Articles tagged with Child Abuse
A new study suggests that early life stress during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to long-term digestive issues, including gut pain and motility challenges. The research found that early life stress can shape the development of gut-brain communication, contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms in both mice and humans.
Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.
A University of Sydney-led study found that 42% of Australian adults experienced traumatic events as children, leading to a 50% higher risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders. Childhood trauma is linked to chronic physical health conditions and can have lifelong consequences.
A study found that child welfare system involvement in Pennsylvania increased the likelihood of developmental delay diagnoses for infants and toddlers, particularly those in foster care. Early intervention services were also more accessible to these children.
In-home gun homicides of children have more than doubled since 2010, with nearly two-thirds of child victims aged 12 and under killed at home. The study found that these cases are often linked to intimate partner violence and child abuse, with parents being the most common assailants.
Researchers found neglected children had abnormalities in critical brain regions, including right corticospinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculus, linked to behavioral difficulties. These findings provide objective markers for identifying children affected by neglect.
A large intergenerational study of over 20,000 participants found that childhood verbal abuse has a significant and long-lasting impact on adult mental health, comparable to physical abuse. The study suggests that verbal abuse may be overlooked but can still exert toxic stress on children's neurobiological development.
A large Danish study shows that children with a high genetic risk for ADHD are more likely to experience severe neglect and childhood maltreatment. This risk is also influenced by parental mental illness, with girls generally exposed to more maltreatment than boys.
A study from UT Arlington found that social media platforms can play a life-saving role for young people navigating difficult circumstances at home. Young adults who experienced child abuse and neglect relied on social media to cope with trauma, access information and connect with others.
A study published in PLOS One found that childhood maltreatment speeds up biological aging and affects social behavior, particularly in reduced eye contact with human faces. This accelerated aging is linked to increased emotional and behavioral difficulties.
A meta-analysis of 17 studies found a link between childhood maltreatment and reduced body trust, particularly in those who experienced emotional abuse or neglect. This can impair emotion regulation, perception of one's own needs, and stress processing, increasing the risk of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
A new report reveals that over half of UK child sexual abuse survivors have not received support, highlighting a critical gap in local systems. The survey also found that many victims were first subjected to abuse at a young age and struggled with disclosure and healing.
According to a study published in The Lancet, nearly one out of five women and one out of seven men aged 20 and older faced sexual violence as a child. The global SVAC prevalence remained high at about 19% for women and almost 15% for men.
A systematic review of child maltreatment found that parents and caregivers with alcohol-related diagnoses were twice as likely to maltreat children. The study pooled data from twelve high-income countries and associated caregiver alcohol-related diagnoses with higher child maltreatment incidence.
A new study found that artificial intelligence can better estimate the prevalence of physical abuse in children seen in emergency departments. The AI model correctly identified child abuse in over 35% of cases, outperforming traditional methods that relied solely on diagnostic codes entered by providers or administrative staff.
A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.
A study explored how GALs form relationships with youth and the role of training in this process. Findings highlight the critical role of trust and suggest that enhanced training programs, including trauma-informed care and advanced communication skills, can empower GALs to build meaningful connections.
A new study published in Child Maltreatment found that adults who experienced childhood physical and sexual abuse had double the odds of developing health and mental health conditions. The presence of a protective adult in the home was associated with better long-term health outcomes among children who experienced abuse.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that coordinated, community-wide primary prevention efforts can significantly reduce child sexual abuse rates. The study showed a 17% decrease in substantiated cases and a 34% drop in unsubstantiated cases compared to a control group.
The Association for Computing Machinery's Technology Policy Council issues brief calls on policymakers and tech companies to address tech abuse in intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation. The report highlights disturbing statistics and recommends expanding laws and regulations to protect users.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Toronto found that older adults who experienced parental divorce during childhood have a 60% higher odds of stroke. The study controlled for known risk factors and still showed a strong association between parental divorce and stroke.
A McMaster University study finds that screenings of a locally-produced film about parenting reduced physical violence against children by nine percent. The film was created with and by refugees and migrants, making it an authentic and effective tool for promoting positive parenting practices.
Researchers applied ACE questionnaires to select Marvel and DC characters, finding that childhood trauma does not determine heroism or villainy. The study suggests that using fictional characters can help address child abuse and trauma in a non-confrontational way.
A new study of 33 Marvel and DC films reveals that adverse childhood experiences (ACE) scores have no bearing on whether a character is a hero or villain. The research highlights the use of unconventional approaches to explore trauma and child development in popular media.
A recent study published in Helion found that individuals who experienced childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic abuse were at a significantly higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The study used a database of over 16 million Electronic Health Records to analyze the incidence rates of these diseases over a 26-yea...
A systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the alarming burden of child sexual violence worldwide. The findings underscore the urgent need to improve data collection efforts, particularly in under-researched regions and among boys.
A new study by University of Illinois professors Christina Kamis and Molly Copeland found that physical neglect disrupts all three dimensions of children's structural peer relationships: sociality, popularity, and social network cohesion. Maltreated youth are less social, more withdrawn, and have fragmented relationships.
A study found significant racial disparities in child abuse identification, with Black children suspected at higher rates. The findings highlight the need for further research to understand these disparities and reduce them in child abuse treatment.
A study by the University of Southampton found that police investigators of Child Sexual Abuse Material experience high levels of depression and anxiety, with feelings of betrayal by colleagues and institutions being a significant predictor. In contrast, feeling successful and supported at work can act as a powerful buffer to these out...
A study of 1,264 case files found that adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation had high rates of mental health diagnoses and lower educational achievements. Childhood abuse, history of arrest, and age at entry were also associated with longer exploitation periods.
A UCL study reveals that unregulated experts appointed by family courts in England and Wales have caused devastating harm to children, separating them from their mothers and forcing them to live with abusive fathers. The 'alienation' belief system has become a legal weapon that punishes and controls those who speak up about abuse.
This study reveals prevalent adverse childhood experiences among children, including abuse and neglect, with notable disparities across demographics. Early identification and community interventions can reduce ACEs and mitigate future health consequences.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that childhood neglect is associated with a range of mental and physical health problems in adulthood. The presence of a supportive adult and higher socioeconomic status largely attenuate this relationship.
A recent study by UC San Francisco and the University of Michigan found that childhood trauma can lead to increased pain, depression, and loneliness in older adults. Participants who experienced more traumatic events were more likely to experience these symptoms during their final years.
Research from University of South Australia finds that individuals who experienced child abuse or neglect are three times more likely to receive government income support payments. Cumulative income support payments for those with no protection contact were $38,570, while those in out-of-home care received $181,743.
A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...
A study using diffusion tensor imaging found reduced white-matter structural features in maltreating mothers' brains, linked to impulsivity and voluntary movement control. The findings suggest potential physiological causes underlying child abuse and represent a crucial step towards developing effective prevention strategies.
The European Association of Psychology and Law has launched a white paper with 10 key recommendations to enhance the validity, reliability, and child-friendliness of forensic interviews. The guidelines aim to standardize interviewing methods and warn against harmful practices.
A recent study by University of Houston sleep expert Candice Alfano found that weighted blankets do not improve sleep for children who have experienced various types of maltreatment, including abuse or neglect. Despite the popularity of weighted blankets as a sleep aid, research has been lacking on their effectiveness in this population.
A study reveals childhood maltreatment causes an estimated 41% of suicide attempts, 35% of self-harm cases, and 21% of depression in Australia. The researchers advocate for policy-driven prevention and interventions to address childhood abuse and neglect.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that state-paid family leave policies can help prevent child abuse. The study compared four states with implemented paid family leave to those without it and found a statistically significant reduction in infant maltreatment rates.
A new study found that maltreated children are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital for alcohol and substance use disorders by the age of 40. The likelihood of hospital admission was higher among those with substantiated notifications for sexual abuse or emotional abuse.
A recent study on the Tor network found that one in five onion domains shared child sexual abuse material. The researchers also discovered that users sought CSAM through popular search engines and found that viewing violent material correlates with addiction, while seeking help is often hindered by lack of resources.
The USPSTF states that current evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of primary care interventions. Child maltreatment has profound effects on health, development, and survival throughout childhood and adulthood.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet has found a clear link between childhood adversity and the risk of mental illness later in life. The research suggests that genetics and environment play a significant role in contributing to adult psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for targeted health care interventions within families ...
Only half of European countries have national guidelines for treating child victims of sexual abuse, leading to unequal and potentially severe consequences. The existing guidelines are often outdated and fail to incorporate the latest scientific insights.
A study of over 580 children found that childhood trauma disrupts neural networks involved in self-focus and problem-solving. The research suggests that trauma therapies should address not only thoughts but also the impact on the body, sense of self, emotional processing, and relationships.
A neighborhood alcohol control project in Sacramento reduced total and alcohol-related foster care entries by 11.8% and 11.2%, respectively, seven years after implementation. The study suggests that environmental prevention efforts like SNAPP can have a positive impact for an extended period.
Research finds that stable caregiver relationships in childhood may increase optimal heart health, while adversity and abuse can lead to poor cardiovascular health. Lower income as an adult may also introduce additional adversity, making the relationship between caregiver-child adversity difficult to see.
Research reveals that stable and supportive caregiving during childhood can protect cardiovascular health later in life, contrary to previous findings on childhood adversity. The study analyzed over 2,000 participants and found that each additional unit score of caregiver warmth was associated with 11.7% higher odds of cardiovascular h...
Parents who drank alcohol while watching the Super Bowl were more likely to use aggressive discipline on their children, according to a new study. The study found that mothers were particularly affected, and that drinking during special occasions like Valentine's Day had the opposite effect.
Research found elevated risks between intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and various health conditions. Intimate partner violence was associated with increased risk of major depressive disorders, maternal abortion, and alcohol misuse, while childhood sexual abuse linked to increased risk of self-harm and alcohol use.
A University of Pittsburgh study found a significant link between childhood trauma and higher odds of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality in adulthood. Adults who reported higher levels of childhood adversity, such as abuse or neglect, were 12-25% more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.
Childhood trauma rates surged during the pandemic, with injuries from motor vehicle crashes and gunshot wounds rising disproportionately in socioeconomically deprived areas. The study highlights worsened pandemic-related stressors exacerbating an already severe problem.
A study using data from over 10,000 UK participants found that young children with warm parental relationships tend to display more socially-desirable behaviors like kindness, empathy and generosity. This association holds even after accounting for mental health factors.
Researchers highlight the importance of identifying childhood verbal abuse as a standalone subtype of child maltreatment to ensure targeted prevention. The review found that verbal abuse can have lasting impacts on children's wellbeing, including emotional and psychological repercussions.
A Rutgers study finds that safer neighborhoods can reduce the risk of child abuse by providing a stable environment and reducing stress. Improving the built environment, reducing poverty, and providing adequate housing services can help mitigate maltreatment risks in low-income communities.
Researchers studied 1,500 middle-aged women and found that those with four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly twice as likely to be sexually inactive. The study also showed that these women were two times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction in midlife. Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen for childhood ...
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine documents a consistent risk level across race and gender for victims of partner violence and child abuse. The risk is similar among adult males and females and lower income Black and White Americans, increasing by 20-35% compared to those without interpersonal violence.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University compares the characteristics and risk factors of youth detained for running away or sex trafficking to those detained for more serious offenses. The research found significant differences in abuse rates, polyvictimization, and other factors between the two groups.