Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership

A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between cumulative adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership. Individuals with a history of abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction were more likely to own firearms as adults, possibly due to heightened vulnerability to physical violence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2024

How policing impacts the homeless

A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalCritical Criminology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2024

Re-analyzing the results of a community policing study leads to a more positive conclusion about its effects

A re-analysis of a community policing study found that increased cooperation and trust in the police lead to more crime reporting, which can inflate crime rates. This 'crime reporting sensitivity bias' must be adjusted for when evaluating the effectiveness of community policing programs.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Law and Empirical Analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

U.S. homicides by firearms concentrated among Black youth before, during, and after the start of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study examining firearm homicide deaths from 2018 to 2022 found that Black 15- to 24-year-olds were disproportionately affected, with a rate of 14 times higher than White individuals. The spike in homicides in 2020 was largely due to firearm injuries, with the largest increases occurring among Black men between 10 and 44 years old.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 23, 2024

UBC Okanagan study raises concerns about partner violence in queer relationships

A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Gender inequality across US states revealed by new tool

A new tool has been developed to compare gender inequality among different US states, revealing substantial gender disparities across the country. States with higher gender inequality scores tend to have lower measures of women's wellbeing and fewer tweets about the #MeToo movement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

How do high-profile incidents of racial discrimination affect the eating habits of Black women?

Researchers found that Black women living near areas of unrest experienced higher levels of emotional eating and stress, while those in safer neighborhoods engaged in cognitive restraint. The study suggests that vicarious racial discrimination can lead to race-based traumatic stress and poor mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJun 27, 2024

Study Shows Stricter Alcohol Policies Are Associated with Reduction in Homicides

A recent statistical analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant association between more restrictive alcohol policy environments and lower homicide rates. The study suggests that adopting stricter policies could lead to a reduction in approximately 1200 homicides annually.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Most young people have at some point inflicted offline or online violence on their partners

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that 80.4% of young people admitted to inflicting offline violence on their partners, while 55% said they had done so online. The researchers also discovered differences in psychological profiles between victims of face-to-face and online dating violence.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPsicologia Reflexão e Crítica·TypeCase study·DateJun 21, 2024

Ambivalence + polarized views can promote political violence

A new study suggests that ambivalence about a political issue can lead people with polarized views to compensate for their discomfort by supporting extreme actions. Researchers found that those with strong but conflicted views were more likely to support extreme actions, such as getting opponents fired from their jobs, than others.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Female judges tend to hand down harsher sentences in cases involving sex offences

A recent study by researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) found that female judges tend to hand down longer sentences in cases involving sexual abuse and assault. The study analyzed over 2,200 cases and concluded that the sex of the presiding judge has a significant impact on sentence length.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalCriminology and Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2024

Reducing prejudice in war zones proves challenging

A new Dartmouth study has found that prolonged contact between locals and migrants in Afghanistan did not reduce prejudice against migrants. The researchers tested psychologist Gordon Allport's 'contact theory' through a vocational training program, but found that structural changes are needed to address the issue.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·TypeSurvey·DateMay 10, 2024

Two new studies led by Lewis Katz School of Medicine’s Dr. Jessica Beard more closely examine how reports of community firearm violence are framed on local television news in Philadelphia

New studies published in Preventive Medicine Reports and BMC Public Health found that segments about community firearm violence on local television news are often demographically and geographically unrepresentative. They also frequently contain harmful elements, such as blame of victims or reinforcement of racist stereotypes, which can...

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateMay 7, 2024

Current police response to intimate partner violence calls for change

A new review of IPV policing's generalized consequences reveals survivor criminalization as a commonly studied outcome, with positive associations between mandatory arrest laws and risk of survivor arrest. The authors also identify gaps in the evidence base, including police violence and child protective services involvement.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAggression and Violent Behavior·DateApr 17, 2024

Las Vegas mass shooting survivors continue to struggle with major depression, PTSD

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that nearly half of Las Vegas concertgoers who survived the 2017 mass shooting experienced major depressive episodes within the past year. The study also found that over 63% of survivors reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the same time period.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2024

Around 1 in 3 people with insecure migration status report experiencing interpersonal, community and state physical violence, with almost as many experiencing intimate partner violence, per global meta-analysis

A global meta-analysis reveals nearly a third of people with insecure migration status experience interpersonal, community, and state physical violence. Almost as many report intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for targeted support and protection measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2024

Novel study compares fracture patterning in fatal, survived intimate partner violence cases

A new study compares fracture patterns in fatal and survived intimate partner violence cases, finding that fractures were more frequent in the upper face and cranial vault regions. The study also identified that most fractures were comminuted or linear, with a significant variability in skeletal trauma associated with IPV.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalForensic Science International·TypeCase study·DateMar 25, 2024

New study finds significant differences in intimate partner violence injury patterns across age groups

A recent study reveals significant differences in intimate partner violence injury patterns across age groups, with adolescents experiencing a higher incidence of sexual assault and unique fracture patterns. Healthcare providers can use these findings to detect IPV in previously overlooked age groups, potentially preventing the cycle o...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2024

The majority of Americans do not support anti-democratic behavior, even when elected officials do

A new study found that most Americans reject democratic norm violations and political violence, with only a small percentage supporting them. Researchers also discovered that there is no significant correlation between constituents' opinions and policymakers' actions on election denial.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2024

Americans support democratic norms, elected officials don't

A recent study found that most Americans support democratic norms, with 17.2% of Democrats and 21.6% of Republicans supporting at least one norm violation. However, the researchers also discovered a divide between everyday citizens and elected officials who are pushing against democratic governance.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2024

Low voice pitch increases standing among strangers

A cross-cultural study found that lower voice pitch makes women and men sound more attractive for long-term relationships and more formidable among other men. Lower male voice pitch also confers formidability and high social status in societies with higher relational mobility, suggesting evolutionary origins.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 8, 2024

Research indicates nearly six million American women became pregnant from rape, sexual coercion, or both during their lifetimes

Research indicates nearly six million American women experienced unintended pregnancies as a result of rape and/or sexual coercion. The study also found that a significant portion of these women reported injuries, STDs, and felt fearful or concerned for their safety after the incidents.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

Sexual minority young people in Canada more likely to experience harmful police contact

A new study published in the Annals of Epidemiology found that bisexual individuals reported higher levels of police contact and law enforcement harassment in Canada. The study's authors call for greater police training to improve interactions with sexual minority persons and intervention efforts to support them after adverse experiences.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJan 22, 2024