Intimate Partner Violence Exposure and Self-Regulation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic ReviewZhang, Ying; Cannata, Samantha; Razza, Rachel; Liu, Qingyang
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00636-1
PurposeMillions of U.S. households have children who have witnessed intimate partner violence (IPV) between their caregivers. The far-reaching negative influences of IPV on children encompass numerous psychological outcomes and delays in various domains of child development. Given the critical role of self-regulation in cognitive and social functioning, which is necessary for navigating complex social situations and academic success, investigating the impact of IPV on its development is of particular importance. Thus, the objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of empirical research examining the relationship between IPV exposure and the development of children’s self-regulation.MethodsThis study systematically reviewed 13 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2021 that quantitatively examined the effects of IPV exposure on self-regulation in children and adolescents. Studies were found using selected keywords across four scientific databases.ResultsAmong the 13 studies included in the review, 10 studies identified significant negative effects of IPV exposure on various aspects of self-regulation (i.e., emotional regulation, executive function, and behavioral regulation), and two studies identified indirect pathways through parenting and maternal depression.ConclusionsPrevious studies indicate that the normal development of self-regulation in children may be disrupted by stressful and conflict-ridden home environments. Further research is necessary to explore the mechanisms and timing by which IPV exposure influences the development of self-regulation in children, as well as protective factors that may mitigate IPV’s negative effects.
Intimate Partner Violence Reporting and Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Strangulation by a New Zealand Hospital Health ServiceKing, Doug A.; Hume, Patria A.; Theadom, A.; Valera, E.
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00642-3
PurposeTo determine intimate partner violence (IPV) incidence reported by a hospital health service and the proportion of patients who received a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or strangulation assessment.MethodThis retrospective review utilised IPV, TBI and strangulation screening data from one New Zealand hospital healthcare service between 01/01/2018 and 30/12/2021.ResultsOver four years, 660 IPV reports showed an average incidence of 44.2 (95% CI: 37.5 to 52.2) per 100,000 population. New Zealand Māori had the highest incidence 81.8 (95% CI: 70.9 to 94.3) per 100,000 population. Nearly half (n = 328; 49.7%) of IPV survivors reportedly had been “choked” and over a third (n = 252; 38.2%) reportedly “knocked out”. Less than 1% of IPV survivors had a recorded TBI (n = 5; 0.8%) or strangulation (n = 4; 0.6%) assessment. Less than a quarter (24.2%) of IPV reports were completed by doctors and nurses, with social workers completing the most assessments (49.2%).ConclusionsReported loss of consciousness and strangulations caused by IPV were high in this hospital setting, yet they were rarely assessed. New Zealand Māori had the highest incidence per ethnic population of partner inflicted TBI presenting to the hospital. There is a risk of potential TBIs being missed due to lack of assessment by registered medical and nursing professionals given the majority of reports were provided by allied health workers such as social workers. These data underscore the critical need for healthcare provider education and training in understanding, recognizing, and treating brain injuries in females who present to medical facilities with IPV.
Enhancing the Assessment of Coercive Control in Spanish Femicide Cases: A Nationally Representative Qualitative AnalysisViñas-Racionero, Rosa; Raghavan, Chitra; Soria-Verde, Miguel Ángel; Scalora, Mario J.; Santos-Hermoso, Jorge; González-Álvarez, José Luís; Garrido-Antón, María José
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00628-1
PurposeCoercive control is a power dynamic central to intimate partner violence (IPV) and consists of tactics to limit one’s partner’s autonomy through constraint, regulation of everyday life, isolation, pursuit, and intimidation and physical force. Such tactics may potentially signal a risk for future lethal or near lethal violence; hence, proper evaluation may enhance the utility of clinical femicide risk assessments. The goal of this study is to explore coercive control behaviors preceding partner femicides in Spain with the intention to provide guidance for its assessment by first responders and law enforcement.MethodsResearchers from the Department of State for Security of the Ministry of Interior collected a nationally representative sample of 150 femicides (2006–2016). Qualitative data included 958 semi-structured interviews with victims and offenders’ social networks, which provided information about relationship dynamics leading up to the murders. Additionally, 225 interviews with law enforcement and occasionally offenders were used to corroborate and contextualize victim and offender social networks.ResultsQualitative analysis indicated four indicators of coercive control (i.e., microregulation and restriction, victim isolation, surveillance and pursuit, and physical violence), which were present in 85% of the cases. While these indicators were commonly present, their manifestation varied based on relationship history and victims’ responses.ConclusionThe findings suggest that incorporating coercive control indicia into clinical femicide risk assessments is useful and may enhance their accuracy.
A Qualitative Analysis of Student Experiences of Opportunities and Actions for Bystander Intervention Across Various Levels of ThreatMennicke, Annelise; Moxie, Jessamyn; Montanaro, Erika; Temple, Jasmine; Williams, Madi; Carlson, Hannah; Haley, Gabrielle; Jules, Bridget N; Meehan, Erin A; Brienzo, Michael; Mesaeh, Casey; Yoder, Anna; McClare, Victoria; Bush, Heather M; Coker, Ann L
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00633-4
PurposeBystander interventions (BI) are a promising and increasingly employed social approach to public health problems in college settings. One missed opportunity to enhance the efficacy of many BI programs is a need for input from the intervention target, such as students. We seek to address this research gap by using college students’ experiences to identify additional attributes of bystander opportunities and actions.MethodsThis study utilized data collected between 2017 and 2019 from students in 11 large colleges participating in the Multi-college Bystander Efficacy Evaluation. Students were asked to report behaviors they used after witnessing five concerning situations with the option to write in behaviors not represented in response options. Additionally, students were asked to indicate if they witnessed any other concerning situations and, if so, to describe the situation. Data from 5,154 students that responded to the open-ended prompts were analyzed using a content analysis approach to identify additional opportunities and actions.ResultsRespondents were predominantly White (68%), heterosexual (79%), and cisgender women (70%). Open-ended responses suggested four domains for BI opportunity in college settings: interpersonal violence, stranger violence, substance-related situations, and bias-related situations. We identified four threat assessment levels related to opportunities: apprehension, specific risk, active harm, and institutional issues; and three categories of actions: help-seeking, intervening on one’s own, and preventing.ConclusionsOur multi-college assessment identified additional bystander-related opportunities and actions grounded in student experiences. Recommendations are offered to improve the design and evaluation of BI programs.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on United States Intimate Partner Violence Organizations: Administrator PerspectivesRandell, Kimberly A.; Balascio, Phoebe; Ragavan, Maya I.; Duplessis, Virginia; Miller, Elizabeth; Hurley, Tammy Piazza; Garcia, Rebecca; Villaveces, Andrés; DeGue, Sarah; Chang, Judy C.
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00641-4
PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has increased challenges to intimate partner violence (IPV) service provision. This study aimed to explore administrative perspectives on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on United States regional and national IPV service organizations.MethodsWe interviewed 35 administrators working within state, regional, or national organizations addressing IPV. Interview domains included (1) organizational response to COVID-19, including communication and supporting employees and partner agencies, (2) impact on marginalized communities, and (3) resource needs. We used a hybrid deductive-inductive approach and thematic analysis for coding and analysis.ResultsWe identified four key themes: (1) COVID-19 worsened pre-existing challenges and created new challenges at multiple levels within IPV service organizations; (2) IPV service organizations initiated multi-level initiatives to support IPV survivors, their staff, their organization, and their member/partner agencies; (3) Organizations identified changes that should continue beyond the pandemic; and (4) Systemic racism compounded the impact of COVID-19 on IPV survivors and IPV service agencies.ConclusionsFindings suggest that (1) multi-level responses are needed for robust support of IPV survivors during and beyond the pandemic and (2) a syndemic model that addresses underlying structural inequities may strengthen efforts to support IPV survivors during a pandemic or other large-scale disaster.
Domestic Violence among LGBT + People in China: Results from a national court rulings reviewLu, Yuliang
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00634-3
PurposeDomestic violence has been an emerging area of study in recent decades for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people (LGBT +). While some research discussed domestic violence among LGBT + couples in Western countries, very little attention was paid to the patterns of domestic violence in the Chinese context. Against this backdrop, this study sought to elucidate the prevalence and distinctive features of family violence against LGBT + individuals that have been recorded by court rulings, as well as to scrutinize the responses of the judicial system towards these cases of violence.MethodsThis study utilized a qualitative research approach, relying on court rulings as the primary data source. Specifically, data were collected from the official website that publishes judgments from courts at all levels of China. Content analysis and discourse analysis were employed as analytical techniques to uncover the underlying patterns of family violence among LGBT + people and examine the responses of the judicial system concerning the protection of LGBT + individuals.ResultsThrough an analysis of the court rulings, the findings reveal a total of fifty-three cases of family violence involving LGBT + individuals. These cases constitute approximately ten percent of all criminal cases concerning the LGBT + population. Among these cases, forty cases involve violence perpetrated by LGBT + intimate partners. The violence can be further classified into distinct categories, including break-up violence, sexual violence, and violence occurring in daily life. The consequences of such violence typically result in fatalities or physical injuries. Another form of violence examined in the study is observed within legal partnerships, such as between a heterosexual husband and his lesbian wife. This type of violence also tends to lead to severe outcomes, including deaths or bodily harm to the victim. Furthermore, one noteworthy case of family violence discussed in the research involves a parent–child relationship.ConclusionsThis study uncovers multiple sources of violence experienced by LGBT + individuals within the context of domestic relationships in China. While LGBT + individuals can employ criminal law to protect their rights as citizens, the legal recognition of same-sex relationships remains rare. Yet, this legal recognition could change the situation in same-sex families troubled by family violence.
What Factors Explain Recent Increases in Husband-to-Wife Violence in Nigerian Households? A Decomposition Analysis of Three Waves of Cross-Sectional Data from 2008 to 2018OLA, Bamidele Emmanuel; Smith, Peter
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00607-6
PurposeThis study looks at the recent increases in husband-to-wife violence (HWV) in Nigeria, despite efforts to address the problem, with the specific purpose of identifying the factors associated with the changes.MethodThe study examines data from three nationally representative surveys conducted in 2008, 2013, and 2018 via the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) program. Using a non-linear multivariate decomposition analytical technique (mvdcmp) recommended by Powers and colleagues in 2011, four factors contributing to HWV were examined: couples’ dyadic attitudes toward wife-beating, husband’s alcohol consumption behavior, household poverty, and women’s income relative to their husbands’.ResultsThe study found that HWV increased by 16% between 2008 and 2018. Changes in couples’ characteristics accounted for 28% of the changes in HWV. Declining attitudes towards wife-beating reduced potential occurrences, while increases in husbands’ alcohol misuse and aggression towards wives’ higher income increased the occurrences, especially in middle-income households. Behavioral effects accounted for 128% of the changes, with significant contributions from husbands’ alcohol misuse and reactions towards wives’ lack of personal income.ConclusionRecent changes in women’s empowerment and disempowerment, as well as husbands’ problem-drinking, are associated with increased rates of HWV in Nigeria.
Addressing Economic Abuse in Intimate-partner Violence Interventions: A Bacchian Analysis of ResponsibilityByrt, Adrienne; Cook, Kay; Burgin, Rachael
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00639-y
PurposeBurgeoning research on intimate partner perpetrated economic abuse highlights the devastating and lasting impacts of economic exploitation, economic control, and employment sabotage, most often endured by women. Despite recognition of the potential outcomes that can result from intimate partner perpetrated economic abuse, such as lifelong poverty, and housing and employment insecurity, there is a dearth of evidence on prevention interventions into economic abuse, and interventions to help women recover from such abuse. This exploratory qualitative meta-synthesis examines existing research to identify key areas for systemic intervention into prevention of economic abuse.MethodsDrawing on Bacchi’s ‘What’s the problem represented to be?’ approach, this qualitative meta-synthesis analyses ‘problem representations’ in 11 studies that report on interventions into intimate partner violence, including economic abuse. Articles were identified through a systematic literature search in EBSCOhost and SCOPUS using the following search terms: ‘financial abuse’ OR ‘economic abuse’ AND ‘prevention’ OR ‘intervention’ OR ‘crisis.’ The inclusion criteria were that the study must report: (1) empirical data from an intervention; (2) focus, at least in part, on EA given such abuse is often reported alongside other forms of abuse; (3) abuse occurring within the context of a current or former intimate partner relationship.ResultsWe found that across the reviewed studies, economic abuse was not often explicitly defined, and within descriptions of tactics that constitute economic abuse, the perpetrator remained largely invisible. Interventions into intimate partner violence tended to focus on individualistic prevention/intervention through psychoeducation, men’s intervention programs, clinical interventions, women’s economic empowerment. Relational economic empowerment was also recommended alongside gender-based training to motivate couples to recognise traditional gender power dynamics in relationships.ConclusionsWe argue that most interventions individualise the prevention of and recovery from economic abuse, promoting women’s self-improvement through financial literacy, economic empowerment, and education as responses to economic violence, rather than making male perpetrators accountable for the harm they cause. This gap in existing interventions reveals an opportunity for financial and government institutions to act through transformative structural reform that disrupts – rather than responds to – male perpetration of economic abuse.
Violent Entanglements: Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTIQ + People’s RelationshipsLahti, Annukka
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00637-0
PurposeThis article analyzes violence and abuse in LGBTIQ + people’s former relationships. Combining assemblage theory with intersectionality, it rethinks queer and feminist understandings by analyzing intimate partner violence as assemblages. This offers a nuanced approach that does not rely on simplistic causal models.MethodsThe article draws on a dataset of interviews with separated LGBTIQ + people, 30 in Finland and 28 in England. It focuses on 13 interviewees who gave accounts of mental, physical, and sexual violence within previous relationships. Following a Deleuze-inspired rhizomatic methodology, the analysis “enters in the middle” of complex abusive assemblages and identifies the most central elements and affective entanglements that helped to maintain and/or diminish the abuse.ResultsAssemblages that engender and maintain abuse are complex and multiple. Nevertheless, they are not random: the rhizomatic workings of heteronormativity, the social status of LGBTIQ + relationships, and gender-related elements entangle in assemblages that amplify the effects of abuse and constrain participants’ bodies.ConclusionsAbuse in LGBTIQ + people’s relationships can be understood through the posthuman theoretical idea of distributed agency: abuse gains force in and through its entanglements with other elements within an assemblage. This does not absolve abusive persons of responsibility for their actions. Rather, it reveals that the efficacy of agency depends on the interactive forces and elements within an assemblage. Abuse and violence often accumulate, as the exposure of bodies to injurious conditions produces affective relations that can become patterned in LGBTIQ + people’s lives.
‘Everything Comes for a Reason’: The Meaning of Spirituality and Faith Among Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Women Survivors of IPVVass, Anat
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00506-w
PurposeThis phenomenological study stems from the critical role of examining diversity in interpersonal violence research and aims to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of Ultraorthodox Jewish Women (UJW) survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) on (1) What is it like to be an UJW who survived IPV; (2) In what ways do religious beliefs of UJW shed light on the experience of IPV.MethodIn-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants who identified themselves as IPV survivors. The qualitative analysis program N-Vivo 10 was utilized for coding and constructing themes.ResultsRelying on the descriptive phenomenological approach, findings revealed three core themes: ‘Everything comes from heaven, but everyone has free will’ (IPV came from above); ‘What does not break you, heals you’ (IPV came for a purpose) and; The cycle of abuse- a spiritual war (the perpetrator’s goal to inflict damage to her soul).ConclusionThe findings suggest that religious terminology, values, and beliefs shed light on surviving IPV and on interpreting dynamics related to IPV. The Meaning Making Framework (MMF) was the guiding theoretical framework for interpreting and analyzing the findings. Implications of the research emphasize that engagement with Jewish terminology and fundamental beliefs promotes a deeper understanding of IPV survivors from the Ultraorthodox community.
Premeditated, Organized and Impactful: Dating Violence as a Method of Committing Hate Crimes Against LGBTQ People in RussiaKatsuba, Sergei
2023 Journal of Family Violence
doi: 10.1007/s10896-023-00638-z
PurposeThe purpose of the research is to identify and analyze the cases of dating violence among the hate crimes against LGBTQ people in Russia. Dating violence (attacks on LGBTQ people with the use of dating services) became a common method of committing hate crimes in Russia in the late 2010s and was enabled by the discriminatory policies of the state.MethodThis research is part of a bigger project on anti-LGBTQ violence. The project generated a database of more than 1000 cases of such violence between 2010 and 2020 using court rulings as a primary source of data The current research is a continuation of this effort, it is looking into a specific category of hate crime – premeditated attacks in order to analyze the cases of dating violence.ResultsThe research established that most of the cases in the category of premeditated attacks are cases of dating violence (239 out of 347). Most of those crimes (209) are cases of collective violence (committed by different anti-LGBTQ hate groups). There is evidence of the community impact in the incidents and in the agendas of the hate groups.ConclusionsThe research adds to the theoretical model of the progression of prejudice and argues that dating violence represents a more developed form of violence against LGBTQ people. This is due to the three distinguishing features (premeditation, collective form, and community impact) that are present in the cases.