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The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention or IC, is a contested issue in Central and Eastern Europe. This article investigates this matter further by focusing specifically on Bulgaria and Poland using the most similar systems design; the former country has not ratified the convention, but the latter has. In this article, we draw on the literature on gender politics and public policy and on law and society studies to refine the advocacy coalition framework and propose a novel perspective on (non-)ratification that accentuates the role of anti-gender and feminist advocacy coalitions. Specifically, this article links the (non-)ratification of the IC to the complex modes of interaction between partisan, societal, and legal actors who make up adversarial advocacy coalitions. This article also highlights that deep core beliefs widen the cultural cleavage, with the traditional being pitted against the feminist in this case, thereby instigating "culture wars" in both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have recently cast doubt on the .justifications for the criminalization of domestic violence, arguing that the criminal legal system proves inadequate in preventing ®ture battering. Domestic violence, the argument continues, is largely a public health problem, which requires implementing noncarceral measures to effectively addiess it. Decriminalizing domestic violence aligns with broader reforms to defund police and decrease prosecution of many other crimes. A noncarceral alternative to criminalization requires divesting resources from police, prosecutors, and prisons while investing resources in nonpunitive institutions, including healthcare systems. Health-based reforms to curb domestic violence underscore the central role that mental health measures play under a noncarceral regime. Rejecting the reliance on criminal measures to prevent domestic violence would make mental health professionals responsible for treating batterers who pose a risk to their intimate partners. Yet, conceptualizing domestic violence through a public healthframework raises a host of concerns because medicalized interventions incorporate noncriminal but inherently coercive measures. These include mandatory treatment programs, surveillance. monitoring, reporting, and involuntary civil commitment. The emerging trend to adopt mental health interventions in lieu of criminal sanctions highlights the perils Of ovennedicalization of domestic violence, including depriving batterers Of their liberties without robust adversarial proceedings and other due process protections. In examining the interrelationship between criminal law and public health's mandatory measures, this Article makes two novel contributions. First, it argues that overmedicalization of domestic violence is yet another facet of the general medicalization phenomenon, defined as unjustijiably applying medical solutions to social problems. Second, this Article uses the treatment of domestic violence as a case study to demonstrate that alternatives to criminalization. often touted as "progressive" reforms, can·y their own risks. The implications of this argument extendfar beyond the domestic violence context; a myriad of medicalized substitutes to carceral tools exert substantial social control over people by managing and disciplining vulnerable communities, especially people of color and other historically disadvantaged groups. Thus, overmedicalization may result in replacing states' problematic "governing through crime" strategy with the equally troublesome "governing through medicine" model, which perpetuates similar harms that the criminal legal system has created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the discursive construction of boys in two Australia domestic violence primary prevention advertisement campaigns. The first, 'Stop it at the Start', is an Australian government initiative which launched in 2016 and includes five different video shorts. The second is the Victorian Government's 2016 'Respect Women. For Our Children's Future' campaign, which includes two video advertisements: 'Nothing Good about Dads Who Abuse Women' and 'Family Violence Has No Good Days'. We explore the tendency of these campaigns to construct boys as future perpetrators; their representation of boys' unambiguous and painless inculcation into masculine violence; their lack of attention to the psychological effects of boys' experiences of witnessing domestic violence; how the 'future' framing of the advertisement diverts attention away from violence done to women in the present; and, their failure to represent feminist education for boys. By examining these limitations, we draw attention to the places where an affirmative feminist studies of boys is needed in order to address the realities and needs of boys in the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores how the U.S. Department of Defense's lack of rules regarding obtaining and handling military protective orders (MPO) leads to possible misuse or negligence by commanding officers, putting domestic abuse survivors at risk of further harm. Topics discussed include legislation designed to protect survivors of domestic violence perpetrated by service members, benefits and criticisms of MPOs, and recommendations to protect domestic abuse survivors.

The article discusses the issue of enforceability of military protective orders (MPO) by civilian law enforcement and courts in domestic violence cases involving U.S. military personnel. Also cited are the types of protective orders, namely, MPOs and civil protective orders (CPO), and the proposed system in which victims of violence can secure military protective orders that can be enforced by civilian law enforcement and courts.

The article discusses the efforts of social services and social workers to prevent family violence, child abuse and gender-based violence (GBV). The relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment, including the scholarship on this, is discussed.

A pre-post design with 6–13-month follow-up assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a home-visiting intervention to promote early childhood development, improve parenting and shared decision-making, and reduce violence in impoverished Rwandan households. Twenty vulnerable families with a child 36-months or younger enrolled in Sugira Muryango. Measures of parenting, home environment, family-violence, decision-making, and health-status were administered at pre/post and follow-up. Families reported high satisfaction post-intervention. OMCI scores improved for 4.8% of mother-child dyads at post-intervention and 19.0% at follow-up, while 9.5% of dyads showed declines at both times. HOME Inventory scores improved for 9.5% and 14.3% of dyads at post-intervention and follow-up respectively and declined for 4.8% and 0.0%. Indicators for equal decision-making and child dietary-diversity improved at post-intervention and follow-up. Fewer mothers believed physical punishment was necessary at follow-up. Sugira Muryango shows promise for improving parenting, beliefs about harsh punishment, child nutritional status, and shared decision-making among vulnerable families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpersonal violence against women and children has increasingly been recognized as a public health priority in humanitarian emergencies. However, because the household is generally considered a private sphere, violence between family members remains neglected. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify predictors of household violence in humanitarian emergencies. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from January 1, 1998, to February 16, 2016. A predictor was defined as any individual, household, or community-level exposure that increases or decreases the risk associated with physical, sexual, or emotional interpersonal violence between two or more people living together. All studies reporting on quantitative research were eligible for inclusion. Results were analyzed using qualitative synthesis. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed as applicable. The search strategy resulted in 2,587 original records, of which 33 studies met inclusion criteria. Thirty-two of the 33 studies used a cross-sectional design. This was the first known systematic review of predictors of household violence in humanitarian settings. The household framework drew attention to several factors that are associated with violence against both women and children, including conflict exposure, alcohol and drug use, income/economic status, mental health/coping strategies, and limited social support. There is a need for longitudinal research and experimental designs that can better establish temporality between exposures and household violence outcomes, control for confounding, and inform practice. In the interim, programmers and policy makers should try to leverage the predictors identified by this review for integrated violence prevention and response strategies, with the important caveat that ongoing evaluation of such strategies is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and perceived helpfulness of a variety of protective strategies that were used by female survivors of domestic abuse and to explore factors that may have influenced strategy usage. Forty participants were recruited from a voluntary sector domestic abuse service, commissioned by an outer London local authority in the United Kingdom, in early 2014. The measurement tools used were the Intimate Partner Violence Strategies Index (IPVSI) and the Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA) Domestic Abuse, Stalking and "Honour"-Based Violence (DASH) Risk Assessment Checklist. The average age was 33 years (SD = 7.9, range = 20-57); half reported to be of Asian ethnicity, 37.5% White, and 12.5% Black or Mixed ethnicity. The average DASH score was 9.8 (SD = 13.2, range = 0-18), and an average of 18 (SD = 6.7, range = 1-29) protective strategies were utilized by each participant. All of the most commonly used strategies were from the placating category. Although safety planning strategies were rated as the most helpful by all participants, placating strategies were also rated as helpful by two thirds of participants. Stepwise multiple regression showed that placating was the only significant predictor of DASH score (β =.375, p <.05) and accounted for 14% of the variance of DASH score. Findings showed that women utilized a diverse range of protective strategies with placating strategies being most intensely used and rated as helpful. However, placating strategy usage could be a risk factor as opposed to a protective factor. This study has also demonstrated that greater placating strategies were used by White than South Asian women, and women who were employed used more formal strategies. This research has extended the knowledge base of protective strategies that professionals can draw from to underpin decisions and interventions when working with domestic abuse survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 20 South Asian women experiencing domestic violence in the United States. The results explore the patterns of abuse as well as the factors and circumstances (i.e. turning points) that motivated South Asian women to change in the context of the stage that they were in as per the Landenburger model (binding, enduring, disengaging, and recovery). The four themes that emerged from the interviews and analysis are (1) 'Timing and Frequency of abuse', (2) 'Methods of control – financial, isolation and suspicion', (3) 'Cycle of Abuse', and (4)' Turning Points – motivation to change'. Implications for practice and policy-level changes for abused South Asian women in the United States are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence shelters can provide services that are key to ending intimate partner violence. Yet, little is known about the process through which a stay in shelter increases women's ability to move toward the lives they want. The construct of empowerment has been used to gauge the effectiveness of intimate partner violence interventions and has been linked to a variety of positive outcomes. The present qualitative study analyzed nine in-depth interviews with women in domestic violence shelters to explore processes that occurred within the shelter stay that enhanced their sense of empowerment. A narrative methodology that situates personal stories within the broader social context was used. Four interrelated empowerment storylines were identified and involved self-reflection, gaining clarity, acquiring knowledge , and building community. Implications of these processes for shelter services are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Domestic violence is common public health problem. Domestic violence related disclosure is an important first step in the process of prevention, control and treatments of domestic violence related adverse effect. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of domestic violence related disclosure and synthesize its associated factors. Methods: We followed the PRISMA Guidelines to report the results of the finding. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Sciences were searched. The heterogeneity between studies was measured by the index of heterogeneity (I2 statistics) test. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to determine publication bias. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was carried out. To calculate the pooled prevalence, a random effects model was utilized. Results: Twenty one eligible studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of domestic violence related non-disclosure was found to be 36.2% (95% CI, 31.8–40.5%). Considering violence as normal or not serious, shame, embarrassment and fear of disclosure related consequences were the common barriers for non-disclosure. Conclusion: More than one third of women and girls were not disclosed their experience of domestic violence. The finding of this study suggests the need of evaluation and strengthening of the collaborative work among different sectors such as: policy-makers, service providers, administrative personnel and community leaders including the engagement of men partner. This study also suggests the needs of women empowerments against the traditional belief, attitude, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence is an ongoing health issue around the world, propelling individuals and organizations to seek out new and innovative ways to mitigate its widespread reach. Focusing on the potential of religion to positively impact messaging, the current study examines how Christian symbolism might be used to encourage intervention behavior using public service announcements (PSAs). Using a between‐subjects design of Christian Americans as the respondent pool, a religious symbol versus a control ad was utilized. Levels of religiosity were also measured and factors impacting the construct assessed. Findings revealed religiosity, the importance of religion in one's life, was the underlying motivator for highly religious people to act rather than a religious cue. Within religiosity, the perceived strength of faith to one's identity held greater value than church attendance and frequency of prayer. Theoretical implications are discussed as well as insights for people working in public service messaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence (DV) affects around 20% of the population globally and is linked with complex mental health conditions and difficulties in client therapeutic engagement. Developing therapeutic competency to meet the standards for independent, professional practice is a significant part of counsellor training. A competency framework for DV is a useful addition to the literature. This framework has been systematically developed from a client-informed DV counselling model (grounded theory) and integrates well with existing international publications. It highlights high level and wide-ranging counselling skills, specialist knowledge and specific personal characteristics for working with this client group, beyond the level required for independent practice. This framework could be used as a basis for pre- and post-qualification counsellor training, recruitment and assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The choice of research design affects not only internal and external validity but ecological validity as well. Ecological validity refers to the extent to which data are based in and relevant to real-world settings. One way for researchers to maximize the likelihood of achieving ecological validity is to design studies with community partners that use participatory approaches. Engaging deeply with community partners in determining what to study, how to measure constructs of interest, interpreting results, and using findings to create change is one means of conducting research that is likely to produce findings that are meaningful to communities. Conducting in-depth, participatory research within agencies providing crisis supports to individuals who have experienced trauma creates an additional level of complexity in the research process. This article presents a case example of how academic researchers and staff members of a nonprofit organization working with survivors of intimate partner violence collaborated on an evaluation of the community partner agency. As part of this process, the team members had to be continually aware of and responsive to the nature of crisis-focused work. We provide a reflexive account of the lessons learned and recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South African adolescents are exposed to high levels of violence and trauma, including community violence, abuse, and neglect. Violence and trauma are associated with negative mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Demographic characteristics, additional exposure to trauma, community violence, and types of childhood abuse and neglect may place adolescents at greater risk of developing PTSD. This study aimed to first assess the weighted contribution of demographic factors, trauma load, community violence, and types of abuse and neglect in predicting PTSD symptom severity. Second, we aimed to determine group differences in demographic factors, trauma load, community violence, and types of abuse and neglect among participants with no disorder, PTSD only, PTSD and depression, and depression only. Participants were 215 adolescents identified with emotional and/or behavioral problems and referred to an adolescent trauma clinic from schools in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Clinical assessments were undertaken to assess community violence exposure; physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; physical and emotional neglect; and a clinical diagnosis of PTSD and comorbidity. Trauma-exposed adolescents with PTSD and depression reported significantly higher levels of emotional abuse and community violence exposure in comparison with trauma-exposed adolescents without a disorder. Emotional abuse, community violence exposure, and female gender were significant predictors of PTSD in regression analysis. These findings underscore the contribution of different types of trauma in the development of PTSD. Interventions focused on preventing trauma, PTSD, and depression should be multifaceted and be targeted at various levels, for example, individual/interpersonal level (reduce abuse in the household and immediate environment) and community/societal level (reduce crime rates in communities and strengthen conviction policies). Traumatized youth should routinely be screened for a history of abuse and particularly exposure to community violence, given their strong association with PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feminist movements against domestic and intimate partner violence (DV and IPV) have long struggled with tensions around the professionalization of their work. This article uses qualitative interviews and content analysis to conceptualize the IPV movement's field of action as an interstitial space. The movement against IPV draws together a multi-institutional audience that reflects the historical trajectory of the field. The IPV organizations in the Boston metropolitan area productively engage with and influence various institutional fields. The boundaries of this interstitial space are the multi-institutional bundles of relations drawn together by the DV movement. In the Boston metropolitan area, the institutional fields of action drawn most strongly into the liminal space of the intimate partner violence field are the wider feminist movement and the institutions of the medical/health sphere, carceral system, and education systems. The work of direct services, advocacy, and prevention defines itself in relation to neighboring institutions but remains grounded in its own interstitial space of the IPV movement through individual practices within organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Causal questions pervade family violence research, including how and why violence occurs, how it can be prevented, and how to support survivors. Randomization cannot always be used, but in studies of the effects of known causes, regression based observational methods (e.g., propensity score analysis) can be used. Statistical findings are associational only, however, and plausible assumptions are needed to give findings causal meaning. In this review, I suggest two criteria for plausible assumptions that help support credible causal inferences. I then describe and connect three frameworks that provide standards for specifying assumptions in causal inference: the Rubin potential outcomes framework; the Pearl directed acyclic graph framework; and the Campbell framework of validities (e.g., internal validity). These frameworks are widely accepted across the social sciences, facilitating dissemination and critique. Each has strengths and weaknesses, and in studies of the effects of known causes, they may complement each other. Utilizing the standards given to us by these frameworks to select and articulate the assumptions needed for credible causal inference will impact our understanding of family violence and violence prevention more so than studies that cannot be connected as clearly to such standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coercive control—a relational dynamic rooted in one romantic partner's intentional domination and control over their partner's daily life using physical violence and nonphysical abuse tactics—has been well-documented in the adult domestic violence (DV) literature for decades. Yet, only recently has coercive control been assessed in the context of DV exposure and few studies have examined exposure to coercive control from the perspective of young adult children. It has been theorized that the inclusion of coercive control may explain inconsistent findings regarding the impact of DV exposure on adjustment domains, particularly peer relationships. Thus, the present study, using an exploratory and formative perspective, examined the relationship between DV exposure and peer relationship experiences (e.g., bullying victimization and perpetration, friendship quality) among a sample of DV-exposed young adults. Data for this study comes from phase two of the Young Adult Live and Learn (Y'ALL) Project. The sample (72.1% female; 74.1% European American) included young adults who were exposed to DV (n = 99) and young adults who were not exposed to DV (n = 48). Exposure to coercive control, controlling for physical violence exposure, was associated with higher levels of bullying victimization and better friendship quality, whereas exposure to more frequent physical violence was associated with higher levels of bullying perpetration. Findings from the present study add to the growing body of literature demonstrating the salience of measuring coercive control when studying youth DV exposure, as coercive control may better explain outcomes, such as peer relationship experiences, above and beyond assessments of physical violence exposure alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aotearoa New Zealand's high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse and neglect point to a clear need to develop and resource equitable mental health and addiction practices that are responsive both to people experiencing and using violence, and to their families. Current responses to IPV in mental health and addiction settings in Aotearoa New Zealand require a critical re‐framing, from an individualistic autonomy and empowerment framework that constrains practitioners' practice, to an understanding IPV as a form of social entrapment. Using a composite story constructed from 28 in‐depth New Zealand family violence death reviews, we highlight current problematic practice and discuss alternative responses that could create safer lives for people and families. Re‐framing IPV as a form of social entrapment acknowledges it as a complex social problem that requires collective steps to secure people's safety and well‐being. Importantly, a social entrapment framework encompasses interpersonal and structural forms of violence, such as the historical and intergenerational trauma of colonization and links to ongoing structural inequities for Māori (the indigenous people of Aotearoa) in Aotearoa New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study generates practice-based evidence about organizational strategies for addressing co-occurring domestic violence (DV) and substance abuse (SA) using a survey of organizations working on both issues (N = 204). How (the strategies) and how much (the extensiveness) organizations attend to both issues vary by organizational type (DV, SA, or multiservice) and populations served. While most SA and multiservice organizations address DV internally, most DV organizations use external collaborations; all offer services to DV perpetrators at similar rates. Findings underscore the importance of including multiple, nuanced measures of organizational activities related to co-occurring DV and SA in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social policies and services addressing domestic violence have been developed recently in South Korea but scarcely reported to the international audience. We adopted the empowerment perspective, comprehensively reviewing whether, and how, policies and services empower survivors in Korea. Survivor services and criminal justice responses have great potential for survivor empowerment in Korea. However, these services serve only a limited number of survivors, and police officers often do not arrest perpetrators even though it is encouraged by law. It is critical to increase the number of service providers and make sure that training for law enforcement personnel is fully funded and appropriately implemented nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discusses progress toward advancing prevention, intervention, and policies that reduce gender-based violence and support healthy relationships devoid of violence. Topics discussed include the two major routes to eradicate family violence, strategies to diminish child abuse, and how social work professionals in direct practice positions can contribute to eradicating family violence.

Elder mistreatment (EM) is a public health problem that harms millions of older Americans each year. Despite growing recognition of its occurrence, there are no evidence-based primary prevention programs. Although EM is distinct from other areas of family violence, including child maltreatment and intimate partner violence, common risk factors and theoretical underpinnings point to opportunities for prevention strategies. Drawing on evidence-based best practices found in other fields of family violence, we identify approaches that could be tested to prevent EM at the hands of family caregivers, who are among the most likely to commit mistreatment. Specifically, we examine home visiting approaches primarily used in the child maltreatment field and identify components that have potential to inform EM interventions, including prevention. We conclude that there is enough information to begin testing a prevention intervention for EM that targets caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of a secondary analysis of data collected during a pilot project, Change Up, which used a social norming approach (SNA) to address domestic violence and abuse (DVA) with young people aged 13–14. A SNA is based upon a well-articulated theory of behavior and evidence-based methodology for addressing social justice issues. This reflects a paradigm shift focusing upon strengths and positives, rather than pathologizing behaviors. Adopting a SNA, the Change Up project comprised a baseline survey followed by the intervention (workshop and peer-to-peer campaign), ending with a post-intervention survey. It was delivered in two high schools in a UK city between 2015 and 16. A secondary analysis of the survey data collected during the surveys and qualitative data collected at the end of each workshop was undertaken and this is reported here. Change Up data illustrates that most young people in the sample thought that DVA is unacceptable. There was, however, a gender difference in the norms held about the social acceptability of girls using physical violence against boys (and vice versa). The analysis of Change Up data indicates that a social norming approach to DVA programs aimed at young people can be successful in promoting attitude and behavior change. It also highlights a continuing need for young people's education about relationships and gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessment tools are increasingly being used to guide decisions about supervision and treatment of domestic violence perpetrators. However, earlier review studies showed that the predictive validity of most of these tools is limited, and is reflected in small average effect sizes. The present study aimed to meta-analytically examine the predictive validity of domestic violence risk assessment tools, and to identify tool characteristics that positively moderate the predictive validity. A literature search yielded 50 independent studies (N = 68,855) examining the predictive validity of 39 different tools, of which 205 effect sizes could be extracted. Overall, a significant discriminative accuracy was found (AUC = 0.647), indicating a moderate predictive accuracy. Tools specifically developed for assessing the risk of domestic violence performed as well as risk predictions based on victim ratings and tools designed for predicting general/violent criminal recidivism. Actuarial instruments (AUC = 0.657) outperformed Structured Clinical Judgment (SCJ) tools (AUC = 0.580) in predicting domestic violence. The onset of domestic violence (AUC = 0.744) could be better predicted than recurrence of domestic violence (AUC = 0.643), which is a promising finding for early detection and prevention of domestic violence. Suggestions for the improvement of risk assessment strategies are presented. • The predictive value of domestic violence risk tools was meta-analytically examined. • Overall, a moderate predictive accuracy was found (AUC = 0.647). • Different approaches to assessment all showed similar predictive accuracies. • Actuarial instruments outperformed Structured Clinical Judgment tools. • Domestic violence onset is better predictable than domestic violence recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) can include physical, psychological, sexual, emotional or financial abuses, and is a globally widespread problem across all age groups, cultures and socioeconomic groups. Alongside the impacts of DVA experienced by survivors, there is a growing recognition that other people, who form the support network of survivors, may also be affected by the situation. Domestic violence organisations such as helplines are important third sector services supporting survivors. However, there has been little research into the impact on those providing the support. This qualitative study of domestic violence helpline workers explored their needs and well‐being. We used qualitative methodology, conducting interviews with staff recruited from a selection of different helplines who all undertook direct client‐focused work. The interviews used a semi‐structured format and followed a topic guide covering the training received before commencing work, self‐care strategies, the impact of work on their daily life and support offered by their employer. Ten helpline staff were interviewed, all female. Following analysis of the qualitative data, a number of themes emerged. Participants disclosed numerous ways in which their work challenged their well‐being, including burnout, impact on personal relationships, and lack of training and support at work. Participants used some self‐care strategies in order to "switch off" from work, but they also wanted clinical supervision to support them with the difficulties they experienced at work. This study suggests that helpline staff should receive more education about trauma triggers, and ongoing support to reduce the impact on their home and social life, thus improving mental well‐being and job satisfaction. This work begins the debate on the well‐being needs of frontline helpline workers, and whether better meeting these needs can facilitate the provision of better support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the work presented here was to study how the Swedish compulsory school, identifies and acts relative to the social problem of children living with domestic violence. More specifically: how do the various professional groups in school and professionals within the child protection services (CPS) describe and understand their own and other professionals' responsibilities and tasks with respect to children living with domestic violence? The study consisted of 10 focus groups whose members were taken from five professional groups in schools and the CPS in Sweden. The results show that professionals in school lack knowledge about living with domestic violence, one example of which is child abuse. They navigate through the large open space that exists between the pedagogic and psychosocial missions of schools, and use different strategies to interpret the child's symptoms of maltreatment. They point at an unclear distribution of responsibility between different professionals in school, which can be interpreted as a tension between domains within the institutional school domain. They also point at a "gap" between the school and CPS domains, and find confidentiality to be an obstacle to collaboration. Furthermore, the article sheds light on the complexities, the conflicting understandings, and the different priorities of the different professionals and institutions working with children living with domestic violence. It also discusses practical implications of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women seeking shelter from intimate partner violence (IPV) are at greater risk of suicide ideation and attempts compared with women in the general population. A theoretically grounded understanding of suicide risk in shelter-seeking women is critical to improve assessment and management of suicide risk in this population. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) proposes that suicide ideation results from hopelessness about thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. However, suicide ideation does not progress to death by suicide unless one has acquired the capability for suicide (i.e., pain tolerance and fearlessness about death) via repeated exposure to painful and fearsome events. The present study provides a preliminary test of the IPTS in a sample of 134 women seeking shelter from IPV. First, we examined factors theoretically related to suicide ideation, demonstrating that only at high levels of hopelessness was perceived burdensomeness associated with suicide ideation. The study also examined factors theoretically related to the acquired capability for suicide (ACS), indicating that physical partner violence perpetration was associated with ACS. These findings suggest that perceived burdensomeness, particularly in the context of increased hopelessness, is important in the assessment and treatment of suicide ideation. Furthermore, violence perpetration may indicate greater risk of the capability to die by suicide among women seeking shelter from IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the laws governing animal cruelty and domestic violence in the U.S. using an example of David John Celinski and Sheryl Jones. Topics discussed include social problems associated with animal cruelty and domestic violence; enactment of Violence Against Women Act of 1994 for preventing violence against women; and history of the development of animal cruelty laws for mandating animal protection.

Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) are conducted when an individual aged 16 or over appears to have died from violence, abuse or neglect by a person to whom they are related or with whom they are in an intimate relationship or who is a member of the same household. DHRs aim to identify lessons to be learned, to improve service responses to domestic abuse and to contribute to prevention of domestic abuse/homicide. We submitted Freedom of Information requests to English Local Authorities to identify DHRs where victim, perpetrator or both were aged over 60. Collected Reports and/or Executive Summaries were thematically analysed. Analysis identified four key themes in the context of the key relationship and caring: major mental illness of the perpetrator; drug and/or alcohol abuse; financial issues; and a history of domestic abuse in key or family relationships. We analysed 14 adult family homicides, 16 intimate partner homicides and five homicide–suicides. Age per se did not emerge as a significant factor in our analysis. Terminology needs to be standardised, and training/education regarding risk assessment needs to be improved in relation to age, myths around ageing/dementia and stresses of caring. Management of mental illness is a key factor. A central repository of DHR Reports accessible for research and subject to regular review would contribute to maximising learning and improving practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Domestic and family violence is a public health problem of epidemic proportions and a significant issue facing the Australian community. It knows no boundaries, is indiscriminate to geographical location, social class, age, religious or cultural background. AIM: This study aimed to analyse the processes currently used to identify and respond to domestic and family violence in a large tertiary hospital in Australia, and to classify the benefits and weaknesses of these existing systems. METHODS: A qualitative method used semistructured, face-to-face and telephone interviews with key informants in 16 key areas across the hospital. Thematic analysis of the interviews was used to define the key issues and areas of interest identified by participants. RESULTS: There was a dearth of existing guidelines or pathways of care for patients experiencing domestic violence. Several strengths and weaknesses were identified in relation to the protocols and systems used by the hospital, including limited training for staff and a lack of standardisation of processes, workplace instructions and clinical guidelines. With the exception of maternity services, no clinical service area used a guideline or work instruction. Most interviewees highlighted the need for the safety and protection of staff and victims as a priority. DISCUSSION: Domestic and family violence is an enormous burden on the health system. However, many staff have little or no guidance on dealing with it or are unaware of existing protocols or guidelines for detection or response. Participants recommended further education and training for staff, consistent guidelines, specialist liaison and more educational and information resources for staff and patients. Further investigation and discussions with patients affected by violence is warranted to provide robust recommendations for policy change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When your residential program is full, finding emergency shelter for human trafficking and domestic violence survivors can be challenging. Advocates often spend hours calling one agency after another to locate an appropriate placement. The Safe Shelter Collaborative is an innovative technological approach to locating emergency shelter. By sending out a blast alert to certified users within a geographic network, agencies provide faster access for a greater number and diversity of survivors. This article reports on an evaluation of the Safe Shelter Collaborative and the ways it has transformed the process of finding emergency shelter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on 82 unduplicated cases of violence against women and children after the Great East Japan Disaster of March 2011. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from informants who worked with the disaster-affected populations. In addition to domestic violence, reported cases involved sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact, including quid pro quo assault perpetrated by nonintimates. Perpetrators often exploited a sense of fear, helplessness, and powerlessness and used threats to force compliance with sexual demands in exchange for life-sustaining resources. Findings point to the urgent need to develop measures to prevent and respond to postdisaster gender-based violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review of 22 published evaluations which examined domestic abuse interventions across the UK. A literature Search was conducted in November 2016. The main aim of the review was to identify emerging good practise in multi-agency early intervention; thus, to be eligible for inclusion in the review, projects were multi-agency in nature and aimed to intervene early. Findings from the review reveal that there are a range of strategies and interventions that have been piloted and tested which have had varying degrees of success. Overall, interventions that adopt an advocacy approach appear to have more impact and are more sustainable, and, that when co-located with statutory or voluntary services, multi-agency working is enhanced. However, further consideration is required in terms of what constitutes early intervention, as all interventions are dependent on victims and perpetrators accessing services early, thus, primary prevention strategies, currently entirely school based, are key to promoting and supporting secondary prevention. • Early interventions adopting a multi-agency approach are an established strategy for tackling societal problems, including domestic abuse. • What constitutes early intervention is not clearly defined and most studies do not apply a longitudinal approach, thus limiting understanding • Information sharing, service co-location, integrated programmes for perpetrators, families and victims, may reduce risk and improve outcomes • Early interventions that adopt an advocacy based approach have a more sustainable impact on victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing evidence demonstrates the life-long physical, emotional, and social effects of traumatic experiences. In recognition that many health disparities are driven by high rates of traumatic experiences, Alaska Native and American Indian people have created wellness programs that build health by first healing historical and lifetime trauma. Yet, many of these promising community-based interventions are not described in the health sciences literature. Southcentral Foundation's Family Wellness Warriors Initiative (FWWI) was created by Alaska Native people, addresses traumatic experiences as the root cause of family violence, and builds on cultural strengths. The goal of this study was to build a conceptual model for the program, which has more than 11, 494 participants. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 27 training graduates and 7 program staff. Transcripts from previous focus groups with 52 total participants were also analyzed. The evaluator and 15 program staff used participatory qualitative analysis and grounded theory to build the conceptual model. Results: Participant responses indicated that change occurred in stages, with healing from the pain and shame of trauma a necessary precursor to building self-esteem, improving family relationships, making positive life changes, and helping others. Activities reported to drive changes included sharing story in group and receiving affirming responses, connecting to others with similar experiences, and actively practicing interpersonal skills, goal setting, and observing and accepting emotions. Additionally, respondents said that participating in a strengths-based Alaska Native-led process was healing and increased self-esteem. Conclusion: As trauma survivors often develop behaviors that disrupt family life and affect the next generation, FWWI heals this trauma to prevent its transmission. The specific techniques utilized and symptoms addressed closely match evidence-based interventions for complex trauma. FWWI differs because it is Alaska Native-led, emphasizes culture and spirituality, and uses peer leaders and modeling rather than clinical hierarchy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Abuse is common in this sample of 1002 older Chinese with cognitive or physical impairments: Rates mutually reported by care-recipients and caregivers were 9.7%, 0.8%, 33.2%, and 39.7% for psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial exploitation, and caregiver neglect respectively. • Both similar and distinct factors were observed for different forms of abuse. • Caregiver burden, care recipient neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairments are prominent risk factors across different forms of abuse. • Protective factors associated with multiple abuse subtypes include caregiver's use of emotion-focused and solution-focused coping, perception of familism, and premorbid relationship rewards. • Distinct factors were also observed for respective forms of abuse: Psychological abuse with family poverty; Caregiver neglect with caregiver's substance use and poor physical health; Financial exploitation with caregiver's neurotic personality, care recipient's younger age, absence of chronic illness, and co-residence between the caregiver and care recipient. Abstract Objectives: To identify risk and protective factors associated with elder abuse among older Chinese with cognitive and physical impairment in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Methods: 1002 dyads of care recipients and family caregivers were interviewed. Results: The mutually reported rates were 9.7%, 0.8%, 33.2%, and 39.7% for psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial exploitation, and caregiver neglect respectively. Caregiver burden, care recipient neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairments are prominent risk factors, while protective factors associated with multiple abuse subtypes include caregiver's use of emotion-focused and solution-focused coping, perception of familism, and premorbid relationship rewards. Distinct factors were observed for respective forms of abuse. Psychological abuse with family poverty; Caregiver neglect with caregiver's substance use and poor physical health; Financial exploitation with caregiver's neurotic personality, as well as care recipient's younger age, absence of chronic illness, and co-residence between the caregiver and care recipient. Discussion: Both similar and distinct factors were observed for different forms of abuse, potentially useful for designing prevention and intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multiple case study examines how the idea of using risk assessment tools is manifested and processed in Swedish social services. Based on the analysis of interviews with different stakeholders and of organizational documents in two social service organizations, we investigate the actors who control local risk assessment practices. The findings illustrate that a relatively small group of social workers in the organizations have been able to forward their claims and decide how risk assessment work should be carried out without much intrusion from local managers or politicians. The findings also validate other studies that found that increased standardization can strengthen social workers' ability to perform their professional task rather than lead to de-professionalization. This article ends with a discussion of what risk assessment practices might mean for domestic violence victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agency freedom is the process through which women can obtain power and control over making decisions about their own life choices. In this study, women's agency freedom was measured based on women's ability to make decisions and their help-seeking practices against domestic violence. We examined how women's higher agency freedom prevented them from being victims of domestic violence. The study analyzed 3373 women from the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The results revealed that women's decision-making participation and help-seeking practices had a negative relationship with domestic violence. Women's help-seeking practice had moderating effects on the relationship between women's decision-making participation and domestic violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We examined perspectives of social workers, police officers, and specialist domestic abuse practitioners about their perceived ability and organizational readiness to respond effectively to incidents of coercive and controlling behavior. Interviews revealed intervention and risk assessment strategies structured around an outdated, maladaptive concept of domestic abuse as an unambiguous and violent event and frontline services that lacked appreciation of the power dynamics inherent in controlling relationships. The analysis demonstrates how lack of definitional clarity around nonphysical domestic abuse can increase the use of discretion by frontline services and, by extension, increase the discounting of coercive control by pressured frontline officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence (DV) shelters provide safety for survivors to consider their options and heal from abuse. Unfortunately, survivors have reported negative experiences associated with shelter rule enforcement. Rules, such as curfew, decreased access to community social networks; and staff's rule enforcement may trigger survivors' past experiences with abusive control and structural racism. Rule enforcement may deter safe, trusting relationships between staff and residents. Statewide DV coalitions have been innovation leaders in shelter rules reduction efforts over the past decade. Seven DV shelter directors and coalition trainers with expertise implementing reduced-rule shelter models were interviewed for this study. Interview data were then analyzed using modified constructivist grounded theory methods. A three-stage implementation process emerged from the data. The initial stage highlighted efforts to create an organizational vision rooted in shared values. Shelters then intentionally focused on enhancing organizational capacity through staff development and team building. Third, rule-reduction practices were enacted through specific shelter policies and staff practices. Findings have broader implications for social work organizations also implementing anti-oppressive, survivor-centered, trauma-informed approaches, as this process involves considerable intention, training, and resources beyond services as usual. Social workers can support these efforts through student training, program development, and research efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive problem in the United States. IPV is often repetitive and may escalate; in a small number of cases, IPV leads to homicide. This article presents an evidence-based practice (EBP) model for risk-informed social work intervention with survivors and perpetrators of IPV. The EBP model combines the best available research evidence, practitioner expertise, and client self-determination to guide the most appropriate intervention. IPV risk assessment instruments provide the best available evidence of future reassault, severe reassault, or homicide. Practitioners who implement IPV risk assessment can use their expertise to adjust risk scores and to suggest risk mitigation strategies for their clients. Examples of risk-informed social work practice include the safe removal of firearms, safety planning around separation, and mitigating the negative consequences of strangulation and sexual violence. Clients ultimately use their self-determination to decide which risk reduction strategies to implement. An EBP model can be used by social workers in all areas of practice to provide risk-informed social work interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]