Search Results (504)

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

Prior work established the presence of six crosscutting patterns of clinically significant family maltreatment (FM) and psychological health (PH) problems among active-duty service members. Here, we develop a brief screener for these patterns via Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analyses using a sample of active-duty members of the United States Air Force. CART is a predictive algorithm used in machine learning. It balances prediction accuracy and model parsimony to identify an optimal set of predictors and identifies the thresholds on those predictors in relation to a discrete condition of interest (e.g., diagnosis of pathology). A 22-item screener predicted membership in five of the six classes (sensitivities and specificities > 0.96; positive and negative predictive values > 0.90). However, for service members at extremely high risk of clinically significant externalizing behavior, sensitivity and positive predictive values were much lower. The resulting 22-item brief screener can facilitate feasible, cost-effective detection of five of the six identified FM and PH problem patterns with a small number of items. The sixth pattern can be predicted far better than chance. Researchers and policymakers can use this tool to guide prevention efforts for FM and PH problems in service members. Full article

Despite the well-established link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, animal mistreatment remains a global issue. Challenges such as inconsistent legislation, limited training of specialized pathologists, and lack of regional data persist and must be addressed. In Spain, the real incidence of animal abuse is unknown, and the literature on the topic remains scarce. This study aims to assess the evolution of feline abuse cases in the Community of Madrid, Spain, since the publication of a previous study in the same region. Over a five-year period (2020–2024), 53 cats with suspected abuse were diagnosed at the Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Unit of the VISAVET Health Surveillance Center. Thirty-one cats (58.49%) died from non-natural causes: 17 (32.07%) due to blunt force trauma, eight (15.09%) due to poisoning, and six (11.32%) due to projectile injuries. Natural causes accounted for 21 cases (39.62%). Compared to the previous study, data suggest a possible upward trend in the number of cats referred with suspected animal abuse, including eight new cases of ethylene glycol poisoning. The correlation between the type of suspected abuse and final diagnosis was very low. This article examines current challenges related to animal violence, with particular emphasis on feline colonies, and promotes awareness among both veterinary and non-veterinary professionals. 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

This study evaluated emergency preparedness, covering knowledge, challenges, and culturally and linguistically appropriate resources among five resettled refugee communities in Central Ohio: Afghan, Bhutanese, Congolese, Ethiopian/Eritrean, and Somali. It also explored youth perceptions of community engagement and the effectiveness of current crisis support initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of a cross-sectional quantitative survey of 266 adults and a qualitative 60-min focus group discussion with 10 youth from the resettled communities. Quantitative data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests assessing differences in preparedness across communities. Quantitative findings showed that the Bhutanese group reported the highest familiarity with preparedness concepts (33.3%), while Afghan and Congolese communities showed significant gaps. Of the 266 overall respondents, only 39.5% had an emergency plan, and 15.8% felt extremely confident in handling emergencies. Language barriers were major challenges, along with those related to race and ethnic identity, religious practices, and cultural norms. Effective platforms for engagement included community meetings, religious sites, and social media, with text messages and phone calls preferred for emergency communication. Youth discussion highlighted key public health concerns, particularly gun violence, substance abuse, and mental health crises, with stigma and limited resources further hindering preparedness efforts. Participants emphasized the need for culturally relevant interventions and stronger community engagement. Full article

Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious public health concern that violates the rights of children. In Mexico, little is known about the actual figures for this type of violence. Objective: This study aimed to determine trends in the prevalence and case characteristics of CSA in a representative sample of children in Mexico. Materials and Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) for 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were used (n = 24,179). Proportions of CSA were estimated using the weighted mean of a binary variable, and the variance of the estimated proportion was calculated using the Taylor linearization method. Logistic regression models were estimated, and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CIs) were obtained. Results: The prevalence of CSA ranged from 2.22% (2018) to 5.66% (2023). There was an increasing trend in CSA between 2018 and 2021, which was even more pronounced (154.95%) between 2018 and 2023 (p < 0.001). The main perpetrator in CSA cases was a family member (78.51%), and most victims did not report the abuse to the authorities. Girls were more likely to experience CSA (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.72–4.68), and as years passed (from 2018 to 2023), the likelihood of becoming a victim of CSA increased. Conclusions: CSA is a problem that has increased in recent years in Mexico. It is noteworthy that the main perpetrator is within the family, which may influence the lack of reporting of these cases. In view of this situation, it is necessary to implement strategies to prevent CSA in children, involving mothers, fathers, and caregivers. Full article

Offline forms of violence are evolving into their online counterparts. The aim of this study was to examine cyber child-to-parent violence by (1) analyzing its bidirectional relationships with offline CPV and distress, (2) identifying individual risk factors (distress and substance abuse) and family-related risk factors (exposure to family violence, parental ineffectiveness, parental impulsivity, and punitive discipline) regarding Cyber-CPV, (3) examining individual and family-related risk factors for CPV and (4) evaluating the moderating role of substance abuse in the relationship between distress and Cyber-CPV. The study sample consisted of 1034 adolescents (M_age = 15.05; SD = 1.53), who completed the measures at two time points, six months apart. The results show bidirectional relationships between Cyber-CPV and distress. Furthermore, CPV significantly predicted the occurrence of Cyber-CPV over time. Moreover, substance abuse predicted Cyber-CPV and moderated the association between distress and Cyber-CPV; this association was strengthened under high levels of substance abuse. Additionally, both substance abuse and punitive discipline predicted CPV. This study highlights the predominant role of individual factors in Cyber-CPV, and it provides pioneering insights into the related variables of this emerging form of intrafamilial violence mediated by digital technologies, thus laying the groundwork for future research. Full article

Jurors play a critical role in the administration of justice, yet their compulsory exposure to graphic and distressing evidence during criminal trials is often overlooked in discussions of mental health and legal reform. This paper investigates the psychological impact of jury service in trials involving murder, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, where laypeople are required to view autopsy photographs, listen to emergency calls, and assess disturbing testimonies without any formal training or mandatory psychological support. While vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and moral injury are recognised in research on law enforcement, social work, and healthcare, there is limited acknowledgement that no professional group consistently receives adequate trauma prevention or recovery support. This gap is particularly concerning for jurors, who are laypeople compelled to participate in the justice process. Drawing on legal case studies, psychiatric research, and international precedent, this paper argues that the justice system imposes an invisible emotional burden on jurors while offering limited, inconsistent, and mostly reactive support. Although applicable to many countries, particular attention is given to Australian jurisdictions, where counselling services are sparse and optional, and where juror confidentiality laws restrict therapeutic disclosures. This research also considers the legal and ethical implications of exposing untrained civilians to traumatic material and explores whether the state could, or should, bear legal liability for post-trial psychological harm. Ultimately, this paper calls for the introduction of clearly defined trauma-informed jury procedures, including pre-trial psychological briefings, structured debriefings, and systemic reform, to acknowledge juror well-being as a necessary component of fair and ethical justice. Full article

Cyber Dating Violence (CDV) is a prevalent and concerning phenomenon among young people, characterized by abusive behaviors toward a romantic partner through digital platforms. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), defined as the anxiety of being excluded from rewarding experiences, is closely linked to excessive digital engagement and the need for constant connectivity. While previous studies have associated FoMO with bullying and cyberstalking, its relationship with dating violence remains unexplored. This study’s aim is to bridge this gap by analyzing the association between FoMO and both perpetration and victimization in CDV. The sample consisted of 911 young adults aged 18 to 30 (Mage = 22.0; SDage = 2.57; 74% women), recruited via an online survey. Findings indicate that FoMO significantly predicts both the perpetration and victimization of CDV. Additionally, for perpetration, significant interactions emerged with gender and sexual orientation, suggesting that these factors may moderate the relationship between FoMO and abusive behaviors in digital dating contexts. These results highlight the need for further research to better understand CDV and inform prevention and intervention strategies focused on digital platform use and healthy relationship dynamics. Full article

The experience of university students who identify as men and who are victims of dating violence is poorly understood. Services and supports available on campuses and in the community have not typically considered the needs of men. Aim: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of university men who experienced dating violence, factors influencing awareness, the impact on their lives and decisions to seek support and to disclose. Methods: A grounded theory study, using constructivist methodology was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants who identified as male. Thematic analysis was used. Strategies to improve credibility, dependability and auditability were implemented throughout. Findings: A theoretical framework was developed with gender as the central concept, affecting each of the core elements of interest. Most of the men were not initially aware that their experiences were considered dating violence until after leaving the relationship. This awareness was impacted not only by gender stereotypes but by their vulnerability, the context of the campus and the nature of their abuse. The impact of the violence was seen in their isolation, health, guilt and shame, their academic success and in other relationships. Men described issues with various forms of support. Family and faculty were of variable assistance in supporting their recovery. Implications: The findings underscore the need for prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of students identifying as men. There are also potential implications for increased awareness and education for other populations in a post secondary context. Full article

Background/Objectives: When a relationship ends due to abuse, a favorable attitude toward reconciliation may become a risk factor. The objective of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the attitude toward returning to an ex-partner. Methods: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the dimensionality and psychometric quality of the items. The main study involved 55 women who had been victims of gender violence. Results: Following item analysis and assessments of reliability (α = 0.93) and validity, a unidimensional 16-item scale was developed. The instrument, named the “Attitude Toward Returning to an Ex-partner Scale” (ATRES), allows for the identification of predispositions to return to a relationship in which serious abuse has occurred. Moreover, the findings revealed that a heightened perception of danger, along with forgiveness directed toward oneself, the other person, and the situation, was associated with a less favorable attitude toward reconciliation. Conversely, high religiosity predisposed individuals to rekindle the relationship. Conclusions: The scale could serve to facilitate interventions, mainly in situations where restoring the relationship can be a risk. The assessment of the predisposition to forgive the ex-partner—namely, the individual who perpetrated the abuse—as well as the victim’s attitude toward re-engaging in the relationship, constitute important considerations for preventing revictimization. The ATRES is the first self-report measure designed to assist researchers and professionals in the precise assessment of specific beliefs and myths underlying the reinstatement of a relationship. Full article

Murder-suicide, also referred to as homicide-suicide, results in multiple casualties. The victims are typically human, and cases involving the inclusion of pets, sometimes termed “murder-suicide-peticide”, have been rarely reported worldwide. The aim of this study is to present and examine the characteristics of three forensic veterinary cases in which pets were found dead alongside human victims in suspected domestic murder-suicide incidents in Japan. We analyzed information provided by the police agency about the owners, families, and the animals, as well as necropsy findings of three cases. In all three cases, it was determined that both the human and animal victims died from the same cause, suggesting a tendency for perpetrators to kill pets using the same methods as those used on human victims. Murder-suicide is regarded as the most extreme form of domestic violence and abuse. Ongoing interdisciplinary research is essential for developing effective intervention strategies to protect vulnerable individuals, both human and non-human, within the household. Full article

This narrative review has examined the psychological and emotional effects of non-consensual distribution of intimate images, a phenomenon known as Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA). It is an increasingly frequent phenomenon, and in detail, it consists of when a person uploads nude/semi-nude photos of someone online; therefore, it is similar to nonconsensual pornography. According to the scientific literature, this phenomenon has caused victims to experience trust issues, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal, public shame and humiliation, depression, fear, anxiety, stress, inability to find new romantic partners, and several other mental health effects. The aim of this study was to study the psychological consequences of Image-Based Sexual Abuse on victims. This study is a narrative review conducted in accordance with the SANRA guidelines. Findings have shown that revenge pornography and non-consensual intimate images have had devastating impacts on victims’ mental health. Full article

(1) Background: Domestic violence (DV), including intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the puerperium, represents a major public health issue, significantly affecting maternal and child health. (2) Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aimed to identify screening tools used to detect DV and IPV among pregnant and postpartum women and to estimate DV prevalence. The protocol was published in PROSPERO in advance (CRD42023473392). (3) Results: A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on 1 January 2024, resulting in 34,720 records; 98 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were conducted in over 40 countries, and most were cross-sectional. Commonly used screening tools included the WHO Women’s Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire, the Abuse Assessment Screen, and the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument. Meta-analyses showed that 10% of women experienced physical violence, 26% psychological violence, 9% sexual violence, 16% verbal violence, and 13% economic violence. The overall prevalence of IPV during pregnancy and the puerperium was 26%. Despite the widespread use of validated instruments, substantial heterogeneity was observed, underscoring the need for standardization. (4) Conclusion: These findings underline the urgent need to integrate routine IPV screening into maternal care pathways using validated, culturally adapted tools, ensuring women’s safety and confidentiality. Full article

This paper juxtaposes the katechontic political theology of modern sovereignty that sacrifices life in the name of its protection with a paradigm of mystical sovereignty whose purpose is to serve the power of life. Reclaiming the power and politicality not only of theology but also of an overlooked and denigrated discourse, such as mysticism, serves two purposes: it restores the true content of mystery and elucidates the political dimension of theology. Mysticism has been either unduly dismissed in secular modernity as obscurantist, or its meaning has been abused by modern sovereignty for the purpose of investing power with an air of transcendent legitimacy. The proper restoration of the meaning of mysticism may eventually help us reconstruct an alternative conception of sovereignty, one that inverses the attributes Schmitt associates with sovereign power: mastery, supreme potency, legitimate exercise of arbitrary violence. Such an alternative conception of sovereignty, as vulnerability, sacrifice, service, and potent powerlessness may then enable us to appreciate the resources mystical theology can contribute to rethinking the nature of the political and the political nature of theology. Full article