Articles tagged with Child Abuse
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.
A pooled data analysis of 32 studies found that women who experienced childhood trauma were 37% more likely to have pregnancy complications than those who didn't. The risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, antenatal depression, underweight or premature babies, and preterm delivery was also significantly higher.
Researchers found that people who retrospectively reported childhood maltreatment had more depressive episodes than those without a record of maltreatment, regardless of whether they had an official court record. Early interventions may help prevent emotional problems by addressing memories of abuse and neglect.
A new study from Iowa State University finds that adverse childhood experiences can increase vulnerability to PTSD, even after controlling for combat exposure. The researchers suggest that early trauma can affect coping mechanisms and social support networks, making individuals more susceptible to stressors.
A new study in mice reveals that a middle-brain region controls aggression towards young animals, while another region promotes maternal behavior. The findings suggest that the brain mechanism behind infanticide by women may be similar to that in males.
A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that life stressors across the lifespan, including childhood trauma and adult abuse, contribute significantly to worsening health and functional outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis. The findings highlight the importance of analyzing the impact of life stressors on MS patients.
Research published in Children and Youth Services Review found that approximately two-thirds (63%) of adult survivors of childhood physical abuse are in complete mental health. Barriers to achieving this include a lack of social support, chronic pain, and a history of mental illness like depression or substance use disorders.
A new study of nearly 200 baboons in southern Kenya found that adversity early in life can take years off their lifespan, but strong social bonds with other baboons in adulthood can help get them back. Baboons who formed stronger social connections added 2.2 years to their lives, no matter what they had faced when they were younger.
A study of skeletal remains from 19th-century England found high incidences of growth delays, vitamin deficiencies, and respiratory disease among child laborers. The analysis suggests low-protein diets and harsh working conditions led to the health consequences.
Experts urge clinicians to adopt a whole-of-person approach to medical care to address chronic disease and mental health issues related to child abuse and neglect. A trauma-informed biopsychosocial model of health can help reduce the negative impacts of exposure to serious child abuse and neglect.
Research finds strong association between early life physical and sexual abuse and increased risk of adult premature death. Nurses who experienced severe abuse had a higher premature death rate compared to those without abuse. The study highlights the importance of providing trauma-informed care for those who have experienced child abuse.
A new study found that factors such as substance use, housing insecurity, and intimate partner violence are linked to an increased risk of both parents being involved in physical or sexual abuse. However, other risk factors like economic insecurity and parental mental health problems were not associated with any type of maltreatment.
The study reveals that female youth charged with prostitution had significantly higher prevalence rates of physical abuse and lower likelihood of living with parents, while males were more likely to live with their parents. Education and training are crucial for professionals to identify sex trafficking victimization and reduce misiden...
A new consensus statement calls for routine radiological screening of contact children in suspected child physical abuse cases to prevent further harm. Siblings are at risk of experiencing physical abuse, with a strong association between index and contact children.
A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.
A pilot study detected epigenetic changes in the regulation of a key stress response gene in young children with abusive injuries compared to accidental injuries. The findings suggest that traumatic experiences may lead to early biological responses and potentially reverse with interventions.
A new study published by researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found a significant link between early childhood trauma experienced by mothers and various health problems in their children. The research analyzed data from over 4,300 American mothers and their children, revealing that children of mothers with adverse experi...
A study found that immediate reductions in child abuse and neglect-related emergency department visits occurred after the disbursement of expanded child tax credit payments. The results suggest that making the temporary expansion permanent could lead to improved child welfare outcomes.
A new study found that children with conduct disorder who experienced childhood maltreatment have more extensive brain structural changes compared to those without maltreatment. The study highlights the unique contribution of childhood maltreatment to these changes and provides neurobiological insights into the heterogeneity of CD.
A new study led by UCL researchers found small causal effects of childhood maltreatment on internalising and externalising disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The study analysed 34 quasi-experimental studies involving over 54,000 people and suggests that preventing eight cases of child maltreatment could prevent on...
A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect are associated with significant excess public hospital costs in South Australia. The research found that individual costs increased with age and severity of abuse or neglect, resulting in an 18% cost penalty on the state's public hospital system.
A new national study found that states with restricted access to federal welfare benefits had higher numbers of child neglect victims and more children placed in foster care. The study suggests that making it easier for low-income families to receive cash assistance through the TANF program could prevent some child maltreatment and res...
A new study by University of Kansas economist Donna Ginther found that increased TANF caseloads were associated with significant reductions in neglect victims and foster care placements. The research suggests that access to the social safety net, in the form of TANF benefits, helps reduce child abuse rates.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that internet-delivered anonymous cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the viewing of child sexual abuse material. The study, published in Internet Interventions, shows promise for a feasible and effective treatment approach.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with more stores selling alcohol have higher rates of child abuse and neglect. The study suggests that reducing alcohol availability is crucial in preventing child maltreatment, as it perpetuates a cycle of substance use among young adults.
The majority of pregnancy-associated homicides are linked to intimate partner violence and firearms, and are entirely preventable. Ending male violence, including gun violence, could save hundreds of lives in the US every year.
Only half of European hospitals have a policy in place to identify children who are being neglected or abused. Hospitals with such policies use effective strategies like screening tools and staff training. However, many staff lack the necessary tools and knowledge to spot maltreated children.
A national survey of 2,600 individuals found that many youth have experienced online child sexual abuse, which can be an extension of dating abuse, bullying, or harassment. The study highlights the need for professionals to understand these dynamics when planning prevention and intervention strategies.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that adults with a history of childhood trauma can experience symptom improvement after pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or combination treatment. Despite previous theories, these common treatments are effective for patients with childhood trauma.
Researchers found a significant rise in abusive head trauma cases among infants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that containment measures may have contributed to this increase, highlighting the need for clinical awareness and preventive actions.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Resources found that teachers play a critical role in detecting and reporting child maltreatment. The study suggests that time spent in school leads to increases in reports of child maltreatment, highlighting the importance of educators in protecting children.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that childhood physical abuse is associated with chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, migraines, arthritis, and heart disease in later life. The trauma can influence both physical and mental health many decades after the event.
A multicenter study found that radiologists can accurately diagnose rickets and classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) with high interobserver agreement and diagnostic performance. The study highlighted the importance of considering age factors in diagnosis, as CMLs mostly occur in children younger than 6 months.
Computer scientists have developed a system to analyse noise produced by individual cameras, linking videos or images to specific cameras. The tool extracts camera-specific noise from video frames, achieving high accuracy rates and potential practical use for law enforcement.
Encounter rates for physical abuse in children decreased by 19% during the pandemic, but reasons are unclear. Pediatricians worry that less recognition of child abuse while kids were away from in-person school might be to blame.
A new study published in the Journal of American Heart Association found that well-organized households can help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors in children who have experienced abuse. The study's results suggest that stable home environments may play a crucial role in reducing racial disparities in cardiac disease.
A new study found that adults who experienced childhood abuse were more likely to develop high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, healthy childhood experiences may increase the likelihood of heart-healthy behaviors that decrease cardiovascular disease risks.
Adults exposed to chronic parental domestic violence have higher rates of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, but many thrive despite their early adversity. Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health.
A new study reveals that people who are resistant to vaccines often had adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect. These early traumas can lead to a legacy of mistrust, causing individuals to view institutions and authority figures with skepticism.
A progressive exercise training program improves health markers in young female survivors of childhood trauma, reducing systolic blood pressure and endothelin-1 levels. Participants showed improved goal-planning and hope, suggesting a potential psychophysiological relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors.
A new literature review of 90 research papers found that changes in income have a major impact on child abuse and neglect rates. Improvements in income reduce the numbers being harmed, while reductions increase them.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated that the US spent an average of $34,191 per incarcerated adult convicted of sex crimes against children under 18 in 2021. The total annual cost was over $5.4 billion, with conservative estimates suggesting nearly $49 billion for the current cohort of inmates.
A new study found that defense testimony about defendants' adverse childhood experiences can elicit leniency in jurors' sentencing decisions in capital trials. The study suggests that investigating and presenting ACE evidence is critical in eliciting leniency, with sympathy being a key factor in jurors' decisions.
A new study from the Healthy Nevada Project found associations between genetics, childhood trauma, and adult obesity. Participants with specific genetic traits and who experience childhood traumas are more likely to suffer from adult obesity. The study suggests that understanding the interplay between genes and environment can help pro...
A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.
Research by Robert Sege and Allison Stephens found that emergency department visits, abusive head trauma admissions, and child welfare reports decreased during the pandemic. The authors attribute this decline to increased support for families, including financial assistance, paid parental leave, and other social factors.
A new study in Ohio finds that neighborhoods with more opioid overdoses have higher rates of child welfare investigations and confirmed cases of child maltreatment. Concentrated disadvantage measures, such as poverty levels, are particularly associated with severe issues with child maltreatment.
Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.
A retrospective study found that whole-spine MRI commonly demonstrates isolated thoracolumbar injuries in children with suspected abusive head trauma. The study included 256 children who underwent whole-spine MRI as part of their evaluation, revealing that 23% of examinations showed injuries localized to the thoracolumbar spine.
Researchers at NYU Dentistry will receive federal funding to implement an evidence-based model assessing and responding to family maltreatment incidents. The model, developed with the Air Force, improves fairness and reduces recidivism by nearly half.
Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.
A new study found that childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for prescription opioid misuse among young adults. Participants who reported four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly three times more likely to be at risk for opioid misuse, with a 13% higher likelihood compared to those with zero to three ACEs.