Research by Michigan State University scientists reveals a strong link between mothers' prenatal domestic abuse and postnatal trauma symptoms in their children. The study found that prenatal abuse can cause changes in the mother's stress response systems, leading to increased cortisol levels in the fetus.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are investigating child resiliency in the face of abuse and neglect. Their studies aim to identify protective factors that promote resilience in maltreated children, informing interventions and programs for social workers and policymakers.
A new study found that poverty, not biased reporting, is the primary cause of racial and ethnic disparities in child abuse and neglect. States with more minority children living in poverty show greater differences in abuse and neglect rates.
A meta-analysis of 112,000 participants found that childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of obesity in adulthood. The study revealed a 34% higher risk among adults who experienced abuse as children, with physical and emotional abuse leading to increased risks of 28% and 36% respectively.
Research suggests that childhood abuse, sexual victimization, and prior suicidal behavior are significant risk factors for service members and veterans who attempt or commit suicide. The study found that soldiers who reported abuse as children were three to eight times more likely to report suicidal behavior.
A new study reveals that early life stress affects the way genes are activated, leading to long-term emotional and physical health problems. Researchers found an association between a particular gene and parenting styles, which can impact children's brain development and stress response.
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 study by Saint Louis University found that parents of children with disabilities often have unrealistic expectations and lack empathy, increasing the risk of abuse. Parents who expect more from their children and don't empathize with their needs may become stressed and frustrated, leading to abusive behavior.
A new study examines the complex interplay between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in ex-POWs, finding that treatment must address both conditions simultaneously. Prof. Solomon's research suggests that a 'tunnel vision' approach to treating POWs is ineffective and may even exacerbate symptoms.
A new study published in Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that thirty-five percent of adults with dyslexia reported being physically abused before age 18, compared to seven percent without dyslexia. The study suggests a possible link between childhood physical abuse and the development of dyslexia.
The Kempe Center presents its first National Kempe Scientific Impact Award to Dr. David Finkelhor for his sustained scientific contributions to the field of child abuse and neglect. Finkelhor's extensive research has informed policy and practice to benefit children and families.
A recent study found that 32% of adult Canadians have experienced child abuse, with physical abuse being the most common. The study highlights a strong association between child abuse and mental health issues, including suicidal ideation and attempts.
Dr. Carol D. Berkowitz receives 2014 Ray E. Helfer Award for her work on detecting child abuse and neglect, with a focus on improving healthcare system protection for children.
Dr. Carmit Katz's study found that drawing during questioning significantly improves the accuracy and detail of child abuse testimonies. Children empowered to draw reported regaining control and feeling hopeful, with richer descriptions provided compared to those not offered this opportunity.
A research team developed a force sensing skin that can identify potential bruising locations on a child surrogate to differentiate between accidental trauma and child abuse. The system provides a roadmap documenting a child's exposure to impact, critical for forensic analysis.
Two studies found that homosexuals and bisexuals are more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence, with a risk compounded by childhood abuse. Non-heterosexual victims were also more likely to experience substance abuse and health issues compared to heterosexual victims.
A nationwide study by Cornell researchers found that child abuse and neglect are associated with income inequality, affecting 3.4 million children under 18 years old each year. The study also highlighted the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment, including increased rates of unemployment and substance use.
A Tel Aviv University study analyzed allegations of child abuse, finding that children tend to accommodate physical abuse but fight or flee sexual abuse unless severe. The research may aid in prosecution and treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding children's responses to abuse.
A new study finds that Irish immigrants to England suffered from physical and sexual abuse as children, contributing to their poor health. Research suggests a model of understanding immigration patterns accounting for childhood trauma's impact on future health.
A new UCLA-led study examines the effects of childhood abuse and lack of parental affection across the body's entire regulatory system. The research finds a strong biological link between negative early life experiences and physical health, with parental warmth offering protection against these effects.
A new paper aims to educate pediatricians on recognizing and responding to caregiver-fabricated illness in children, which can include physical and psychiatric symptoms, and carries significant mortality rates.
A University of Missouri nursing researcher will investigate better ways to identify child maltreatment deaths on death certificates, using this data to estimate a more accurate number of child fatalities. The project aims to improve prevention efforts by analyzing data from 10 states' child death review programs.
A new study from the University of Washington finds that abused children are more likely to smoke excessively in adolescence and adulthood, with girls who were sexually abused being particularly at risk. The study suggests that early intervention and prevention of child abuse can lead to long-term public health benefits.
A two-year feasibility study trains Swedish social workers in the Project Support program, shown to reduce child abuse and neglect. The program provides intensive, one-on-one parenting help and emotional support for families with violent pasts.
A systematic review found preschool children with confirmed neglect or emotional abuse exhibit aggressive behavior, developmental delay, and poor peer interaction. Early intervention has the potential to change these children's lives by addressing emotional knowledge, cognitive function, and language skills.
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.
A UK study found that the £10 million Family Nurse Partnership program can only tackle around 10% of families involved in child maltreatment. Researchers suggest using different risk factors to identify vulnerable children could reach three times more abusive families.
According to the study, 41.2 percent of children and youth experienced a physical assault in the last year, while 13.7 percent repeatedly experienced maltreatment by a caregiver. The results highlight the need for better tools to identify these experiences and their effects.
Researchers found distinct changes in gene activity and methylation patterns in blood cells of adult PTSD patients with a history of childhood abuse compared to those without. These differences may underlie different mechanisms of symptom formation in the brain.
A meta-analysis of 70 studies found that negative parenting, including abuse and neglect, increases the risk of childhood bullying. Positive parenting behaviors, such as warmth and communication, reduce the risk. Overprotection may make children more vulnerable to bullying by preventing them from learning conflict resolution skills.
A study by RIKEN Brain Science Institute researchers found that human babies and mouse pups relax when carried due to a combination of nervous, motor, and cardiac responses. This infant calming response is beneficial for both mother and child, reducing maternal burden and promoting interaction.
A new study found that adolescent girls who were abused or neglected had a teenage childbirth rate of 20.3%, more than double the national average. The study suggests that primary prevention programs targeting sexual activity could help mitigate this risk.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that women who experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as children are more likely to have a child with autism. The study, which examined data from over 50,000 women, suggests that childhood trauma may increase the risk of autism in future generations.
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.
A recent evidence review suggests that primary care interventions may reduce child abuse and neglect, with clinic-based interventions showing reduced physical assault and improved medical adherence. Additionally, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all women of childbearing age for intimate partner violence.
Research reveals successful solo rock/pop stars are twice as likely to die early as those in equally famous bands. Adverse childhood experiences are also significantly more common among those who died from drug and alcohol misuse.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who suffered abuse before age 11 had a greater likelihood of developing adult-onset asthma. The study followed 28,456 women and found an increased incidence of asthma among those who experienced physical abuse during childhood.
A new report provides guidance on family involvement in serious case reviews following a child's death or serious injury due to abuse or neglect. The research explores personal experiences of professionals and families, making recommendations for best practice.
Dr. Block discusses advancements in Medicaid improvements, gun safety, disaster preparedness, and child development, highlighting the need for comprehensive pediatric care. He also promotes investment in children's health, education, and overall well-being.
A multi-agency collaboration is being implemented to provide evidence-based services to high-risk population, including parenting programs and trauma treatments for children of substance abusers involved in the DeKalb County Drug Court. The goal is to improve outcomes for these vulnerable children.
Researchers found that being married or having graduated from high school can buffer the severity of symptoms for adults who experienced child abuse. Childhood abuse was linked to lower scores on measures of well-being, such as self-esteem and life satisfaction.
Mothers who experience economic and psychological abuse are more likely to become depressed and spank their children in year five. The study found that controlling for demographic variables, mothers who experienced economic abuse were 1.9 times more likely to exhibit signs of depression than those who did not.
A Yale study found a 4.9% increase in hospitalized children due to abuse-related injuries from 1997 to 2009, unlike the 55% decline reported by child protective services agencies. The divergent results raise concerns about reporting changes.
Child psychological abuse is linked to disorders of attachment, developmental and educational problems, socialization problems and disruptive behaviour. The effects of psychological maltreatment during the first three years of life can be particularly profound.
Researchers from BUSM found a 49% increase in risk for early onset menarche among women who reported childhood sexual abuse, and a 50% increase in risk for late onset menarche among those with severe physical abuse. This study highlights the complex relationship between child abuse and health outcomes.
A new study from Purdue University found that children who were frequently abused by their parents are more likely to develop cancer in adulthood. The researchers also discovered that the link between abuse and cancer is stronger when fathers abuse sons and mothers abuse daughters.
A study found that middle-aged women who were physically abused as children have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Physical abuse was strongly associated with larger waist circumference and fasting glucose levels.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found a strong association between childhood abuse and obesity in adulthood. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 African-American women and estimated that those who experienced the highest level of physical and sexual abuse were 30% more likely to be obese.
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 case study highlights the need for ophthalmologists to be vigilant for signs of child abuse in patients with chronic or recurrent keratoconjunctivitis. The patient's symptoms improved but persisted despite treatment, leading to a diagnosis of child abuse.
A recent study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior found that nearly one-third of adults who were physically abused in childhood seriously considered taking their own life. The study suggests that children exposed to physical abuse may be at greater risk for suicidal behaviours in adulthood.
New research from the University of New Hampshire finds that teen dating violence is often part of a larger pattern of multiple victimizations. Most teen dating violence victims also experienced other forms of abuse, including sexual violence and child abuse, with 60% having been sexually victimized.
Children who display multiple psychosomatic symptoms are more likely to be experiencing physical abuse at home, according to a study published in Acta Paediatrica. Abused children with chronic conditions reported significantly more psychosomatic symptoms than abused children without chronic conditions.
According to a Yale University study published in Pediatrics, over 4,500 US children were hospitalized due to child abuse in 2006, resulting in 300 deaths. Children under one year old were at highest risk of hospitalization, and those on Medicaid had rates six times higher than non-Medicaid patients.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends that neurologists screen patients for abusive treatment by family or others. This can help identify vulnerable patients who may be at risk of traumatic brain injury or other harm.
A new IU study found that physicians' diagnoses of child abuse vary based on a patient's socioeconomic status rather than their race. The study contradicts previous research that linked differential diagnosis to racial disparities. Socioeconomic factors have a significant impact on physician decision-making.
Research suggests that sexually and physically abused girls may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes as adults. The study found that women who experienced severe physical abuse or forced sex in childhood had a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A recent study found that primary care providers (PCPs) fail to report a significant number of suspected child abuse cases. The researchers validated the PCPs' decisions using expert review and provider self-assessment, revealing a high sensitivity but low reporting rate. The study highlights the need for improved education on recogniz...
A study from the University of Missouri found that abused children who control their emotions, focus on daily skills, and stay motivated can achieve academic success. The research analyzed math and reading scores of 702 children aged 6 to 10 and discovered that daily living skills are key to overcoming past trauma.
A new study found that spinal bleeding is common in young children with traumatic brain injury, suggesting abusive trauma. Complete spine imaging can help distinguish between abusive and accidental injury in these cases. The study's findings support the importance of imaging the whole spine for accurate diagnosis.