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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

Domestic abuse exposure linked to increased levels of asthma and other atopic diseases

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that women exposed to domestic abuse have a significantly higher risk of developing asthma and other atopic diseases. The research, led by the University of Birmingham, analyzed patient records and found a 52% increased risk of atopic disease ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2023

Brain injury toolkit helps support domestic violence survivors

A new approach to trauma-informed care, CARE, has been found to improve support organizations' care for survivors by better recognizing brain injury and addressing its often long-lasting repercussions. The toolkit helps staff proactively recognize these injuries and provides information about head trauma, strangulation, and mental heal...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateApr 4, 2023

Social workers experienced depression, PTSD, and anxiety at alarming rates during pandemic

A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Social Work·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 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

Intimate partner violence among some LGBT couples increased during pandemic

A Rutgers University study found that over 18% of previously abused LGBT residents reported increased intimate partner violence during the early days of the pandemic. Those living in the South and with moderate to severe depression were particularly affected, being more than four times as likely to report increased instances of IPV.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2022

Randomized controlled trial finds women’s help desks in local police stations in India increased registration of cases of gender-based violence; scale-up in progress

A randomized controlled trial found that establishing specialized help desks for women in local police stations in Madhya Pradesh, India led to increased registration of cases of gender-based violence. The presence of female officers was particularly effective in making the police more responsive to women's security needs.

SourceAbdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 7, 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

First-of-its-kind study compares domestic violence programs, finds promising results

A randomized controlled trial comparing an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based program with the Duluth Model found that men convicted of domestic violence were charged with significantly fewer violent and nonviolent charges one year after completing the treatment program. Survey data also suggested a reduction in behaviors li...

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 25, 2022

THE LANCET: More than a quarter of women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetimes, finds new study

A new study published in The Lancet found that over one in four women (27%) have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with recent violence affecting nearly one in seven (13%) women. The study highlights high levels of violence among adolescent girls and young women, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy linked to childhood trauma

Research suggests a strong link between childhood trauma and vaccine hesitancy, with 3 times higher rates among those who experienced 4 or more trauma types. This is associated with lower trust in health services and increased likelihood of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Comparison of intimate partner violence injuries among sexes uncovers higher level of severity for male victims

Researchers compared injury patterns among men and women presenting to emergency departments with intimate partner violence (IPV) injuries. The study found that male victims were more likely to have severe injuries, such as lacerations and gunshot wounds. In contrast, female victims were more likely to have facial bruises.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateDec 16, 2021

Special Issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines effects of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the criminal justice system, highlighting issues with family and domestic violence, gang activity, and police-community interactions. Scholars from the American Society of Criminology investigate these concerns in a special issue, exploring lessons learned and policy implications.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateDec 2, 2021

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

UChicago Medicine study reveals underreporting of domestic violence in Black communities during Chicago’s stay-at-home order

A recent study found that domestic violence reporting declined by 10-fold in Black communities compared to White neighborhoods during Chicago's COVID-19 stay-at-home order. The researchers attribute this underreporting to a lack of resources and mistrust in law enforcement among Black communities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 3, 2021

US saw surge in firearm purchases and violence during first months of COVID-19 pandemic

During the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 4.3 million more background checks for firearm purchases occurred nationwide than expected, resulting in 9.3 million total firearm purchases. Researchers found an association between increased gun purchases and domestic violence but not non-domestic firearm violence.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateJul 8, 2021

DV survivor elder abuse risk

A new study found that women who survived domestic violence are more vulnerable to elder abuse, with 6.4% reporting past experience and significantly poorer psychological wellbeing. This highlights the need for clinical monitoring and ongoing support for survivors as they age.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2021

Talking with trained doctors can help abused women

A new study found that trained family doctors can significantly reduce depression in abused women by improving their perceived doctor support and increasing their self-efficacy. Women who received counseling from a doctor trained to recognize and respond to domestic violence reported greater confidence, support, and reduced depression.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFamily Practice·DateNov 13, 2019

Are trigger warnings emotionally protective?

Researchers found that trigger warnings can lead to avoidance and less negative reactions, but those who believe them protective do not feel better. The study used three studies with over 1,300 participants and suggests that more research is needed on the topic.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateOct 16, 2018