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Many displaced girls in Uganda trapped in cycles of sexual, physical violence

A recent study by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor Moses Okumu found that nearly 36% of forcibly displaced adolescent girls and young women in Kampala, Uganda, reported nonconsensual first sexual experiences, leading to cycles of sexual and physical violence. The research highlights critical gaps in comprehensive se...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2025

Women left isolated and traumatized by military service

A new study reveals that Australian women veterans experience gendered disempowerment and abuse within military service and transition, with experts calling for more support systems. The study found a 107% higher suicide rate among ex-serving female ADF members compared to the general population.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2025

Abuse of NZ female MPs commonplace, researchers find

A study by the University of Otago found that New Zealand female MPs are experiencing widespread abuse, including death threats, online trolling, and misogyny. The research highlights the need for a multi-faceted response to address the psychosocial impact of harassment on female parliamentarians.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalKōtuitui New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2025

Computing leaders propose measures to combat tech-facilitated intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation

The Association for Computing Machinery's Technology Policy Council issues brief calls on policymakers and tech companies to address tech abuse in intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation. The report highlights disturbing statistics and recommends expanding laws and regulations to protect users.

Unregulated experts can cause harm to children in family courts in England and Wales

A UCL study reveals that unregulated experts appointed by family courts in England and Wales have caused devastating harm to children, separating them from their mothers and forcing them to live with abusive fathers. The 'alienation' belief system has become a legal weapon that punishes and controls those who speak up about abuse.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Social Welfare and Family Law·DateNov 14, 2024

New research highlights the overlooked dangers of subtle and covert abuse in intimate relationships

A scoping review reveals a lack of understanding about subtle and covert abuse in intimate relationships, with potential widespread impact. The study identifies key behaviours, including undermining, limiting, and withholding, which can lead to long-term emotional and psychological harm for victims.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTrauma Violence & Abuse·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 9, 2024

Gender inequality across US states revealed by new tool

A new tool has been developed to compare gender inequality among different US states, revealing substantial gender disparities across the country. States with higher gender inequality scores tend to have lower measures of women's wellbeing and fewer tweets about the #MeToo movement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Health impacts of abuse more extensive than previously thought, research says

Research found elevated risks between intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and various health conditions. Intimate partner violence was associated with increased risk of major depressive disorders, maternal abortion, and alcohol misuse, while childhood sexual abuse linked to increased risk of self-harm and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Sports media use linked to belief in rape myths

A recent study found that young men who regularly consume sports media are more likely to accept rape myths, even after accounting for negative masculine norms. The researchers suggest that the production of sports media around athletic events contributes to this connection, portraying men as hyper-masculine aggressors and women as tro...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateAug 7, 2023

Access to non-police services for domestic abusive victims shown to decrease witness statement provision but reduces victimisation

A study by University of Surrey found that access to non-police services for domestic abuse victims decreases witness statement provision, but reduces the risk of future incidents. The six-month intervention provided dedicated caseworkers to facilitate access to various support services.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEconomic Policy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2023

Pregnant people with schizophrenia have threefold risk of interpersonal violence

A new study found pregnant people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to experience emergency department visits for interpersonal violence. The research emphasizes the importance of routine violence screening in antenatal care settings to prevent harm to patients and their children.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

New advice for doctors on how to identify and respond to reproductive coercion

A new paper provides guidance for healthcare workers on recognizing signs of reproductive coercion, which can involve psychological pressure, emotional blackmail, and physical violence. Doctors are advised to ask specific questions and establish a professional relationship with patients to gather more information and provide support.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalBMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 23, 2022

Prenatal opioid exposure may trigger neurological, behavioral changes later in life

A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Research finds that Google searches may be a predictor of domestic violence

A new study by Bocconi University researchers found that Google searches are an effective tool to track and predict domestic violence, especially in crisis situations. The study analyzed keywords related to domestic violence and found a positive correlation with calls to the Italian helpline and emergency number.

SourceBocconi University·JournalEuropean Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie·DateJun 27, 2022

How intimate partner violence affects custody decisions

A new study found that intimate partner violence is often overlooked in custody cases, leading to longer court times and increased risk for mothers. The research suggests that documenting IPV can lead to worse custody outcomes, but also highlights the importance of addressing safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Violence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2022

Almost 90% of autistic women report experiencing sexual violence, often on multiple occasions

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience reveals that nine out of ten autistic women in France have suffered sexual violence, with most victims being assaulted multiple times at a young age. The findings highlight the need for improved prevention and care programs to address this vulnerable population.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2022

Over one-third of young adult US men involved in technology-related abuse, study finds

A study by Michigan Medicine reveals that 25% of young American men experience both delivering and receiving technology-facilitated abuse. Healthcare providers should consider addressing this issue, as men who have mental health care visits are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2022

How do the effects of childhood abuse extend into middle age?

Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

During the pandemic survivors of domestic violence and abuse have been at an increased risk of contracting suspected or confirmed COVID-19, study finds

Women with recorded exposure to domestic abuse were found to be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during the first two waves of the pandemic. The researchers recommend increasing vaccination rates in vulnerable groups and reconsidering COVID-19 vaccine prioritization.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Infants exposed to domestic violence have poorer cognitive development

A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Linda Bullock found that infants of mothers with only one abusive partner had worse cognitive outcomes compared to those with multiple male partners, including some who were abusive. This suggests that the absence of support from a father figure can hinder a child's development.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2021