Articles tagged with Sexual Abuse
A new study by Georgia State University estimates that child sexual abuse in the US has a total lifetime economic burden of $9.3 billion, with female victims facing an average lifetime cost of $1.1M and male victims facing a lower estimated lifetime cost due to insufficient data on productivity losses.
Researchers found that complex PTSD was most often present in people who had experienced childhood sexual abuse, while classic PTSD was more common among those who had serious accidents or witnessed traumatic events. Further research is needed to develop effective therapies for complex psychological trauma.
A new report commissioned by IICSA highlights the growing risk of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Researchers found that vulnerability characteristics include adverse childhood experiences, disability, and above-average internet use, while digital skills and openness can protect children from unwanted experiences.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that sexually abused girls receive more medical diagnoses for urinary and genital health problems compared to their peers. Researchers also discovered no significant difference in the number of diagnoses for sexually transmitted infections between girls and boys.
The study provides concrete guidelines for patient care, including adding specific questions to intake forms and communicating with patients without re-traumatizing them. The authors hope to encourage more survivors to share their experiences with primary care physicians.
The article highlights key findings on safety strategies among female college students, who were more likely to report a safe haven if they had higher levels of social support. In contrast, youth involved in prostitution face inadequate treatment by police and social service agencies under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.
Research in rural Kenya finds that cultural beliefs about disability are being replaced by medical explanations, leading to reduced stigma and improved understanding. The study reveals that increased contact with disabled individuals can help break down stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
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...
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.
Adolescents who experienced physical or sexual abuse were more likely to engage in non-suicidal self-injury than their non-abused counterparts. Additionally, females with depression, ADHD, and mood disorders were at higher risk, while those with emotional support had lower rates of self-injury.
A new study reveals that veterans with a history of physical or sexual abuse before 18 have reduced ability to concentrate compared to those without abuse. The study found abnormal brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and frontal areas, associated with concentration issues.
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.
The report highlights increased rates of rape incidents, intimate partner homicides, and human trafficking in Texas between 2010 and 2015. Notably, the rate of rape incidents reported to police was 44.4 per 100,000, with a 13% higher rate compared to the US.
A new AI toolkit can automatically detect new child sexual abuse photos and videos in online peer-to-peer networks. The iCOP toolkit uses machine learning to flag new and previously unknown child sexual abuse media, with a high accuracy rate of 7.9% for images.
A University of Manchester study found that people with bipolar disorder are 2.63 times more likely to have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse as children compared to the general population. This strong link has implications for treatment and personalized therapy plans.
Researchers found that women who experienced sexual assault had higher rates of diseases like circulatory and respiratory issues, epilepsy, and liver disease before and after the assault. The study also showed increased visits to general practitioners for exposed women.
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.
A study by Ohio State University found that women gamers experience persistent distress from sexual harassment, which affects their real-life experiences and causes them to quit playing. The survey showed that women don't easily dismiss sexist comments and threats, and instead recall them even after the game is over.
A preliminary study found that emotional abuse in childhood was strongly linked to an increased risk of developing migraines as young adults. The study included data from 14,484 people and showed that those who were emotionally abused were 52% more likely to experience migraines.
A Drexel study found that anonymity is crucial for men seeking support, with those using throwaway accounts more likely to disclose their experiences. The researchers also discovered that online forums can be a vital platform for first-time disclosures of sexual abuse and rape, leading to increased support-seeking behavior.
LGBT migrants who obtained refuge or asylum in the US or Canada report extensive recollections of abuse by parents, peers, and school personnel. They experienced severe and prolonged verbal, physical, and sexual abuse throughout childhood and adolescence, with few resources available to them.
A new study published by Mayo Clinic reveals a significant link between recent abuse and menopause-related symptoms. Verbal and emotional abuse were found to have the most impact on women's experiences, while physical and sexual abuse also played a role in increased symptom severity.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that abusive and controlling men are more likely to expose their female partners to sexually transmitted infections. The research highlights the need for a broader understanding of sexual behaviors in domestic violence prevention programs.
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.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many teens who have experienced child sexual abuse engage in sexting, receive online solicitations, and meet with strangers they met online. This increases their risk of revictimization.
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.
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that women with ADHD are more likely to be sexually and physically abused in childhood, with 34% and 44% respectively reporting abuse before age 18. Health professionals are urged to screen children with ADHD for abuse
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...
Researchers examine how anthropology is applied in the courtroom, highlighting differences between cultural anthropologists' definitions of culture and the legal system's understanding. Leila Rodriguez presents her own experience testifying in a sexual abuse case, discussing approaches to data collection and its impact on testimony.
Researchers have found that ghrelin increases sexual activity and motivation in mice, suggesting a possible role for the hormone in regulating human sexuality. Further research is needed to understand the effects of ghrelin on humans, but ghrelin inhibitors may hold promise as new treatments for sex addiction.
Research suggests that individuals with military service are more likely to experience severe adult health consequences such as PTSD, substance use, and attempted suicide. Men with military service had a significantly higher prevalence of ACEs than non-military peers, particularly in categories related to sexual abuse.
Research links childhood sexual abuse to higher carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) at midlife, indicating early signs of atherosclerosis. The study of 1,400 women found no explanation for the link beyond standard cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A new study reveals a strong connection between domestic abuse and postpartum mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, stress, anxiety, OCD, and more. The research found that women who experienced abuse were more likely to suffer from mental health issues, with specific types of abuse linked to specific symptoms.
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.
A Spanish study finds that women with lower socioeconomic status claim less sexual satisfaction, particularly in their first sexual intercourse. People with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to have safer and more satisfying sex lives.
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.
A multi-country study surveyed over 10,000 men in Asia-Pacific regions, finding that 11% reported raping a woman not their partner, rising to 24% including partners. Factors associated with rape perpetration include sexual entitlement, entertainment, and history of victimization.
Researchers found that women with more severe past trauma improved the most in an HIV/trauma intervention, suggesting a tailored approach may be necessary. The study suggests focusing on the most severely traumatized individuals can lead to greater psychological improvement.
The University of Huddersfield has published the first academic book to address child sexual abuse in the Caribbean. The book draws from previously unpublished material and explores nuanced conceptual, cultural, and social behaviours underpinning the issue.
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.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that victims of institutional betrayal experienced more severe symptoms of anxiety, dissociation, and trauma. The study suggests that organizations need to widen their actions and policies to prevent and respond to sexual assaults.
A new study found a strong association between childhood abuse and an increased risk of uterine fibroids in adulthood among African-American women. Women who experienced physical or sexual abuse before age 11 had a higher incidence of fibroids, with the risk increasing with severity.
Research finds that sexually abused women are less likely to get screened for cervical cancer, with 42% of those aged 25-49 screened within the previous 3 years. The procedure evokes traumatic memories and feelings of shame, leading some to avoid screening or experience anxiety.
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.
A new study reveals a higher rate of elder abuse among Latino communities, with 10.7% experiencing physical abuse and 9% experiencing sexual abuse in the last year. The study highlights the need for culturally competent programs to raise awareness and prevent elder abuse within these communities.
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.
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.
According to UBC research, young males who have been sexually abused are five times more likely to cause teen pregnancy compared to those with no abuse history. Sexually abused boys are also three times more likely to have multiple sexual partners.
Research reveals significant rates of childhood trauma experience among alcohol-dependent individuals undergoing inpatient treatment. The study found that childhood trauma increases the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders, depression, and psychiatric disorders, as well as suicide attempts.
A study of over 1,300 paramedics in Ontario found that two-thirds have experienced verbal, physical or sexual abuse while working. Verbal abuse was the most common form, followed by intimidation and physical abuse.
Research suggests that childhood and adult traumas contribute to adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with general life traumas being more common than physical or emotional abuse. The study found patients with IBS report higher levels of traumas over a lifetime, which may sensitize the brain and gut.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth experience higher rates of bullying, abuse, and missing school due to fear. They are also more likely to suffer from psychological problems, substance abuse, and other issues.
A recent study published in Neurology found that stress does not increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Researchers studied two groups of nurses and found no significant link between severe stress at home or during childhood and adolescence and the development of MS.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that 32.9% of women reported experiencing symptoms of postcoital dysphoria, with limited correlation to sexual abuse and psychological distress
A new study by Milton Diamond and colleagues found that legalizing child pornography in the Czech Republic led to a significant decrease in reported cases of child sex abuse. The study's findings also suggest that potential sexual offenders use child pornography as a substitute for sex crimes against children.
A new UBC study analyzing British Columbia population-based data suggests that children under 13 are the most likely to report first sex with adults over 20 years older. The research challenges Canada's increased age of consent from 14 to 16 years, recommending additional strategies to safeguard vulnerable children and teens.
A comprehensive study found that children who experienced childhood sexual abuse were at significantly higher risk of developing psychosis and schizophrenia disorders. The research highlights the importance of ongoing clinical and social support for affected individuals to improve their functioning and adaptation to adulthood.
A study of over 1,000 gay and bisexual men found that childhood sexual abuse and social shaming were associated with later psychosocial health problems, including increased risk-taking behavior. The authors suggest that addressing early social issues could help prevent these syndemic conditions.
A new study by Michael C. Seto and Martin Lalumiere found that adolescent sex offenders are more likely to have atypical sexual interests, such as desire for prepubescent children, than social skills deficits. The researchers also identified social isolation as a key factor in adolescent sexual offending.
A history of sexual abuse is associated with an increased risk of multiple psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found that survivors of rape had strengthened associations with these disorders.