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Possibly no other media event has given rise to the widespread ridiculing of domestic violence as the livestreaming of Johnny Depp's defamation action against his former wife Amber Heard. This article analyses the social media commentary surrounding a Tik Tok released by the Milani cosmetic company, which used the attacks on Heard as an advertising opportunity. The paper contextualises Milani's intervention in the case within the wider social media commentary targeting Heard's makeup and appearance and maps its aftermath in the emergence of a cross-platform hashtag #BruiseKit that generated a series of viral posts and videos featuring young women painting fake bruises on their faces. It concludes that the largescale diffusion of reactionary gender ideologies evidenced in the media data was partly shaped by commercial interests and platform incentives, but not—for the most part—driven by formal political actors. Rather, misogyny was commodified. It was produced and consumed as a form of entertainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On March 23, 2020, the United Kingdom went into national lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19. In this paper, we examine whether a policy aimed at minimizing the health consequences of the pandemic had unintended negative consequences for domestic abuse. Using data from the Metropolitan Police in England we estimate the impact of lockdown on domestic abuse in the 32 boroughs that make up the London metropolitan area. Using a before and after approach, and controlling for other factors, we show an increase in the probability of being a victim of domestic abuse during lockdown similar in magnitude to the increase experienced over the Christmas holidays. However, the overall picture masks inequalities across groups: with women, younger and older people, and people of Asian, Arab, and Middle Eastern ethnicity subject to the highest increases, reflecting vulnerabilities and existing inequalities. Of the domestic abuse-related crimes, it is the most violent crimes that saw the greatest increases during lockdown. Once lockdown restrictions are eased, rates decline but remain slightly higher than prior to lockdown up to 3 months later. The results present a clear message for policy makers: a policy adopted to alleviate one problem, even in times of crisis, must factor in the impact this may have in other areas. Failure to do so in this situation, despite existing evidence linking domestic abuse to stress, confinement, and crisis situations prior to lockdown, has resulted in an increase in domestic violence in the U.K.'s capital city, during lockdown and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, intimate partners are the most common perpetrators of violence against women. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes significantly to the burden of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Africa, with four of every 10 women in SSA having experienced IPV. When IPV occurs in pregnancy, it is significantly associated with adverse outcomes. This study sought to assess the prevalence, determinants and complications of IPV in pregnancy in Nigeria and Ghana, two SSA countries. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted between February-July 2022, amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in 17 health facilities across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, and three hospitals in three regions in Ghana. The women were screened for IPV using an adaptation of the 'HARK' (Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick) questions. Data obtained were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25. Associations between IPV and sociodemographic characteristics of the women and their spouses/partners were tested using Pearson's Chi square. Factors found to be statistically significant were subjected to binary logistic regression modelling to determine the predictors of IPV. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of IPV was 26.2%. Predictors of IPV included the women's marital status (p = 0.001), educational status (p = 0.040), rural residence (p = 0.034), occupation (p = 0.040), spouse's/partner's occupation (p = 0.021), use of illicit drugs by spouse/partner (p = 0.014), history of psychiatric illness in spouse/partner (p = 0.030), experience of IPV in previous relationship(s) by spouse/partner (p = 0.011), and witness of parental IPV by spouse/partner (p < 0.001). The most common complication of IPV in pregnancy were the mental health complications of anxiety (54.7%) and depression (46.9%). Miscarriages (15.6%) and preterm birth (9.5%) were the most common pregnancy complications. Conclusions: One in every four pregnant women in Nigeria and Ghana experience IPV, with significant mental health and pregnancy complications. Routine IPV screening in pregnancy and prompt referral of screen-positive women to support services is recommended. Policies and interventions that promote gender equality and women's economic and educational empowerment are beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Technology-facilitated domestic abuse (TFDA) is a prevalent form of domestic abuse. While police are recognized as critical first responders to intimate partner violence, there is limited research about what the challenges to policing TFDA are perceived to be and how they might be addressed. This article speaks to this issue. Methods: Between April 2020 and June 2022, n = 196 Australian and n = 256 United Kingdom representatives of services engaged with domestic abuse victim-survivors participated in an online survey about TFDA. Survey components asked respondents to report on challenges to policing TFDA. The authors analyzed these comments. Results: Key themes identified from the survey responses regarding challenges to policing TFDA include that participants held perceptions that (a) police do not recognize TFDA as an aspect of coercive control and thus do not recognize its seriousness, (b) police receive inadequate training about TFDA, (c) police have insufficient time and personnel to tackle TFDA and (d) evidence collection is an obstacle to policing TFDA. Conclusions: The study points to a need to address the perceived concerns associated with policing TFDA to effectively respond to domestic abuse in the digital age and ensure domestic abuse perpetrators who misuse emerging technologies are held accountable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes statutes in 37 U.S. states and Washington, DC amended to include companion animals in definitions of domestic violence and to enable their inclusion in protection orders (POs). The findings indicate that while the inclusion of animal abuse in definitions of domestic violence tends to frame their maltreatment in anthropocentric terms—as a vehicle for harming people—the language and consequences of their inclusion in some PO statutes position them as more-than-property, that is, more as subjects than objects. The analysis documents a temporal trend toward offering greater protections over time, greater bipartisan support for the amendments, and a shift from animals-as-property toward sociolegal recognition of their social membership and the ways their well-being is interconnected with that of the people who care for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines Muslim women’s experiences of Islamic evaluative mediation within Shari’a Councils on seeking an Islamic divorce, including women who have experienced domestic abuse and encounter power imbalance. The article draws on the authors’ exploratory study of 30 Muslim women in England who have experienced domestic abuse and details their use of such services, the desire for informal justice and the processes involved. Islamic mediators act as evaluative mediators and can influence the decisions reached by the participants and give advice. In the UK, facilitative mediation is mainly used, not evaluative mediation. This article focuses on Islamic mediation as the forum provided by Shari’a Councils for the Muslim women who use their services, exploring how Islamic solutions play a nuanced role within Muslim family law. Finally, the article explores Muslim women’s narratives, and how women are seeking religiously informed support and solutions to their marital problems. Shari’a Councils provide Islamic mediation in order to move towards an Islamic divorce. But when Muslim women who are victims of domestic abuse are unable to achieve an Islamic divorce the Shari’a Councils provide an Islamic divorce called faskh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article outlines findings from our research which sought to explore the lived experiences of victim/survivors of stalking and/or coercive control as they navigated their way through the Scottish Criminal Justice System (SCJS), commissioned by the Scottish Government. Building on the work of Acker (1990), Hochschild (1983), Fishman (1978), Kelly (2016) and Vera-Gray (2018; 2020) our findings show that women's involvement as victim-survivors with the criminal justice system insists they perform elements of both hidden (behind the scenes) and visible (but unacknowledged) work. These types of work replicate already identified elements of emotional, safety and violence work. In addition, however, we uncovered a new form of work that women must undertake when seeking justice which we have conceptualized as 'Justice Work'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent high-profile cases of police perpetrated violence against women, academic research in the UK on the nature and prevalence of police officers who are physically and sexually abusive towards female intimate partners is limited. Still less is known about the experience of these victims who seek to report police perpetrators to the police. This study presents the findings from interviews that we conducted in early 2023 with ten female intimate partner victims of male police perpetrators in England and Wales. The experiences shared by participants included the period 2018–2023 in all but one case. Four of the interview participants were themselves police officers. Using thematic analysis, we classify experiences of reporting as 'hostile-obstructive' and/or 'collusive-minimising'. We discuss these findings in relation to the concept of 'institutional betrayal' and consider how the police can demonstrate urgent 'institutional courage' for reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Domestic abuse – abusive behaviour perpetrated by an adult towards another adult to whom they are personally connected (e.g. partners, ex-partners or family members) – damages mental health, increases mental health service use and challenges clinical management. Training and guidance for mental health professionals on identifying and responding to patients exposed to domestic abuse are available, but there has been less development of resources for mental health professionals in identifying, assessing and responding to perpetrators of domestic abuse. In this article, we describe a framework for responding to domestic abuse perpetration in clinical settings in general adult mental health services, aimed at improving practice. This could support mental health professionals in sensitive enquiry and assessment for domestic abuse perpetration, and guide appropriate responses, as part of routine training and continuing professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the technology-based tools available for supporting the identification of victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery in remote services and consider the benefits and challenges posed by the existing tools. Methods: We searched six academic databases. Studies were considered for inclusion if they were published in English between 2000 and 2023. The QuADS quality appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted using the convergent integrated approach. Results: Twenty-four studies were included, of which two were professional guidelines; each reported on a distinct technology-based tool for remote services. All tools related to domestic abuse and 21 focused on screening for intimate partner violence among young and mid-life women (18–65) in high-income countries. The review did not identify tools that support the identification of victims of modern slavery. We identified eight common themes of tool strengths, highlighting that the remote approach to screening was practical, acceptable to victims, and, in some circumstances, elicited better outcomes than face-to-face approaches. Five themes pointed to tool challenges, such as concerns around privacy and safety, and the inability of computerised tools to provide empathy and emotional support. Conclusions: Available technology-based tools may support the identification of victims of domestic abuse by health and social care practitioners in remote services. However, it is important to be mindful of the limitations of such tools and the effects individuals' screening preferences can have on outcomes. Future research should focus on developing tools to support the identification of victims of modern slavery, as well as empirically validating tools for screening during remote consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The prevalence of domestic abuse is greater in times of humanitarian crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. Considerable evidence indicates that domestic abuse disproportionately impacts the mental health and wellbeing of racially Minoritised women. The present study aimed to explore racially Minoritised women’s experiences of domestic abuse and mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Method An online cross-sectional survey was used with racially Minoritised women (n = 1202) in the UK during the third national lockdown. Results Results demonstrate complex interplay of psychosocial factors, such as the roles of autonomy, resilience, self-silencing, family functioning, and social support as predictors of mental health and wellbeing during the ‘shadow pandemic’. Conclusion Implications such as incorporating culturally competent mental health support, exploring the complex and multiple underpinnings of mental health in racially Minoritised victim-survivors of domestic abuse for future pandemic preparedness and support provision are discussed.

Objective: Child sexual abuse is defined as “involving a child in sexual activities that they do not fully comprehend, cannot give informed consent to, or are not developmentally prepared for, or that violate the laws or social taboos of society.” This issue is a global problem that is difficult to detect and creates lifelong negative effects on the physical and mental health of victims. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the children who have been victims of sexual abuse and have applied to the Aydın Child Advocacy Center, and to contribute to solving the problem through the data obtained. Methods: This study, designed as a retrospective and descriptive study, included cases referred to the Child Advocacy Center with allegations of sexual abuse between 01.08.2018 and 01.08.2022, whose interviews and examinations were completed. Cases that did not report abuse in their medical history or had incomplete histories were excluded from the study. Results: In the evaluation of 762 children who reported abuse and were assessed, it was found that 84% (n=640) were girls and 16% (n=122) were boys, with an average age of 12.5±3.4 years. It was determined that most of the victims came from nuclear families (51%) and that the most common location of the incident was district centers (51.8%). Almost all of the alleged perpetrators were male (98.4%) and acted alone (89.9%), with an average age of 27.1 years. It was observed that girls were most frequently abused by boyfriends (13%), while boys were most commonly abused by peers and friends (35.2%). Girls were found to be significantly more likely to experience intrafamilial abuse compared to boys. The incidents of abuse were most commonly shared with parents (43.6%), and it was found that intrafamilial abuse (50.7%) tended to recur more often than extrafamilial abuse (34.1%), with the number of reported cases increasing over the years. Intrafamilial abuse cases were reported later than extrafamilial ones. It was noted that 43.2% of the victims described interfemoral contact or rubbing, 37% of the cases were examined, and in 4.2%, no examination was necessary due to pregnancy. Vaginal examination revealed that the most common finding was a tear older than 10 days (60%), while anal examination showed no findings in the majority of cases (75.2%). Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that the majority of the suspects were familiar individuals. It was particularly noted that intrafamilial abuse incidents tended to recur multiple times and that the time between the incident and the report was longer compared to cases involving other suspects.

This study examined 32 Australian cases of women prosecuted for killing their abusive male partners in self-defence between 2010 and 2023. The objective was to track the legal pathways and identify salient factors influencing both acquittals and convictions. While most women received a manslaughter conviction by pleading guilty, nearly all cases that proceeded to trial resulted in no conviction. Key findings include: the utility of partial defences as a safety net for self-defence; evidence of overcharging; the identification of “evidentiary checkpoints” at trial to downgrade or withdraw murder charges; a checklist for legal counsel advising clients on the risks of trial; the advantage of private legal counsel in successful self-defence claims; and the systemic disadvantage of Indigenous women, highlighting the need for continued research. These findings underscore the intricate dynamics within the legal system when addressing cases of intimate partner violence, emphasising the need for comprehensive reforms and support structures.

Background: The prevalence of domestic abuse is greater in times of humanitarian crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. Considerable evidence indicates that domestic abuse disproportionately impacts the mental health and wellbeing of racially Minoritised women. The present study aimed to explore racially Minoritised women's experiences of domestic abuse and mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Method: An online cross-sectional survey was used with racially Minoritised women (n = 1202) in the UK during the third national lockdown. Results: Results demonstrate complex interplay of psychosocial factors, such as the roles of autonomy, resilience, self-silencing, family functioning, and social support as predictors of mental health and wellbeing during the 'shadow pandemic'. Conclusion: Implications such as incorporating culturally competent mental health support, exploring the complex and multiple underpinnings of mental health in racially Minoritised victim-survivors of domestic abuse for future pandemic preparedness and support provision are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the introduction of specific non-fatal strangulation (NFS) offences into law in a number of other jurisdictions over the last 20 years, England and Wales introduced a new offence of Non-Fatal Strangulation as part of the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) in 2022. Drawing on data provided by 32 forces, this article examines how the offence has been used in the first 14 months of operation. Specifically, we explored the victim and suspect characteristics, relationships and case outcomes of recorded incidents by police and the pipeline between recorded crime and prosecution. Our findings support the limited evidence on NFS in England and Wales, and Australia in finding that most victims are female and most suspects are male, typically victims and suspects are young-middle-aged adults, and most NFS is domestic in nature. We also found Black victims and suspects to be overrepresented. Whilst the data indicates the new offence is being routinely used by police, and charge rates compare well to other crimes, around 90% of recorded incidents are not resulting in a prosecution or conviction. We consider the implications of these findings for research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient and public involvement (PPI) and dissemination of research findings are key parts of the pathway to research impact; however, traditional approaches often fail to engage non‐academic audiences. Creative methods such as co‐developed plays can be effective ways of making the research process and findings more engaging and accessible to the public. Not much is known about how to safely involve patients and the public in the development and delivery of plays disseminating research on sensitive subjects. Members of a PPI group on a study about mindfulness for women with a history of domestic abuse co‐developed and performed a play about their experiences. This study aimed to evaluate the impact, acceptability and safety of a co‐developed play in publicizing PPI and findings from research on domestic abuse. Methods: We conducted a mixed‐methods study with the play team and audience. We collected 20 quantitative and 56 qualitative survey responses from audience members, carried out 4.25 h of direct observations of play performances and interviewed seven audience members and eight play team members. Data were analyzed using the framework method and descriptive statistics, using a 'following a thread' approach to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings in themes answering our study aim. Findings: We developed three integrated themes with ten sub‐themes. The 'Value' theme summarized the plays' impact on audience understanding, potential mechanisms of impact and its effectiveness in depth over breadth of dissemination. The 'Re‐traumatization' theme described potential harms of the play, the risks of re‐traumatizing actors and distressing audiences. The 'Reducing the risks' theme summarized ways of reducing these risks of harm. Conclusion: A play co‐developed and performed by study PPI members raised awareness of domestic abuse. However, there were divergent opinions on its value in disseminating messages about PPI in research on sensitive subjects. The value of the play for research dissemination was linked to its ability to emotionally engage the public, and to its accessibility. Implementing strategies to reduce the risk of re‐traumatizing audience members and the project team is recommended. Patient or Public Contribution: Everyone with direct experience of co‐creating and performing the play contributed to this study. This included four public contributors: a community theatre producer, two actors with lived experience of domestic abuse who were members of the study PPI group and one community actor already working with the community theatre. A participatory workshop with PPI contributors was held to refine our research questions and data collection instruments, using a public involvement evaluation tool, The Cube. PPI contributors checked and commented on the draft manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children and young people (CYP) who experience domestic abuse are at greater risk of negative outcomes in adult life. In Wales, an emphasis is placed on a multiagency response to domestic abuse, and there is growing interest in the role of schools in prevention and intervention. A mixed-methods design was adopted to explore the views of professionals on the current response to domestic abuse. Questionnaires were completed by 36 schools in Wales, and a series of focus groups was held with CYP workers from specialist domestic abuse settings and from school and social work staff. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis. Four overarching themes were developed. Findings illustrate that, whilst there are a variety of interventions and support available for CYP who have experienced domestic abuse, an effective response is impacted by the systems in place to respond to it. It is argued that current practice needs to be more radical if meaningful change is to take place for CYP and their families. Implications for practice are discussed, including the role of the educational psychologist (EP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health problem enacted with varying degrees of severity, leading to mental and physical damage. Despite the acknowledgment that perpetration can be enacted in a subtle or covert way, there is a paucity of literature defining and describing such subtle abuse. Consequently, understanding about the behaviors and impacts of subtle abuse is limited, and there is a potential inability by therapists to recognize it in their clients. This scoping review sought to identify and synthesize the literature around subtle or covert abuse (SCA) in intimate adult relationships to clarify the concept, with the aim to aid professional recognition. PsychINFO (EBSCO), MEDLINE Complete (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsychArticles (EBSCO), Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and EThOS were searched using relevant search terms. In total, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria by containing a description or definition of abuse based on primary research with adults in intimate partner relationships. Findings were synthesized using descriptive content analysis under four headings: (a) Descriptions and groupings of SCA behaviors, (b) The impact of SCA on victims, (c) Underlying theories of SCA, and (d) Recognition by professionals. This review suggests that SCA may be the most damaging of all abuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This preliminary interrupted time series analysis evaluated different interventions to improve identification of victim-survivors of domestic abuse in one U.K. National Health Service trust, focusing on emergency department, sexual health services and human immunodeficiency virus care, and obstetrics and gynecology. This analysis demonstrated that while system-level interventions can improve identification of domestic abuse in clinical contexts, the exact nature of interventions most likely to be effective may vary in different clinical contexts. For example, none of the modeled interventions generated significant impacts in emergency department contexts, and estimates were close to the null in all cases, but routine inquiry demonstrated effectiveness in sexual health services, while implementation generated improved effectiveness in the obstetrics and gynecology setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Scotland as a case study, this paper identifies key areas in which there could be potential reform for women who kill their abusive partners. The study focuses on two particular areas: the use of specialised courts and the use of expert evidence on coercive control. The paper concludes that there exist multiple avenues of reform with the potential to improve women's experiences of the criminal justice system. However, for these to be utilised, there must be clear recognition that cases of this type are domestic abuse cases. As such, they should be considered firmly within current national domestic abuse policy rather than continuing to sit outside existing frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Crime and Disorder Act (1998) requires the police, local authorities, NHS, and other organisations to share intelligence and collectively work to reduce violent crime. This paper aimed to explore opinions on linking police data with other agency data. Interviews were undertaken with individuals from police forces in Wales, UK. Barriers to sharing data with other organisations involve differences in the systems used to store police data and uncertainties around what is allowed to be shared. Overcoming barriers would allow data linkage across organisations leading to deeper insights into the causes of violence, and therefore intelligence that supports crime prevention. Background: The Crime and Disorder Act of 1998 requires the police, local authorities, the NHS, and other organisations to work together on collective approaches to reduce crime and to analyse shared data to inform resource allocation decisions. Data sharing has been conducted on a per-project basis, but it is rare for whole population data to be linked across organisations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of linking national data from the police with national data from other agencies including health data from General Practitioners, hospitals, and Emergency Departments (EDs). In addition, this study explored the views and opinions from police service areas in Wales on using a single software system to cover all police service areas for public protection purposes and to facilitate sharing data with other agencies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 individuals from the 4 police services in Wales along with representatives from the Violence Prevention Unit (VPU) and the Police Liaison Unit (PLU). The interviews were analysed using codebook thematic analysis to generate key themes from qualitative responses. Results: Two key themes and seven sub-themes were developed from the qualitative data. The key themes include the following: (1) Opinions on the systems used in the police for public protection including thoughts on the current system and moving to using one system. (2) Opinions on data sharing including what data should be shared, benefits of data sharing, barriers to data sharing (within the police and across organisations), and overcoming barriers to data sharing. Interviewees identified that a proprietary relational database, Niche, was the most used system for public protection, was highly regarded, and individuals felt that if all forces moved to the same system this would be a positive development. However, work needs to be undertaken to ensure there is a minimum dataset entered in each area as there is high variability in data quality. Barriers included not knowing what was possible to share and fear of sharing. An unambiguous framework endorsed at a high level of what data should and shouldn't be shared was recommended to overcome this. Conclusions: The main barriers to shared police data included a lack of clarity around data governance and what is appropriate to share. It was felt that sharing should be the default position and with support these barriers could be removed. Data sharing between agencies would require high-level support and unambiguous guidelines as to what data can be shared, with whom, and in what format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In recent years more attention has been given to the ways in which mixed-sex and same-sex intimate partner violence (IPV) couples report crimes to the police. Specifically, what patterns of repetition, intermittency between contacts with the police, and harm trajectories over time exist, and are there variations between same-sex and mixed-sex dyads? We explore all eligible IPV reported in Sweden over 1,000 days (n = 14,939) and use descriptive statistics to examine differences between different victims and offenders. We code IPV offences within three levels of harm recognized by law and develop a tiered approach to harm quantification that supports the growing evidence that not all IPV harm is the same. Based on official records, IPV usually ends following the first contact with the police, as nine out of ten dyads never call again. Variations across cisgender and sexual identity groups exist: Repeat same-sex IPV is not as common as mixed-sex IPV but is reported more quickly to the police after it had occurred once. In the 1,000-day follow-up period, same-sex dyads do not call the police more than four times and the repeated incidents trends seem to be driven primarily by outliers. Moreover, we find an overall pattern of decreasing time intervals between each additional contact, but no overall pattern of escalating severity over time. However, the overall severity trend it driven by female-victim-male-offender dyads: male offenders are more likely to cause escalation of harm, while two out of five male–male repeat IPV experience escalation in harm. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings, which overall illustrate the importance of observing IPV in typological terms, rather than as a continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magistrates’ courts in England and Wales deal with around 95% of cases from start to completion, with many cases heard by lay magistrates. Despite this reliance on both the lower courts and decision making by lay adjudicators, it has been repeatedly argued that magistrates’ justice receives little attention. McBarnet (1981) argues that this is due to an ‘ideology of triviality’ in which the work of the magistrates’ courts is constructed as ‘trivial’, when in fact the cases heard are serious in nature and consequence. This article draws upon the framing of the ‘ideology of triviality’ to present findings from a qualitative study which examined contemporary workings of magistrates’ justice through court observations and interviews with lay court users. The findings suggest that the fallacy of ‘triviality’ continues to pervade magistrates’ justice. This has consequences for both those with personal experience of the magistrates’ courts and wider society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Domestic abuse (e.g., family violence) occurs globally and increases the risk for lifelong adverse health outcomes for all members involved. Although victims of domestic abuse often refrain from seeking support due to various reasons (e.g., fear), health centers such as emergency departments (EDs) can serve as outlets for assistance. The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is a program working collaboratively with a regional hospital center in Alberta, Canada, uniquely providing immediate, expert, and patient-oriented services (e.g., safety plans) to domestic abuse victims within the ED. This study aimed to evaluate the DART program by: (1) using administrative data to characterize ED and DART patient characteristics and (2) examining staff perceptions about DART's operations, effectiveness, challenges, and improvements. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data from April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2020. Quantitative data consisted of descriptive statistics on patient and staff characteristics and qualitative data was collected through two surveys to determine perceptions of the DART program. Results: Approximately 60% of ED patients were screened for domestic abuse and 1% were referred to DART, of which 86% were female. All referrals received support within an hour and were provided patient-oriented assistance. Qualitative data revealed that the DART program offers important support to patient victims, increases comfort around dealing with domestic abuse, and decreases ED staff workloads. Conclusions: The DART program offers valuable support to domestic abuse victims. Staff reported that DART is effective in providing victims with immediate care and services while also supporting ED staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK (Westminster) government first legislated on forced marriage (FM) through the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. Domestic abuse suffered before, during and after a FM was captured more recently through the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which built upon the concept of coercive abuse. In 2009, the UK (Westminster) government indicated that schools should play a role in the detection and prevention of FM. This paper investigates the perceptions and experiences of five South London teachers on FM, by focusing upon qualitative research through semi-structured interviews. This study was conceptualised and theorised within a feminist post-structural framework. The research drew upon intersectionality to capture how teachers constructed and negotiated their identities. The findings revealed that these teachers constructed FM as a racial and gendered issue and performed multiple identities. This paper highlighted how teachers require training and a safe space to untangle their perceptions regarding FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of residence (aka child removal) when domestic abuse is a factor appears to have increased as a practice to resolve challenging child arrangements in public and private law proceedings. Minimal data exists regarding the transfer of residence in public law and the number of private law orders made each year is less clear. Serious concerns about the safety of the family courts continue to be raised, including expert reports recommending the transfer of residency. Following, often harrowing, removals mothers report how they are left to manage complex needs while still being expected to ‘fight’ for their child’s return. In 2022, Project Lighthouse was founded in response to the growing population of mothers who have endured domestic abuse and child removal The charity is beginning to understand the impact and lifelong trauma caused by child removal and, often, is a mechanism of coercive control hidden in plain sight of the family court. Focusing mainly on doctoral and peer research, this paper discusses how mothers’ lived experiences suggest that child removal in private law proceedings is increasing. The paper concludes by calling for urgent research focusing on the impact of child removal, which will help increase much needed awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2014 the Children Act 1989 was amended to include a presuption that involvement of a parent in a child’s life will further the child’s welfare unless there is evidence of the risk of harm. Kaganas published two seminal articles which concluded that the government’s ideological rationale for introducting the presumption of parental involvement not only failed to materialise but had some unintended, possibly detrimental, consequences for mothers. This article examines the operation and effects of the presumption of parental involvement in recent years based on an analysis of private law family court judgments between July 2020 and December 2023. Drawing on Luhmann’s theory of autopoietic social systems, it examines the possibilities for and limitations on using law to drive social change beyond the operations of the legal system itself. It concludes that the statutory presumption has failed to serve its stated purpose and has even had the unintended consequence of generating legal communications about the risks of parental involvement. From a feminist perspective, it concludes that positive changes observed in the family court response to domestic and child abuse are an achievement, in light of the limits on steering society, at least until something changes in the unknowable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Official estimates of violence prevalence in England exclude older people. There are few studies of elder abuse and these excluded violence from acquaintances and strangers and lack comparability with younger adults. To estimate prevalence of past-year violence victimisation in older people, identify factors associated with violence in older age, quantify the extent to which experience of violence in older people was associated with common mental disorder (CMD). Analysis of a 2014 general population probability sample survey of 2570 adults aged 60+ and 4484 16–59 year olds. Modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale measured domestic violence and List of Threatening Experiences captured bullying and serious assault. CMD were assessed using the revised Clinical Interview Schedule. Associations were examined using regression models adjusted for childhood victimisation and other adversities. 2.0 % (n = 52,CI:1.4–2.6) of older people experienced violence in the past year, with intimate partner violence the most prevalent form. Older people of non-white ethnicity, those who were socially isolated or lonely, and the formerly married were more likely to experience violence. Violence was associated with CMD in older people (adjusted odds ratio 2.2, CI:1.0–4.8), controlling for impairments, adversities and other factors. Violence, especially from an intimate partner, is evident in later life and strongly associated with poor mental health. Better instruments for the identification of violence and abuse in older people in research and safe enquiry in practice settings are needed, with recognition of and attention to ethnic and other inequalities among older people in exposure. • The study measured prevalence of and risk factors for violence in older people. • We used large and nationally representative general population sample • The associations between violence and mental health in later life were examined • Violence is evident in later life and strongly associated with poor mental health [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The public story of domestic abuse (DA) sets out DA as a problem of cisgender, heterosexual 'strong' men, perpetrating physical abuse towards cisgender, heterosexual 'weak' women. Drawing upon this narrative, LGB and/or T + victim-survivors may not see their experiences reflected, and similarly, practitioners may view abuse in LGB and/or T + people's relationships as less serious, as 'mutual' or may miss dynamics unique to DA within these relationships. This article argues that when assessing risk and making subsequent decisions in relation to abuse within LBG and/or T + people's relationships, police enact 'process-driven responses', meaning that the same procedures are followed for all DA cases irrespective of the different identities and/or needs of the victim-survivors. We explore how process-driven responses are underpinned by the public story, and how this impacts the services provided to LGB and/or T + victim-survivors. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 35) with police officers, police staff, support practitioners and victim-survivors were undertaken and analysed thematically. Results: Findings suggest that by enacting process-driven responses, police feel that they are providing an equitable service to all victim-survivors. However, these responses draw heavily on the public story of DA, focusing primarily on cisgender, heterosexual stereotypes and the presence of physical injuries. Conclusions: 'Treating everyone the same' can leave experiences of LGB and/or T + victim-survivors invisible, minimised and not understood. This has implications in relation to inadequate responses being provided, such as victim-survivors being arrested, mutual blame being ascribed and lack of police knowledge in relation to appropriate support provision. Suggestions for policy and practice will follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child-to-parent violence and abuse (CPVA) is a pattern of behavior where a parent or carer is abused by a child they are caring for. The main body of work on CPVA is relatively recent and evolving at pace. This scoping review explores the characteristics of parents, carers, children, and young people in cases of CPVA, the characteristics of CPVA, and barriers to and facilitators of help-seeking in cases of CPVA. The scoping review did not exclude any studies on the basis of geographical location or date of the study. The databases Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline, and PubMed were searched in August 2023, along with hand searches of key journals. A total of 145 reports were included in the review, selected for their relevance to the scoping review questions. The main findings were: (a) the field of CPVA is rapidly growing, doubling in the last decade but with a predominance of quantitative studies; (b) there is no agreed universal definition; (c) children and young people with disabilities; who identify as trans or nonbinary gender, or who are adopted or fostered, are almost completely absent from the existing research; (d) there is very limited research focusing on protective factors or on help-seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue that has grave physical and mental health consequences for millions of women. The judicial system plays a critical role in responding to IPV principally through the criminal justice system, family law, and/or child welfare jurisdictions. However, victims/survivors who interact with the legal system report negative experiences. An under-researched area of scholarship is the degree to which judicial actors understand the mental health impacts of IPV on victims/survivors and how they apply that knowledge in practice. This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize existing scholarship on judicial actors' understanding of the mental health impacts of IPV on women survivors. We searched 10 databases (Medline, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Westlaw, HeinOnline, the Cochrane Library, and the Joanna Briggs Library databases) for studies published between 2000 and 2023. A total of 27 studies were included in the review. We identified five main themes, including: awareness of survivors' experiences, gap in judicial actors' knowledge, understanding of perpetrator tactics and risk factors, disclosing mental health problems, training, and guidance. The review highlights significant gaps in judicial actors' understanding of this issue and recommends strategies to increase the awareness and understanding of IPV among judicial actors. The findings can be used to justify future research to better understand the training and development needs of judicial actors to improve their level of awareness of the dynamics and impact of IPV and to make policy and practice recommendations to build the capacity of the judicial workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on domestic abuse that rural Indian women experience at the hands of their intimate partners, a problem exacerbated by the women’s lack of health literacy. Our focus is on increasing the health literacy of rural women so that they can more easily understand the long-term health effects of domestic abuse by intimate partners. Objective: Our goal in doing this systematic review study is to determine whether increasing health literacy among rural women can prevent domestic abuse and increase their ability to defend themselves. Study design: This study design involves qualitative synthesis to conduct systematic review. Methods: We reviewed the published material in an all-inclusive, methodical manner. Results: Raising women’s health literacy can aid in halting the psychological and physical harm that domestic abuse inflicts on rural women. Conclusion- Enhancing the health literacy of rural women can contribute to the greater social endeavor to stop and deal with domestic abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a feminist analysis of news media reports related to Scottish cases in which women killed following domestic abuse. The findings show that problematic narratives have prevailed within the reporting of cases of this type and that, at a time when knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse was improving in Scotland, news media presentations of women who kill following abuse were worsening. It is argued that the reporting landscape was changed by an especially high-profile case of this type, and that judicial statements also exert a significant influence on how cases of this type are reported. It is concluded that more must be done to ensure that reporting of these cases follows national guidelines related to the reporting of violence against women, especially since reporting is likely to influence public perceptions and understandings of the subject matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, domestic abuse helpline staff (DAHS) in the UK faced both a shift from working in an office to working-from-home and an increased demand for their services. This meant that during Covid-19, DAHS faced an increase in traumatic calls, and all within their own homes. This article explores the emotions work of DAHS to manage and work through their work-related emotions during Covid-19. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 11 UK-based DAHS, this article suggests that working-from-home during the Covid-19 lockdowns amplified emotions of anxiety, helplessness and guilt for DAHS alongside an evaporating emotional distance between work and home life. Engaging in leisure activities and increased online meetings with colleagues were emotion work practices that DAHS used to emotionally cope. This article demonstrates that emotion work fills in for, and masks, the structural insufficiencies of employer worker-wellbeing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]