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It's Your Game ... Keep It Real reduces dating violence among minority youth

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that It's Your Game…Keep it Real significantly reduced dating violence behaviors among minority youth. The program delayed sexual behavior and promoted healthy relationships, resulting in lower rates of physical and emotional victimization and perpetration.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 10, 2014

One in six adolescents in the ER has experienced dating violence

A study found that one in six adolescents who visited the emergency department experienced dating violence. Factors associated with dating violence included African-American race, alcohol misuse, and depression. The study highlights the need for screening and intervention among youth to prevent future adult intimate partner violence.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 1, 2014

Five-question clinical tool the first to help screen risk of violence in military veterans

A new 5-question clinical tool, VIO-SCAN, can help clinicians screen for risk of violence in military veterans by considering financial stability, combat experience, alcohol misuse, and PTSD plus anger. The study highlights the need to focus on non-PTSD factors beyond just PTSD when understanding violence in veterans.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 4, 2014

Repeated sexual assault victims report more psychological problems than previously thought

Researchers have discovered that victims of repeated non-violent sexual assault experience higher levels of psychological distress and lower self-esteem compared to those who are violently raped. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding patterns of sexual victimization to develop strategies to combat sexual assaul...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateMay 22, 2014

Today's offenders are tomorrow's victims in gangs

A new study by Sam Houston State University found that gang members are twice as likely to become both victims and offenders of a crime than non-gang members. The study suggests that gang membership is a common source of both forms of violence, with group processes and norms facilitating trading places between victim and offender.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Research in Crime and Delinquency·DateMay 7, 2014

Dress and behavior of mass shooters as factors to predict and prevent future attacks

The article explores the connection between mass shooters' dress and behavior, highlighting potential risk factors for law enforcement and behavioral investigation teams. Researchers argue that identifying these characteristics could help prevent future acts of violence by allowing authorities to intervene earlier.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateApr 3, 2014

Hasbro Children's Hospital study finds texting program good option for teen girls' health

A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a text-message program is an effective tool for preventing violence among at-risk teen girls. The program, which was developed with input from the teens themselves, provides personalized and positively worded messages to help them develop coping strategies and prev...

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 12, 2014

Adolescent relationship violence has mental health implications for victims, perpetrators

A new study by Bowling Green State University researchers links adolescent relationship violence to increased symptoms of depression among both victims and perpetrators. The study found that high levels of discord within intimate relationships have a similar negative effect on the emotional well-being of young men and women.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMar 5, 2014

Study shows mentally ill more likely to be victims, not perpetrators, of violence

A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that nearly one-third of adults with mental illness are at risk of being victims of violence, while those who commit violence tend to do so in residential settings. The study also highlights the need for stronger public health interventions to protect individuals at risk

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 25, 2014

Is the male or female brain more vulnerable to triggers of violent behavior?

The article 'Not Hardwired: The Complex Neurobiology of Sex Differences in Violence' describes the complex biological mechanisms in the brain that lead to the development of behaviors. Brain structure, function, and connectivity can differ between men and women, affecting how they respond to stressful or abusive triggers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateFeb 5, 2014

Social psychologists say war is not inevitable, psychology research should promote peace

Researchers from the UMass Amherst Psychology of Peace and Violence program argue that social psychology can be used to promote nonviolence and peace. They emphasize the importance of increasing empathy and understanding of others in reducing conflict, and highlight the need for more research on constructive approaches to violence.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateOct 17, 2013

Alcohol-related violence: Is 'glassing' the big issue?

A study found that 'glassing' incidents account for only 9% of alcohol-related assault injuries, mostly occurring in homes. The paper highlights the need to address social norms and emerging drinker issues through grassroots strategies and regulatory reforms.

SourceWiley·JournalEmergency Medicine Australasia·DateOct 15, 2013

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

Why is orange the new black for female victims of trauma?

Researchers found that intimate partner violence increases risk for property crimes, drug offending, and commercial sex work. Witnessing violence also contributes to property crimes, fighting, and use of weapons. Women who experienced caregiver violence are more likely to run away as teens.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateAug 2, 2013

When bar fights get mean, bystanders intervene

Research finds bystanders intervene in about a third of bar fights, with most intervening in male-male conflicts. Nonviolent interventions were used in 65% of male-male fight breakups, while incidents between males and females received the lowest intervention rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateJul 23, 2013

Political options tested in virtual wind tunnel

A computer model was developed to assess how different levels of segregation would affect violence in Jerusalem. The study found that social distance is a key mechanism explaining violence, with higher levels increasing the likelihood of violent encounters.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJul 11, 2013

Short-term therapy given by para-professionals reduces symptoms among rape survivors in DRC

A randomized controlled study found that short-term therapy delivered by para-professionals significantly reduced mental health symptoms among rape survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) was effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 5, 2013

Exposure to rocket attacks in Israel increases adolescent violence -- Ben-Gurion U. study

A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that chronic exposure to rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel is associated with an increase in severe adolescent violence. The study followed 362 Israeli adolescents and found that prolonged exposure predicted a steep increase in violent incidents.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 4, 2013