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García-Montoliu C, Ballester-Arnal R, Nebot-Garcia JE, Ruiz-Palomino E. Gender Differences in the Characterization of Child Sexual Abuse. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38618949 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2024.2342457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Research on child sexual abuse (CSA) has increased in recent decades. However, the study of gender differences in this field is still scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in the characterization of CSA between Spanish adult men and women. The Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire was administered to 162 cisgender victims of CSA aged 18-63. Most of the abuses involved physical contact and were committed by a known person. Twenty percent of the victims indicated that they had developed a mental health problem that they believed was due to the CSA experience. Women suffered more CSA with physical contact and penetration, more types of abuse and more abuse by men, and were abused more frequently by a family member. Compared to women, men suffered more sexual abuse by women. Exploring gender differences in CSA could help to improve preventive strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of this type of abuse and sequelae resulting from it.
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Uslu N, Çamlibel M, Erenoğlu R. Adaptation of the Child sexual abuse myth scale to Turkish culture: A reliability and validity study. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2024; 49:133-139. [PMID: 38734449 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the reliability and validity of the Child Sexual Abuse Myth Scale (CSAMS) in Turkish society. This methodological and cross-sectional study was conducted with 334 individuals between the ages 19 to 65. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form and the Child Sexual Abuse Myth Scale. Content Validity Ratio values of the scale items in the study ranged between 0.500 and 1.00, and the Content Validity Index was found to be 0.68. Exploratory Factor Analysis was appropriate based on Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO = 0.809) and Barlett's Test of Sphericity (X2 = 1269, p < 0.001). Factor Analysis resulted in 4 sub-scales (Accusation, Causality, Normalization, and Sexist Approach). Item factor loads of the scale were found to range between 0.501 and 0.839, and the total explained variance was 59.4 %. Pearson correlation coefficients of all the items ranged between 0.32 and 0.60, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.81. Accusation, Normalization, and Sexist Approach sub-scale scores were found to increase with age. Sub-scale scores were found to demonstrate significant differences by gender, marital status, education level, working or not, income level, family type, number of siblings, and number of children (p < 0.05). The findings of this study show that the CSAMS is valid and reliable for Turkish culture in its 14-item and 4 sub-scale form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevin Uslu
- Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Burdur, Turkey.
| | - Merve Çamlibel
- Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Rabiye Erenoğlu
- Hatay Mustafa Kemal Universtiy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Gyneacology and Obstetric Nursıng Department, Hatay, Turkey
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Bailey C, Shaw J, Harris A. Adolescents and sexual assault: A critical integrative review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38303610 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Adolescents are sexually assaulted at remarkably high rates. Adolescents are also unique given the specific dynamics of adolescent sexual assault, their current stage in human development, their limited legal standing and rights, and their experiences navigating postassault services and resources. While literature exists within each of these domains, it is somewhat disconnected and overlooks how adolescents are often relegated to the margins in research and practice. The purpose of this integrative review is to (1) provide a more complete understanding of adolescent sexual assault and survivors' nuanced needs; (2) frame adolescent survivors as a too-often-overlooked oppressed group that researchers and responders must consider and center in their work, lest contribute to their further marginalization; and (3) inspire and orient social justice-minded scholar activists to various action steps to take to center and prioritize adolescents in research and practice. Through our intersectional feminist approach, we offer specific action steps for social justice-minded scholar activists to recenter adolescents in their research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bailey
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jessica Shaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Abril Harris
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Berens KA, Bruer KC, Schick KD, Evans AD, Price HL. A taxonomy of groomer profiles: Comparisons of in-person, online, and mixed groomers through the examination of Canadian judicial decisions. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 145:106407. [PMID: 37651823 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual grooming in cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) has captured the attention of researchers over the past decades. While early research focused on offenders who groomed children in person, our knowledge of online groomers has begun to increase. However, there has not been a concomitant increase in understanding of groomers who use both in-person and online grooming strategies (i.e., mixed groomers); it is not clear if mixed groomers more closely resemble in-person groomers, online groomers, or if they are their own distinct groomer type. OBJECTIVE The current study creates the first taxonomy of in-person, online, and mixed groomer profiles through the empirical analysis of Canadian judicial decisions. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, AND METHODS 180 Canadian judicial decisions from 153 cases of CSA involving grooming were extracted from the Canadian Legal Information Institute and coded for information related to grooming strategies, the accused, the complainant, and the alleged offence. RESULTS Mixed groomers used more grooming strategies per case than in-person and online groomers. Mixed groomers initiated contact online with complainants less often than online groomers, but identified more vulnerable victims, engaged in more non-sexual yet inappropriate conversations, and used more gain cooperation strategies than in-person groomers. Online groomers were older and had shorter delays to criminal proceedings than mixed and in-person groomers. Complainants groomed in person were younger and abused for longer durations than mixed and online complainants. CONCLUSIONS The proposed taxonomy of groomer profiles can inform education and prevention programs about the heterogeneous nature of grooming. Those who groomed children in-person, online, or using a mixture of both methods varied greatly in their grooming strategies, victim age preferences, relationship to the child, and pathways to disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Berens
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Canada
| | - Kaila C Bruer
- Department of Psychology, Luther College at the University of Regina, Canada
| | - Kayla D Schick
- Department of Psychology, Luther College at the University of Regina, Canada
| | | | - Heather L Price
- Department of Psychology, Thompson Rivers University, Canada.
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Das I, Bhattacharjee A. Examining the Roles of Prior Victimization, Perpetrator Identity and the Correlates of Female Rape Myth Acceptance Among Indian Females. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1855-1868. [PMID: 36752952 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02547-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This research attempts to address a widely under-explained phenomenon of female rape myth acceptance (RMA) among the female population. A total number of 500 literate women from India with a mean age of 28.89 years were selected to examine the different determinants of their RMA. The research explored the important correlates of RMA among women, where the stepwise regression model revealed the significant impact of sexual desires, rejection sensitivity, loneliness, and neuroticism/emotional stability on their RMA. This further implied that women high on these four constructs run a 17.7% chance of endorsing female rape myths. The model eliminated the construct of online pornography usage, owing to its non-significant impact on RMA. Further, it was revealed that the history of prior victimization had a significant effect on the rape myths endorsed by the women. The study also reflected on the identity of the perpetrators of the women with a prior victimization history, where 55.43% reported it was perpetrated by a "known" person in their last experienced assault (and 44.57% "stranger" perpetrator). Whereas most women were victimized by "known" perpetrators, there was no significant difference in the sample's RMA, between the perpetrator identity groups (known and stranger perpetrators). The research concretely adds novel knowledge on identifying and predicting the female rape supportive attitudes among females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Das
- Department of Psychology, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura, 799022, India.
| | - Anjana Bhattacharjee
- Department of Psychology, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura, 799022, India
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Berens KA, Anderson SF, Harvey MB, Coburn PI, Price HL, Chong K, Connolly DA. Categorizing Complainant-Accused Relationships in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse: The Distinctive Nature of Community Connections. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2023; 32:513-531. [PMID: 36974376 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2023.2194297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We examined the categorization of relationships between child complainants and accused perpetrators in cases of child sexual abuse (CSA). Researchers that have focused on complainant-accused relationships and other case variables, often combining two extrafamilial complainant-accused relationship categories: Relationships where the accused is connected to the child through their position in the community (i.e. community connections) and relationships where the non-relative accused is known to the child through a connection to the child's family (i.e. non-relative family connections). Using a database of 4,237 Canadian judicial decisions in cases of CSA, we reviewed a subset of 1,515 judicial decisions to explore differences between these two relationship categories. Compared to cases involving non-relative family connections, cases involving community connections had more male complainants, more multiple complainants, older complainants, higher frequencies of abuse, longer durations, and longer delays. We conclude that community and non-relative family connections are distinct relationships that should be separated for analyses in future research. Practical implications of recognizing the distinctiveness of non-relative family and community connection relationship categories in the context of abuse prevention and treatment are also discussed.
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Bailey C, Shaw J, Harris A. Mandatory Reporting and Adolescent Sexual Assault. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:454-467. [PMID: 34238071 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211030239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents experience alarmingly high rates of sexual violence, higher than any other age-group. This is concerning as sexual violence can have detrimental effects on teens' personal and relational well-being, causing long-term consequences for the survivor. Still, adolescents are hesitant to report the assault or seek out services and resources. When an adolescent survivor does seek out services, they may interact with a provider who is a mandatory reporter. This scoping review sought to synthesize the current U.S.-based research on the role, challenges, and impact of mandatory reporting (MR) in the context of adolescent sexual assault. Database searches using key words related to MR, sexual assault, and adolescence identified 29 peer-reviewed articles. However, none of these articles reported on empirical investigations of the phenomenon of interest and instead consisted of case studies, commentaries, and position papers. The scoping review was expanded to provide a lay of the land of what we know about the intersection of adolescent sexual assault and MR. Results of the review indicate that though implemented broadly, MR policies vary between individuals, organizations, and states and have historically been challenging to implement due to this variation, conflicts with other laws, tension between these policies and providers' values, and other factors. Based on the available literature, the impact of MR in the context of adolescent sexual assault is unknown. There is a critical need for research and evaluation on the implementation and impact of MR policies, especially in the context of adolescents and sexual violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bailey
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jessica Shaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abril Harris
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Pals AM, Golding JM, Levi MM. Perceptions of a Plea Agreement in Cases of Teacher and Adolescent Student Sexual Assault. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2022; 31:930-947. [PMID: 36066122 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2022.2119911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
An estimated 90% of reported sexual abuse cases result in a plea agreement. The present study investigated the perception of plea agreements involving a teacher-adolescent student child sexual assault case. A 2 (teacher gender: male or female) x 2 (student gender: male or female) x 2 (punishment type: probation or jail) within-participant design was used with participant gender included as a between-participant factor. Perceptions of the plea agreement served as the dependent variables. Participants (N = 52; 48.1% male, 51.9% female) each read the eight vignettes in a random order and then rated their perceptions (e.g., support for the judicial process, degree of justice served, how upset they were by the plea) of a plea agreement on a 7-point scale. It was found that participants showed less support for plea agreements (1) offered to male teacher offenders compared to female teacher offenders and (2) when the punishment was probation compared to jail time. Additionally, participants' emotional reactions (e.g., how upset) mediated the relationship between the independent variables (defendant gender and punishment type) and participants' perception of the plea agreements. Results and implications are discussed in terms of procedural justice and the importance of public perceptions of pleas.
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Hornor G, Benzinger E, Doughty K, Hollar J, Wolf K. Pediatric Forensic Analysis: The Benefits of DNA Collection Beyond 24 Hours. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2022; 18:E29-E37. [PMID: 35149664 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the presence of forensic evidence aids in successful prosecution of sexual abuse, controversy remains regarding the timing and indications for collection of forensic evidence in child sexual abuse/assault. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe forensic evidence findings in acute child sexual abuse after implementing more inclusive indications for collection of evidence in a pediatric emergency department and to identify factors associated with yield of DNA. RESULTS Of the 306 evidence kits collected and analyzed, 110 (35.9%) kits were positive for an interpretable DNA profile foreign to the patient, which may or may not have contributed to the investigation of the sexual abuse concern. Several factors were associated with increased forensic yield of identifiable foreign DNA: increased age of child victim, 48 hours or less between the latest incident of sexual abuse and the collection of forensic evidence, child disclosure of high-severity sexual abuse acts (anal-genital or genital-genital contact) in the pediatric emergency department forensic interview, and sexual abuse by a nonrelative perpetrator. CONCLUSIONS Finally, although certain factors were associated with increased yield of identifiable foreign DNA within each factor, there were multiple outliers where failure to collect forensic evidence would have resulted in a loss of recoverable foreign DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Hornor
- Author Affiliations: International Association of Forensic Nurses
| | | | | | - Jessica Hollar
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Kathryn Wolf
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
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George SS, Denne E, Stolzenberg SN. Blaming Children: How Rape Myths Manifest in Defense Attorneys' Questions to Children Testifying About Child Sexual Abuse. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP16623-NP16646. [PMID: 34134556 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211023485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Since rape myths were codified in 1980 (Burt, 1980), scholars have shown that individuals who endorse rape myths perceive victims as less credible and more responsible for rape and perpetrators as less responsible. Studies also show that rape myths hinder successful adjudication of rape cases by influencing juries' assessments of perpetrator guilt (Dinos et al., 2015). While most of this research focuses on sexual assaults involving adult victims, some scholars have found that victims as young as 12 are blamed for rape. If rape myths influence the perceptions of sex offenses even when victims are children, then defense attorneys in child sexual abuse (CSA) cases may be motivated to highlight rape myth in CSA trials. In the current study, we conducted a content analysis of the cross-examinations of 122 children, aged 6 to 17, alleging CSA to determine if and how defense attorneys question children about rape myths. We looked for questions about force and resistance, motives to lie, victim precipitation, and character issues (e.g., habitual drug use). We found that defense attorneys commonly referenced rape myths in CSA trials. A total of 10% of all defense attorneys' lines of questioning referenced a rape myth, and attorneys asked 77% of children at least one rape myth line of questioning. Whether or not attorneys asked about different myths and the content of these questions varied by children's age. Our findings indicate that defense attorneys use rape myths strategically to undermine children's credibility in CSA trials, but they adapt (adult) rape myths in ways that are plausible in the CSA context. Policies formed to prevent the prejudicial impact of rape myths at sexual assault trials involving adults (e.g., rape shield laws) may not adequately prevent their impact in CSA trials. Prosecutors, therefore, should address rape myths at CSA trials.
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Hornor G, Anderson AM, Baumeyer S, Daniels A, Doughty K, Hollar J, Prince C, Skeens M, Wilkinson K. Multidisciplinary Approach to Emergent Sexual Abuse in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Simulated Child Advocacy Center Model of Care. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2022; 18:164-173. [PMID: 35045046 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to compare child sexual abuse interview disclosures and judicial outcomes for cases of child and adolescent sexual abuse/assault seen in a pediatric emergency department (PED) before and after the implementation of a simulated child advocacy center (CAC) multidisciplinary model of care. METHOD A retrospective chart and legal records review was conducted from both the PED model of care group and the simulated CAC multidisciplinary model of care for judicial outcomes, child sexual abuse interview disclosures, and sexual abuse case characteristics. RESULTS The simulated CAC multidisciplinary model of care did not result in increased indictments, pleas, trials, or disclosure of sexual abuse in the sexual abuse interview when compared with the PED model of care. The simulated CAC multidisciplinary model of care did result in a significantly higher rate of sexual abuse interview completion. DISCUSSION Demographic risk factors for sexual abuse victimization as well as perpetration have been identified in the literature and were supported by this study. Law enforcement and child protective services were more frequently present in the PED under the simulated CAC multidisciplinary model allowing for improved protection of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Hornor
- Author Affiliations: International Association of Forensic Nurses
| | | | | | - Alicia Daniels
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Katharine Doughty
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Jessica Hollar
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Celeste Prince
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Micah Skeens
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Kerri Wilkinson
- Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital
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Perry Y, Cuellar MJ. Coping Methods Used by College Undergraduate and Graduate Students while Experiencing Childhood Adversities and Traumas. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 15:451-459. [PMID: 35600516 PMCID: PMC9120301 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Experiences in childhood, both positive and negative, are crucial to a child's progression. Childhood traumas and adversities are detrimental to children's development and can have long term consequences that manifest themselves in young adulthood. The purpose of this study is to inductively explore coping strategies used by young adults during their experience of childhood traumas and adversities. A sample of college students from a diverse northeastern university (N = 146) provided quantitative and qualitative survey responses. Students were asked, "What were the tools you used to cope with adversity and/or traumatic events?" Participants responded to the prompt based on their experiences from childhood. The researchers analyzed the qualitative data using a mixed-method, thematic approach to coding participant responses. Additional quantitative information is explored to explain emerging qualitative themes. Two salient themes of coping strategies emerged, providing support for Machado et al. (2020): (1) Emotion-Focused Coping and (2) Problem-Focus Coping. Minor themes built on the findings in the area of Emotion-Focused Coping, highlighting processes of (i) emotional regulation, (ii) emotional expression, and (iii) emotional avoidance. Excerpts from this study's participants suggest that individuals dealing with adversities and traumas find a variety of ways to cope. These coping strategies can be implemented into institutions' everyday practices to aid children during their time of vulnerability. The article provides recommendations for school administrators, leadership teams, and any professional specializing in school culture, curriculum, and social work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Perry
- Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave. Dickson Hall, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
| | - Matthew J. Cuellar
- Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave. Dickson Hall, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
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Manay N, Collin-Vézina D, Alaggia R, McElvaney R. "It's Complicated Because We're Only Sixteen": A Framework for Understanding Childhood Sexual Abuse Disclosures to Peers. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP1704-NP1732. [PMID: 32552189 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520933052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The process of disclosing childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is very difficult for young people. Researchers have consistently found that young people disclose CSA to other youth at much higher rates than to familiar adults or authorities and indicate that CSA remains largely unknown to adults. However, no study to date has focused exclusively on understanding the process of youth-directed disclosures from young people's perspectives. Using grounded theory methodology, this qualitative study aimed to understand the process of CSA disclosures to peers based on interviews with 30 young people from Canada and Ireland who have experienced CSA. The findings reflect the iterative and dialogical nature of the peer disclosure process and provide a framework for youth-directed disclosures that is centered on the theme of uncertainty. An underlying sense of uncertainty permeated the entire disclosure experience as participants' narratives reflected six stages that were interrelated in a cyclical process: experiencing internal conflict, needing to tell and choosing to confide in peers, expecting emotional support from peers, gradual telling and making sense of the abuse, burden on peers, and assessing peer responses and further disclosures. In addition, this model was not static, as with time, participants reinterpreted their peers' responses. The presented framework is consistent with previous conceptualizations of CSA disclosures, but the focus on youth-directed disclosures from the perspective of young people also allowed for a model that explains processes that are unique to peer disclosures. Practice and policy implications as well as limitations and future research directions are discussed.
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Lee MHM, Ganapathy S, Low SM, Chua CLQ, Chong SL, Ma E, Wong PCY. A review of child sexual abuse cases presenting to a paediatric emergency department. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2021; 50:527-535. [PMID: 34342333 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2021127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Child sexual abuse (CSA) adversely affects a child's growth and well-being. This study aimed to describe the profile of children presenting to a tertiary paediatric emergency department(ED) with CSA. METHODS Children 0-16 years old presenting to KK Women's and Children's Hospital ED from June 2016 to August 2020 with sexual abuse were retrospectively reviewed. We performed a secondary analysis on girls and stratified them by age <13 and ≥13 years old. RESULTS There were 790 patients who made 833 visits for CSA. Victims were predominantly girls (747, 94.8%) and perpetrators were predominantly men (763, 96.6%). The abuse first occurred before the age of 13 years in 315 victims (39.9%). For 468 (59.2%), more than one incident occurred before presentation. Compared to girls ≥13 years old, girls <13 years old were more frequently abused by a family member (47.7% versus 8.0%, P<0.001) and abused in their own home (55.7% vs 21.0%, P<0.001). Among all children, parental divorce and the absence of one or both biological parents in the household were prevalent, with 287/783 (36.7%) having divorced parents, and only 374/784 (47.8%) residing with both biological parents. CONCLUSION The findings highlight common characteristics of CSA cases, and can aid the future identification and protection of vulnerable children. The fact that most children presented after more than one incident suggests the need to more closely monitor and protect potentially at-risk children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalene H M Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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15
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Malloy LC, Sutherland JE, Cauffman E. Sexual abuse disclosure among incarcerated female adolescents and young adults. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 116:104147. [PMID: 31495522 PMCID: PMC7056491 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is over-represented among incarcerated girls and women. In order to inform effective methods of response, they represent a critical group for better understanding disclosure processes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to assess the CSA and CSA disclosure experiences of incarcerated female adolescents and young adults. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 94 serious female offenders, ages 15-24 (M = 18.72, SD = 1.94), incarcerated in a secure juvenile facility. METHOD In one-on-one interviews, participants answered questions about abuse characteristics, whether they had previously disclosed, to whom they had disclosed and after how long, and reasons for prior disclosure or nondisclosure. RESULTS Over half of the sample (51.8%,n = 44) reported experiencing CSA. Most individuals who reported a CSA history had previously disclosed (79.5%, n = 35), with approximately equal proportions claiming to disclose within one week (40%) and after a year or years (45.8%). However, 20.5% (n = 9) claimed that our study interview was their first disclosure. Several reasons for their disclosure patterns were endorsed: Most commonly feelings of shame or embarrassment prevented disclosure (56%) and no longer wanting to keep the abuse a secret motivated disclosure (44%). CONCLUSIONS Although many incarcerated girls and women share a history of CSA, our results indicate that the abuse and disclosure experiences of incarcerated females are diverse. Understanding their disclosure patterns can inform mental health services, rehabilitation, and professional interviewing strategies that may facilitate disclosure (e.g., forensic interviews, facility intake interviews).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C Malloy
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St North, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada.
| | - Jessica E Sutherland
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St North, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Cauffman
- Psychology and Social Behavior, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, 4308 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
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Agbaje OS, Nnaji CP, Nwagu EN, Iweama CN, Umoke PCI, Ozoemena LE, Abba CC. Adverse childhood experiences and psychological distress among higher education students in Southeast Nigeria: an institutional-based cross-sectional study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 79:62. [PMID: 33926542 PMCID: PMC8086118 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) constitutes public health problems linked to adverse mental outcomes such as psychological distress during adulthood. This study examines the prevalence of ACEs and psychological distress and explores the association between ACEs and psychological distress and demographic factors among young adults. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 330 students from May 2018 to July 2018. The participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the sociodemographic profile scale. We used descriptive statistics to describe the prevalence of ACEs and psychological distress in our sample. After adjusting for the demographic covariates, ACEs’ association with psychological distress was determined using binary and multivariate logistic regressions. Results A total of 203 students with a mean age of 20.76 ± 2.73 years completed the study. The total mean ACE score was 4.58 ± 1.59, and the total mean psychological distress score was 20.76 ± 6.31. Most of the participants (86.7%) experienced ACEs, 14.8% reported experiencing one ACE, 30.5% reported experiencing 2–3 ACEs, and 41.3% reported experiencing 4+ ACEs. Further, about 85% of the youth have experienced at least one form of sexual abuse during childhood, and females reported a higher number of ACEs than males. Sexual abuse (OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 2.36, 7.65), physical neglect (OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.57, 5.31), overall ACE exposure (OR = 6.66; 95% CI: 2.41, 18.42), having 1 ACE (OR = 4.40; 95% CI: 1.32, 14.70), having 2–3 ACEs (OR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.39, 12.29), and having 4+ (OR = 11.67; 95% CI: 3.95, 34.45) were significantly associated with psychological distress. Conclusions ACEs are prevalent among young adults and are associated with psychological distress in adulthood. Furthermore, parental factors are associated with ACEs and psychological distress. Thus, implementation of school, community-and facility-based routine mental health screening programs is essential for prompt identification, prevention, and treatment of youth with childhood adversities and poor mental health outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-021-00587-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaoluwa Samson Agbaje
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chinwe Patience Nnaji
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Evelyn Nwanebe Nwagu
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Cylia Nkechi Iweama
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
| | | | - Lawretta Eyuche Ozoemena
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Charles Chike Abba
- Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Solberg ET, Halvorsen JE, Stige SH. What Do Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Believe Will Facilitate Early Disclosure of Sexual Abuse? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:639341. [PMID: 34194343 PMCID: PMC8236530 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.639341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore what adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) believe will facilitate early disclosure of sexual abuse. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 adult survivors of CSA aged 18-57 years, and analyzed the transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis resulted in three main themes: Adults making it possible to tell; Adults daring to consider the unthinkable; and Conveying knowledge of CSA that facilitates understanding. The findings highlighted the importance of adults facilitating disclosure and making it possible for survivors to tell about their experiences, but also the responsibility adults have to dare to consider the possibility of CSA when children struggle. Another important finding was the significance of enhancing the general population's understanding of the complexity of CSA, including why disclosure is difficult, so adults are given the tools needed to understand and know what to do when they suspect CSA. The findings also have important implications for the planning and implementation of interventions to facilitate early disclosure of CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Tvedt Solberg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Helse Fonna, Haugesund, Norway
| | - Jorunn E Halvorsen
- Department of Health and Welfare Services, Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Sumampouw N, Otgaar H, de Ruiter C. The Relevance of Certain Case Characteristics in the Successful Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Indonesia. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2020; 29:984-1003. [PMID: 33006505 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2020.1801930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Successful prosecution in child sexual abuse (CSA) cases is an essential purpose of law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability of perpetrators and children's safety. However, research has shown that legal prosecution of CSA cases is a highly complex endeavor resulting in only a limited percentage of cases being prosecuted and ultimately proven in court. Most attrition occurs at the stage of the police investigation. The current study is the first study of CSA prosecution in an Asian country. We aimed to identify factors, which contribute to Indonesian CSA cases prosecution. We examined police files of CSA cases (N = 179) from three police units in greater Jakarta. We found that only 32% (n = 58) of cases were prosecuted. The following factors increased the odds of prosecution: victim being threatened, the suspect confessed, medical examination report being present, duration of investigations between one to 2 months, and the case being charged under the Child Protection Law. These findings (threat, suspect confession, and the presence of a medical examination report) correspond to previous studies in other jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael Sumampouw
- Forensic Psychology Section, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Clinical Psychology Department, Universitas Indonesia , Depok, Indonesia
| | - Henry Otgaar
- Forensic Psychology Section, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
- Leuven Institute of Criminology, KU Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
| | - Corine de Ruiter
- Forensic Psychology Section, Maastricht University , Maastricht, Netherlands
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Coburn PI, Harvey MB, Anderson SF, Price HL, Chong K, Connolly DA. Boys Abused in a Community Setting: An Analysis of Gender, Relationship, and Delayed Prosecutions in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2019; 28:586-607. [PMID: 30856057 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2019.1580329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous research on gender differences and delay of disclosure of child sexual abuse is inconclusive; some research has found that male victims are more likely to delay disclosure than female victims, while other studies have found no gender difference. The present archival study investigated this inconsistency by examining factors that interact with delay. Judicial outcomes of child sexual abuse cases were coded (N = 4237) for variables related to the offense, the complainant-accused relationship, and court proceedings. Males and females differed with respect to delay only when the relationship between the complainant and the accused was established in the community (e.g., sports coach) or was a stranger to the child. When the accused was a parent, other relative, or a non-relative connected to the child through the family, there was no difference in delay between males and females. Further, males were more vulnerable in the community, as evidenced by a higher proportion of accused community members with male than female complainants, even though males represented fewer than 25% of cases in the database. These findings may help explain inconsistencies in gender differences in delayed disclosure. Implications regarding education about child sexual abuse are discussed, with a focus on male victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Coburn
- a Psychology Department , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , Canada
| | - Madison B Harvey
- a Psychology Department , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , Canada
| | | | - Heather L Price
- b Psychology Department , Thompson Rivers University , Kamloops , Canada
| | - Kristin Chong
- a Psychology Department , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , Canada
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Maya J, Lorence B, Hidalgo V, Jiménez L. The Role of Psychosocial Stress on a Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents with Problematic Behaviors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1867. [PMID: 30158458 PMCID: PMC6164718 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The stressful life events experienced by adolescents with problematic behaviors, should be considered for implementing effective interventions. This study aimed to examine the adjustment of adolescents with problematic behaviors, and to assess the effectiveness of a family-based treatment, namely Scene-Based Psychodramatic Family Therapy (SB-PFT), according to different stress profiles. Ten SB-PFT sessions, over 17 trials were implemented. Stressful life events and adolescent adjustment were evaluated at pretest and posttest, for the SB-PFT participants (n = 104 adolescents) and a control group (n = 106). The adolescents were categorized into three profiles depending on the nature of the stressors: family stress profile, individual and family stress profile, and low stress profile. The individual and family stress group showed worse adjustment. Effectiveness analyses revealed improvements in SB-PFT participants' emotional intelligence, but not in anger and hostility. Furthermore, adolescents with low and family-related stress profiles showed enhancements in parent attachment. In conclusion, interventions involving adolescents with problematic behaviors must be tailored to the stressful life events experienced. Specific treatments should be used alongside SB-PFT, when adolescents are met with individual-related stress. Nevertheless, SB-PFT seemed to promote emotional intelligence and parent attachment, particularly in adolescents with problematic behaviors that experienced only family stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Maya
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Seville, Camilo José Cela s/n, 41018 Seville, Spain.
| | - Bárbara Lorence
- Department of Social, Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Huelva, Avda. Tres de Marzo s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Victoria Hidalgo
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Seville, Camilo José Cela s/n, 41018 Seville, Spain.
| | - Lucía Jiménez
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Seville, Camilo José Cela s/n, 41018 Seville, Spain.
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