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Emotional scars increase the risk of sports injury

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 7, 2018

One year's losses for child sexual abuse in US top $9 billion, new study suggests

A new study finds that child sexual abuse has a profound economic impact on the US, with estimated annual costs of $9.3 billion and lifetime costs per victim ranging from nearly $200,000 for nonfatal abuse to over $1 million for fatal cases. The study's authors hope to inspire policymakers to invest in prevention efforts.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateMay 21, 2018

Study: Supreme Court decision complicates prosecuting child abusers

A recent national survey of over 200 prosecutors found that the Supreme Court's 2004 decision in Crawford v. Washington has had a limited impact on prosecuting child abuse cases. Nearly 42% of prosecutors reported that the need for child testimony and prosecutions decreased, while insufficient physical evidence was the primary reason f...

Boyhood violence victims are more likely to commit similar acts on intimate partners

A study conducted by Case Western Reserve University found that 60% of male participants reported being both perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence. The research highlights the need for behavioral programs that address unresolved trauma from childhood abuse, which can contribute to violent behavior in adulthood.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJun 20, 2017

Abuse accelerates puberty in children

New Penn State research reveals that childhood sexual abuse can accelerate physical growth and maturation in adolescents, increasing the risk of behavioral and mental health problems. The study found that young girls with a sexual abuse history were more likely to transition into higher puberty stages earlier than non-abused peers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 28, 2017

UAlberta & Little Warriors change the trajectory of child sexual abuse victims

The four-week intervention program significantly reduces psychological impacts of child sexual abuse, with a 25% reduction in PTSD scores and fewer children experiencing depression and anxiety. The Be Brave Ranch offers comprehensive treatment to child survivors, providing individual and group therapies alongside peer support.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Behaviour·DateApr 18, 2016

Elder abuse is common around the world

Elder abuse is a common issue globally, affecting up to 47% of older adults with dementia in North America. The prevalence varies widely across regions, with higher rates found in Asia and lower rates reported in some African countries.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 15, 2015

Orphaned boys as vulnerable to abuse as girls

A new study by Duke University finds that orphaned boys experience similar rates of physical and sexual abuse as girls in low- and middle-income countries. The research suggests investing in support services for both genders to prevent long-term trauma and abuse, ultimately benefiting girls' safety.

SourceDuke University·JournalCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health·DateApr 24, 2015

Intergenerational transmission of abuse and neglect more complicated than previously believed

A recent study by Professor Cathy Spatz Widom found that offspring of parents with histories of child abuse and neglect are more likely to experience childhood neglect and sexual abuse, but not physical abuse. The study also revealed a shift in societal attitudes toward physical abuse may be contributing to the decline in reports of th...

Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces PTSD in African refugees within 10 days

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that Congolese refugees who practiced Transcendental Meditation experienced a significant reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after just 10 days. Their PTSD test scores dropped to an average of 48, indicating nearly no symptoms of PTSD.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateFeb 10, 2014

Child sexual abuse via the Internet on the rise

A study of over 6,000 Swiss adolescents found that child sexual abuse via the internet is alarmingly widespread, with 28% of girls and 10% of boys experiencing it. The majority of victims were abused by juvenile perpetrators, and most did not disclose their experiences to authorities.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 29, 2013

Childhood abuse linked with food addiction in adult women

A new study finds that women who experienced childhood abuse are more likely to have a food addiction, with eight percent meeting the criteria for food addiction. Women who experienced both physical and sexual abuse in childhood had an even higher likelihood of developing food addiction.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateMay 29, 2013

Childhood sexual abuse linked to later heart attacks in men

A new study by the University of Toronto found that men who experienced childhood sexual abuse are three times more likely to have a heart attack than men who were not sexually abused as children. The researchers also noted that the pathways linking childhood sexual abuse to physical health outcomes in later life may be gender-specific.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateSep 6, 2012

Sexual minority women are often victims of abuse

A new study reveals that lesbian and bisexual women, particularly those who identify as more butch or femme, are at higher risk of childhood abuse and adult sexual assault. The research highlights the importance of considering gender identity and expression in targeted assessments and interventions for this vulnerable population.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJun 14, 2012

Family life study reveals key events that can trigger eating disorders

A family life study reveals that transitional events such as school transition, relationship changes, and home moves can trigger eating disorders in young people. Participants reported feeling lonely, unsupported, and lacking emotional support during these transitions, leading to the development of conditions like anorexia and bulimia.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateApr 24, 2012