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Involvement in traditional dating abuse increases chances of cyberdating abuse in teens

A new study reveals that teenagers who experience traditional dating abuse are at a higher risk of becoming cyberdating abuse victims, and vice versa. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 high school students and found that involvement in one form of abuse increases the likelihood of involvement in the other.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 2, 2015

Domestic violence deters contraception

A global study published in PLOS One found that women who experience domestic violence are less likely to use contraception, exposing them to sexually transmitted diseases. The research suggests that partner violence has a causal effect on women's use of contraception.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 31, 2015

The price of protection

A new study by University of Pittsburgh sociologists reveals that women who petition for restraining orders against abusers typically experience decreased earnings due to financial instability and hardship. The researchers found that the period of petitioning is accompanied by serious losses, which are not recouped later.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 5, 2015

Link found between pain during or after sexual intercourse and mode of delivery

A new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found a link between pain during or after sexual intercourse and mode of delivery. Women who had an operative vaginal birth assisted by vacuum extraction, forceps, or caesarean section were at higher risk for persisting dyspareunia. Intimate partner a...

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJan 21, 2015

Domestic abuse may affect children in womb

Research by Michigan State University scientists reveals a strong link between mothers' prenatal domestic abuse and postnatal trauma symptoms in their children. The study found that prenatal abuse can cause changes in the mother's stress response systems, leading to increased cortisol levels in the fetus.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 16, 2014

Abuse jeopardizes new mothers' mental health

A Simon Fraser University study has linked intimate partner abuse to postpartum mental health problems in new mothers. The research found that 61% of women experienced mental health symptoms and that different types of abuse were associated with varying levels of postpartum mental health issues.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateApr 28, 2014

Smartphone app aids college-age women in abusive relationships

The 'One Love My Plan' smartphone application provides college-age women in abusive relationships with personalized safety plans and confidential resources. The app, developed by University of Missouri researchers, aims to connect young women with existing services and provide immediate strategies for helping themselves or friends.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Technology in Human Services·DateFeb 18, 2014

Weapons tied to repeat domestic abuse

A new MSU study found that the use of knives, guns, or vehicles in initial abuse incidents is a key predictor of ongoing domestic violence. Women who experienced such incidents were more likely to make follow-up calls to police for physical and nonphysical abuse.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 29, 2014

Community intervention program reduces repeat intimate-partner violence

A community-based intervention program in North Carolina found that mothers who completed a mandatory IPV program were less likely to be re-victimized and more likely to leave abusive relationships. The program, MOVE, showed promising results, with a 96.5% reduction in physical abuse and an 84% decrease in psychological abuse.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalResearch on Social Work Practice·DateAug 20, 2013

1 in 6 women at fracture clinics report domestic violence

A large international study led by McMaster researchers found that one in six women arriving at orthopedic fracture clinics have been victims of physical, emotional, or sexual violence within the past year. This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to identify and support victims of intimate partner violence, who are often ...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 11, 2013

Severe abuse at home linked to dating violence

A study by Michigan State University researcher Angie Kennedy found that severe abuse within families is strongly associated with dating violence among young female high school students. The research highlights the need for discussions about family abuse and its impact on individuals, particularly those exposed to violence in their homes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 18, 2013

Abuse during childhood linked to adult-onset asthma in African-American women

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who suffered abuse before age 11 had a greater likelihood of developing adult-onset asthma. The study followed 28,456 women and found an increased incidence of asthma among those who experienced physical abuse during childhood.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 7, 2012

When battered women fight back stereotyping can kick in

A recent study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that judges' reliance on stereotyped portrayals of battered women who fight back leads to harsher sentencing. The study analyzed 26 domestic homicide and abuse cases from Canada and identified one judge who resisted these stereotypes.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateSep 12, 2012

Feel-good music

The conference, Gender, Health & Creative Arts Therapies, will explore themes such as feminism/womanism and social justice, offering a platform for practitioners to share their experiences. Participants can expect rich artistic and music opportunities, including traditional Mohawk blessing ceremonies and performances.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateApr 25, 2012

Survivors of violence benefit from mentoring

Concordia University research reveals mentoring has a healing impact on female students who survive childhood abuse or domestic violence. The study identifies four themes of mentorship: fantasy mentors, mirrors, nurturers and supporters, and profession embodiments.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of College Student Development·DateFeb 1, 2012

UK study shows that a general practice domestic violence training program greatly increases referral of women to domestic violence advocacy organizations (IRIS study)

A UK study reveals that a general practice domestic violence training program greatly increases referral of women to domestic violence advocacy organizations. The intervention programme included specialist training, a prompt within the medical record, and a named advocate. This improvement is attributed to the substantial difference in...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 12, 2011

MU study identifies protective factors that help women recover from childhood violence

A University of Missouri researcher found that certain protective factors foster resilience in women who witnessed domestic violence as children. Mothers who work full-time model a strong work ethic, independence, and competence, increasing their daughters' recovery from abuse. The study also identified risk factors for PTSD, including...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChild & Family Social Work·DateJul 7, 2011

Lesbian moms vulnerable when abused, reluctant to seek help

A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that lesbian moms who experience intimate partner violence are often reluctant to seek help due to fear of losing custody. The researchers found that these women assume people are prejudiced against them and may try to solve the problem alone or hide their abuse from others.