Articles tagged with Sexual Abuse
Researchers have found that depression and anxiety sufferers who experienced traumatic childhoods tend to grow up as angry adults. The severity of childhood trauma is also correlated with the level of adult anger, with emotional neglect increasing irritability and physical abuse leading to anger attacks or antisocial personality traits.
The EU has launched an online treatment program called Prevent It to reduce child sexual abuse, providing a nine-week digital program with individual support. The program has shown promising results in reducing the risk of sexual exploitation and is now available in several languages.
A study at the University of Birmingham found that women can recall details of sexual assault with accuracy, regardless of moderate alcohol intake. The research challenged courtroom perceptions of intoxicated women as unreliable witnesses.
A recent study using game theory explains why people with experience don't report sexual misconduct, citing a 'first mover disadvantage' and uncertainty over others' actions. Reporting improves when individuals are aware of other reports, problematic behavior is penalized, or targeted employees receive damage awards.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that internet-delivered anonymous cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the viewing of child sexual abuse material. The study, published in Internet Interventions, shows promise for a feasible and effective treatment approach.
A new study explores how teenage boys are taught about consent in schools and how they interpret educational messages. The research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to consent education, addressing ambivalence, ambiguity, and uncertainty.
A Brigham Young University study found that 14% of acquaintance rapes committed by strangers occurred during initial meetups on dating apps. Victims with mental illnesses and vulnerabilities were targeted in these assaults, which were often more violent.
A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.
This study found a significant increase in sexual assault emergency department visits from 2006 to 2019, surpassing the growth of law enforcement reports. Meanwhile, admission rates for sexual assault patients decreased during this period.
The majority of pregnancy-associated homicides are linked to intimate partner violence and firearms, and are entirely preventable. Ending male violence, including gun violence, could save hundreds of lives in the US every year.
A recent study by the University of New Hampshire's Crimes against Children Research Center found that 16% of young adults in the US have experienced online sexual abuse before the age of 18. The study also revealed that 62% of perpetrators were acquaintances from their offline life, including current or former intimate partners.
A national survey of 2,600 individuals found that many youth have experienced online child sexual abuse, which can be an extension of dating abuse, bullying, or harassment. The study highlights the need for professionals to understand these dynamics when planning prevention and intervention strategies.
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.
A new curriculum called Relationships Decoded shows promise in teaching adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities about healthy romantic relationships and preventing sexual abuse. The program, tested with diverse professionals from California, improves knowledge and understanding of social-sexual relationships.
A recent study examined rates of experiencing and perpetrating sexual violence among nearly 4,200 youth aged 14-16. The research found significant differences in rates of violence based on gender identity. Younger and more marginalized individuals were disproportionately affected by both victimization and perpetration of sexual violence.
A new Rutgers study found that younger mothers with children by multiple fathers are more likely to experience psychological or physical harassment, economic abuse, and sexual violence. The study, published in the journal Family Relations, suggests a strong link between intimate partner violence and multiple partner fertility.
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.
Adults exposed to chronic parental domestic violence have higher rates of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, but many thrive despite their early adversity. Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
Researchers found that maternal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in early childhood predicts child somatisation at school age. The study highlights the importance of considering family trauma history in pediatric consultations to improve patient care.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated that the US spent an average of $34,191 per incarcerated adult convicted of sex crimes against children under 18 in 2021. The total annual cost was over $5.4 billion, with conservative estimates suggesting nearly $49 billion for the current cohort of inmates.
A new study found that defense testimony about defendants' adverse childhood experiences can elicit leniency in jurors' sentencing decisions in capital trials. The study suggests that investigating and presenting ACE evidence is critical in eliciting leniency, with sympathy being a key factor in jurors' decisions.
Research found that women who experienced sexual violence were more likely to develop high blood pressure over a seven-year period. Women who experienced both sexual assault and workplace harassment had the highest risk of developing high blood pressure.
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.
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.
Research found the female genital field's location varies among women and is thicker with more frequent sex. The somatosensory cortex devotes space to detecting touch, and the region's structure alters in relation to use.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials found that prevention programs may be effective in reducing teen dating physical violence. However, the evidence for reducing sexual violence among adolescents is still inconclusive.
A study of over 1,000 Spanish adults reveals that only 27.5% reported experiencing child sexual abuse, with alarmingly high rates among women and Gen Z individuals. The research identifies 10 types of abuse, including those involving technology.
A new study by a criminology professor reveals an uptick in homicides and threats of gun violence since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Victim advocates reported increased frequency of gun-related abuse, with nearly half stating threats became more frequent during this time.
The National Center on Child Trafficking (NCCT) will develop and disseminate effective practices to improve outcomes for CSEC/T youth and their families. The center will also train mental health therapists in evidence-based treatments to address these issues.
The Georgia State University's National Center for Sexual Violence Prevention aims to reduce violence in high-risk populations. Researchers will focus on evidence-based interventions and study real-world implementation of accessible interventions.
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a 'huge' impact on sexual abuse survivors going through the criminal justice system, with support services reporting referral increases of up to 366%. Services have reported supporting clients for longer periods due to delays in the justice system.
Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.
A new study found that children who experienced sexual or physical abuse or neglect are more likely to die prematurely as adults. Adults who reported experiencing sexual abuse had a 2.6 times higher risk, while those who experienced physical abuse had a 1.7 times higher risk of premature death.
A study of 541 survivors in Kenya found children were 1.6 times more likely to be attacked during the day and 1.7 times more likely to be attacked in private, compared to adults. The research highlights the need for policy-makers to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) risks in national crisis policies.
Research reveals that young adults with ADHD are 69% more likely to develop a substance use disorder than their peers without ADHD. More than one-quarter of those with ADHD also experience major depression.
A unique study co-designed by young women aims to develop trauma-informed, gender-responsive mental health resources. The initiative seeks to provide dedicated safe spaces for young women to connect, lean on each other, and share experiences.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that street-based sex workers invest considerable emotional effort into maintaining loyal customers. They use relational work activities such as friendly service, flexible payments, and scheduling to retain clients. This approach helps them avoid potentially violent or abusive clients and provi...
Researchers found that nearly half of those convicted of non-consensual image sharing acknowledge shame and tell redemption stories about making better choices in the future. This suggests a need for interventions focused on helping offenders accept guilt and find meaningful ways to repair harm, rather than stigmatizing them.
A new intervention program aimed at preventing sexual abuse has received a $1.5 million CDC grant to assess its effectiveness. The program, developed by UMass Lowell criminology researcher Ryan Shields, aims to prevent child sexual abuse and provide support for victims.
Girls who experienced emotional neglect or severe sexual abuse early in life reported riskier sexual behaviors during adolescence. The study identified four patterns of maltreatment that led to distinct trajectories of risky sexual behavior.
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers found that up to one-quarter of child sexual abuse survivors might be overlooked for treatment due to existing screening procedures. The study also discovered that whether survivors identify themselves as child abuse survivors influences their young adult outcomes, with...
A new Canadian study reveals that childhood sexual abuse survivors experience a higher incidence of genitourinary problems, such as urinary tract infections and pain during sex. The research also found that psychological distress is partly responsible for the physical trauma, highlighting the need for a combined approach to treatment.
A team of researchers from Queensland University of Technology has developed an algorithm that can identify misogynistic content on Twitter with a high degree of accuracy. The algorithm uses a deep learning model to analyze language patterns and context, allowing it to distinguish between abusive language and innocent expressions.
A new study found that adults who experienced parental intimate partner violence, mental illness, and substance dependence were more than 10 times more likely to have been victims of childhood sexual abuse. The study suggests that these parental problems can increase the risk of childhood sexual abuse by nearly tripling or even doublin...
A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found no association between telomere length and child sexual abuse in mothers. The researchers checked telomeres of the mothers' children as well, but also didn't find any link.
A new drug called degarelix, approved for prostate cancer treatment, has been shown to reduce the risk of men with pedophilic disorder committing child sexual abuse. The drug, administered every three months, dampens critical risk factors such as high sexual desire and attraction to children.
A recent study has charted a rising trend of image-based sexual abuse in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The survey of 2000 Australians found 1 in 3 had been victimized, with men more likely to be perpetrators than women.
Young Indigenous people are being discouraged from getting routine STI screenings due to incorrect assumptions. This stigma can lead to poorer health outcomes, as it discourages them from reporting underlying infections. The median age for first-time sex is around 16 years old in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
A study by Lancaster University has highlighted the need for a national review of support services for male survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The research reveals long waiting lists, limited face-to-face counseling options, and a 'post-code lottery' in accessing support.
This study analyzed emergency department admissions of children for sexual abuse between 2010 and 2016, providing insights into the scope of the issue. The findings highlight the need for increased support services and resources for affected children and families.
Researchers found that emergency department admissions for adolescents between 12-17 increased by more than 100% from 2010 to 2016. The study suggests improved awareness and coordination with law enforcement and forensic teams may be contributing factors.
A new study by USC researchers identifies family members as the most common perpetrators of financial elder abuse, making up nearly 55% of reported cases. The study analyzed over 2,000 calls to a National Center on Elder Abuse resource line and found that family members were responsible for more than 42% of alleged abuses.
A new study reveals that violence against long-term care staff in Canada is widespread and largely unreported due to fear of reprisals. The research identifies underlying causes such as understaffing, poor organization, and inadequate emotional care as contributing factors.
A new study found that many children who contact crisis hotlines use text-based communication to report abuse and neglect. The study, conducted by Purdue University researchers, suggests that implementing text or chat-based communication methods could be essential for social and health services hoping to reach young people.
Research suggests that linguistic pattern analysis of testimony can lead to more impartial investigations and accurate diagnoses of PTSD in child sexual abuse cases. Children with PTSD are more likely to provide disjointed narrative testimony, but this may be credible.
A Tel Aviv University study finds a link between chronic pain syndrome fibromyalgia and post-traumatic physical and psychological distress from childhood sexual abuse. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are shown to be an effective treatment for survivors, improving quality of life and brain functionality.
A new study from the University of Adelaide found that people who suffered bullying or sexual abuse have a lower quality of life similar to those living with chronic conditions. Those who experienced these traumas are more likely to display harmful behaviors like smoking dependence and binge eating.
A Rutgers study finds Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Trauma reduces depression and PTSD symptoms in women with sexual abuse histories, improving social health over time. The therapy can be easily integrated into community mental health clinics by training existing staff.
A new study from Linköping University in Sweden has found a significant association between lifetime sexual and physical abuse and the risk of sports-related injury in female athletes. The research highlights the importance of addressing emotional scars left by abuse to prevent overuse injuries.