and help-seeking behaviour (informal disclosure, knowledge of where to seek formal help, seeking formal help, and receipt of formal help) among 13- to 24-year-old AYP, logistic regression models were then fitted to predict past-year sexual violence and informal disclosure among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Results: More young women than young men informally disclosed sexual violence experience (46% versus 23%). Gender inequitable attitudes [AOR 3.07 (1.10–8.56); p = 0.03], experiencing emotional violence at home [AOR 2.11 (1.17–3.81); p = 0.01] and cyberbullying [AOR 5.90 (2.83–12.29); p = 0.00] were identified as risk factors for sexual violence among AGYW. Life skills training [AOR 0.22 (0.07–0.73); p = 0.01] and positive parental monitoring [AOR 0.31 (0.10–0.99); p = 0.05] were found to be protective against sexual violence among AGYW. Positive parental monitoring [AOR 3.85 (1.56–9.46); p = 0.00] was associated with an increased likelihood of informal disclosure among AGYW. Conclusions: As Kenya intensifies efforts towards sexual violence prevention, this study underscores the need to develop and strengthen policies and programs on life skills training, cultural norms, and positive parenting, as well as improve awareness and access to post-violence response and support services. Full article

Interventions to support mothers experiencing interpersonal violence are critical, yet most evaluation research focuses on outcome evaluation, rather than understanding the pathways of change. The goal of the current study was to understand, via mothers’ own perspectives, the specific key pathways through which participation in an interpersonal violence intervention resulted in perceptions of change for mothers and their children. The participants (N = 43, 18–43 years old) were mothers who attended and completed a 6–8-week interpersonal violence intervention within 11 community organizations across Canada. Approximately 1–2 months following the intervention, participants completed semi-structured interviews or focus groups wherein they were asked open-ended questions about their experiences in the intervention. Using a phenomenological approach, the results indicated that (1) mothers were able to identify changes in their cognitions and behaviors across three key domains (self, relationships, and parenting), (2) mothers linked these changes to their experiences in the intervention. We integrated and mapped the perceived pathways of change experienced by mothers, which included critical pathways involving self-compassion and self-forgiveness leading to self-esteem and empowerment. The results have implications for our ability to effectively deliver this interpersonal violence intervention, as well as more broadly to improve our understanding of the pathways of change for mothers experiencing violence in relationships. Full article

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the main cause of violence against women, especially in Mexico. However, the causes, consequences, and solutions related to IPV have not been well understood in this population. A total of five focus groups that included Mexican women who were victims of IPV were conducted to understand the causes, consequences, and solutions related to IPV, and a thematic analysis was performed. A total of 32 participants were included, with a median (range) age of 35 (24–70). The main causes mentioned by the participants were (a) cultural ones, among which Machismo, transgenerational violence, and cultural norms and gender roles were the main categories; (b) emotional causes, among which the lack of emotional abilities and emotional dependence were the main categories; and (c) educative causes, among which the lack of information about mental health, emotional abilities, IPV, and healthy relationships was reported. The main consequences mentioned were (a) psychological; (b) physical; (c) economic; (d) family-related, including impacts on children; and (e) legal, in relation to IPV complaints and children’s custody. Finally, the main solutions mentioned by the participants were (a) prevention through education, including educational programs to address mental health, IPV information, healthy relationships, and training in emotional skills; (b) cultural transformation; and (c) institutional strengthening, with this last solution including improving public policies, improving legal advice, and training for legal authorities. In conclusion, the causes, consequences, and solutions related to IPV were varied and included many instances; therefore, its prevention and solution should be performed at the inter-institutional and community levels, in which the promotion of emotional skills should play a fundamental role. Full article

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing have fostered physical, social, and emotional wellbeing for millenia, forming a foundation of strength and resilience. However, colonisation, systemic violence and discrimination—including the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, which continues today—have disrupted this foundation, leading to compounding cycles of intergenerational and complex trauma. The enduring impact of intergenerational and complex trauma is exemplified in increasing proportions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being removed from their families and involved in the child protection and youth justice system—which represents a national crisis. Despite this crisis, the national response remains insufficient. To address these urgent issues, over 200 predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, participated in Gathering the Seeds Symposium, the inaugural meeting for the Replanting the Birthing Trees project held in Perth in April 2023. This meeting marked the beginning of a public dialogue aimed at Closing the Gap by advancing community-led strategies to break cycles of trauma and foster cycles of nurturing, recovery, and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and children across the first 2000 days. We outline critical shortcomings in the current child protection and youth justice systems, and the urgent need for child wellbeing reform. Importantly we highlight recommendations made in submissions in 2023 to two key Australian inquiries—the National Early Years Strategy and the Human Rights Commission inquiry into out of home care and youth justice systems. We argue that structural reforms and culturally safe and skillful care for parents experiencing trauma and violence is a serious gap, and a national priority. The first 2000 days represents a critical window of opportunity to transform cycles of trauma into cycles of healing. It is time to ‘replant the birthing trees’ and ensure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and families can have the best possible start to life through comprehensive models of care grounded in recognition of the right to self-determination and culture. Full article

Purpose: The prevalence of domestic violence is increasing, and it is becoming more common for women who have experienced domestic violence to access support programs in their community. Learn to Live Again (L2LA) is an eight-week therapeutic program facilitated by Barnardos, which is provided through community support services in NSW, Australia. The program is designed for women who have experienced or continue to experience the traumatic effects of family and domestic violence. Methods: The pilot study involved collecting survey data from former participants and semi-structured interviews with current participants and facilitators. Data collection occurred between June and August 2023. Data collection included both face-to-face and online versions of the program. Results: All participants reported positive experiences of L2LA. The main benefits of the program for participants included connecting with women in similar situations, learning skills and strategies to cope with their experiences, sharing their lived experiences of domestic violence, and reconnecting with their children. Facilitators also had positive experiences of facilitating the program and observing the positive changes women experienced. Although, challenges were also identified and included managing the group dynamics, small group sizes, and managing trauma experiences in a group setting. Conclusion: The results indicate participants as well as facilitators had positive experiences of L2LA. Participants valued the program and felt that it helped them to begin the healing process and improve their overall wellbeing. Women were very passionate about recommending the program to other women. Facilitators observed many positive changes in the women throughout the program. However, L2LA challenges included the small group size, managing the dynamics of the group, and the range of trauma within the group as well as children being present. A larger evaluation of this program is required to confirm these findings. Full article

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a prevalent form of violence against children, associated with profound negative impacts on survivors’ health and well-being. In Bangladesh, sociocultural and economic barriers hinder CSA prevention and intervention, particularly for vulnerable populations such as transgender individuals. This study explores the experiences of CSA among Bangladeshi transgender individuals, focusing on their coping mechanisms and resilience-building strategies. A qualitative narrative approach was employed, using life story-telling interviews with four transgender CSA survivors, and data were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal significant challenges, including social exclusion, humiliation, and lack of family support. Participants reported experiencing physical injuries, mental trauma, and loss of trust due to CSA, while the conservative nature of Bangladeshi society often prevented them from disclosing their abuse or seeking healthcare. These barriers exacerbate health inequalities among gender-minority children. Despite these adversities, participants described engaging in resilience-building strategies such as self-care, personal development, advocacy, and efforts to derive meaning from their experiences, while highlighting the perceived importance of family support. This study provides insights into the unique experiences of transgender CSA survivors in Bangladesh and calls for efforts towards gender-inclusive education, mental health support, and further research to address CSA-related adversity, encourage disclosure, and promote health equity for gender-minority groups. Full article

Questions arise about links between the use of substances and violence, especially when parents misuse substances and there is potential to expose children to family violence. Background. The review has four aims: identify research into the harmful impacts of parental substance use on children; identify policies in Australia about the risks from parental substance misuse; identify interventions to manage unsafe parental substance use; and review practices involving confidentiality and collaboration when a parent has multiple complex needs. Method. The paper provides a rapid review of the literature, linking parental substance misuse, family violence, and parenting capacity and covering both policies and empirical evidence. Results. The main finding is that parental substance misuse does affect parenting capacity and is associated with family violence. The concept of the cumulative risk of harm to vulnerable children is supported by research but is not yet implemented in policy. Reports indicate that some parents who misuse substances have multiple complex needs including comorbid mental health issues, domestic violence, and difficulty in managing their children’s behavior. Early intervention therapies designed to address this cluster of issues are reviewed. Conclusion. There is a need to establish objective assessment instruments that are relevant to the cohort of parents who misuse substances and engage in family violence and to improve policy to ensure vulnerable children and families in which parents misuse substances are referred to appropriate therapies. Full article

Background/Objectives: This qualitative study was conducted to understand the experiences of parents of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) regarding experiences of child-to-parent violence (CPV), including the contexts of parent–child conflict in which CPV occurred, types of CPV, victimized parents’ feelings and responses to CPV, and parents’ strategies for better handling of CPV based on past experiences. Methods: Data from open and in-depth interviews with 18 parents who have experienced CPV perpetrated by their children with ADHD were subject to reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The results revealed various contexts in which parent–child conflicts (CPV) occurred. Parents reported the experiences of psychological aggression, physical aggression, and restrictions on movement. In addition to experiencing feelings of distress, fear, and frustration, parents adopted various strategies for coping with adolescents’ CPV, such as leaving the scene, pushing back, rational communication, controlling their own emotions, encouraging their children to express their feelings, and seeking help. Parents suggested that practicing communicating with their children using real-life examples and learning parenting skills is essential to the prevention of CPV and the mitigation of serious consequences. Conclusions: Our findings can provide healthcare professionals with key insights into the contexts of CPV and the management strategies used by parents of adolescents with ADHD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Violence and harm to children’s health and well-being remain pressing global concerns, with over one billion children affected annually. Risk assessment tools are widely used to support early identification and intervention, yet their predictive accuracy remains contested. This study aims to systematically evaluate the predictive validity of internationally used child risk assessment tools and examine whether the tools’ characteristics influence their effectiveness. Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted using 28 studies encompassing 27 tools and a total sample of 136,700 participants. A three-level meta-analytic model was employed to calculate pooled effect sizes (AUC), assess heterogeneity, and test moderation effects of tool type, length, publication year, assessor type, and target population. The publication bias was tested using Egger’s regression and funnel plots. Results: Overall, the tools demonstrated moderate predictive validity (AUC = 0.686). Among the tool types, the structured clinical judgment (SCJ) tools outperformed the actuarial (AUC = 0.662) and consensus-based tools (AUC = 0.580), suggesting greater accuracy in complex decision-making contexts. Other tool-related factors did not significantly moderate the predictive validity. Conclusions: SCJ tools offer a promising balance between structure and professional judgment. However, all tools have inherent limitations and require careful contextual application. The findings highlight the need for dynamic tools integrating risk and needs assessments and call for practitioner training to improve tool implementation. This study provides evidence-based guidance to inform the development, adaptation, and use of child risk assessment tools in global child protection systems. Full article