Search Results (328)

Murder-suicide, also referred to as homicide-suicide, results in multiple casualties. The victims are typically human, and cases involving the inclusion of pets, sometimes termed “murder-suicide-peticide”, have been rarely reported worldwide. The aim of this study is to present and examine the characteristics of three forensic veterinary cases in which pets were found dead alongside human victims in suspected domestic murder-suicide incidents in Japan. We analyzed information provided by the police agency about the owners, families, and the animals, as well as necropsy findings of three cases. In all three cases, it was determined that both the human and animal victims died from the same cause, suggesting a tendency for perpetrators to kill pets using the same methods as those used on human victims. Murder-suicide is regarded as the most extreme form of domestic violence and abuse. Ongoing interdisciplinary research is essential for developing effective intervention strategies to protect vulnerable individuals, both human and non-human, within the household. Full article

The article examines the support structures available to Roma women faced with domestic violence, focusing on the role of the church as a sanctuary. The research includes a case study of the Roma community in Međimurje County, Croatia, which is characterized by (Catholic) religious homogenization. Analysis reveals that Roma women who fear the perpetrator prefer confidentiality, anticipate disbelief, or feel they are themselves to blame are more likely to seek support from the church. The findings show that Roma women who report domestic violence to the police are also likely to turn to the church for help. The research further examines the correlation between different types of violence and the likelihood of Roma women contacting the church for support. Full article

(1) Background: Domestic violence (DV), including intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the puerperium, represents a major public health issue, significantly affecting maternal and child health. (2) Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aimed to identify screening tools used to detect DV and IPV among pregnant and postpartum women and to estimate DV prevalence. The protocol was published in PROSPERO in advance (CRD42023473392). (3) Results: A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on 1 January 2024, resulting in 34,720 records; 98 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were conducted in over 40 countries, and most were cross-sectional. Commonly used screening tools included the WHO Women’s Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire, the Abuse Assessment Screen, and the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument. Meta-analyses showed that 10% of women experienced physical violence, 26% psychological violence, 9% sexual violence, 16% verbal violence, and 13% economic violence. The overall prevalence of IPV during pregnancy and the puerperium was 26%. Despite the widespread use of validated instruments, substantial heterogeneity was observed, underscoring the need for standardization. (4) Conclusion: These findings underline the urgent need to integrate routine IPV screening into maternal care pathways using validated, culturally adapted tools, ensuring women’s safety and confidentiality. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the perception of women who were victims of rape about the care provided at a teaching hospital located in the northeast of Brazil. A qualitative study was conducted with seven women. The interviews took place in a trustworthy and confidential environment in the presence of a psychologist. The data were analyzed through content analysis, evidencing the women’s perceptions. The sample was achieved by convenience sampling and was homogeneous, with a profile of women who were young, white/black, and single, with low education and a history of sexual violence. Positive views about the care provided at the hospital included its status as a reference center, motivating women to seek health services. The legitimization of women’s rights, effective care, and the possibility of having a legal abortion were also mentioned. The challenges reported included the need for a prepared health team and more humanized and multidisciplinary care. Women who had suffered rape sought medical assistance for support, guidance, and a humane approach to understanding their rights, often finding a compassionate response from the teaching hospital staff. Despite advances in care, challenges remain, such as perceived judgment regarding legal abortion, highlighting the need for policies that better meet the needs of victims. Full article

While IPV is often studied as a predictor of housing insecurity, few U.S. studies explore how different forms of housing instability may contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV) risk. Using a mixed-methods approach and a cross-sectional design, this study examined the association between four housing instability domains and IPV among a sample of tenants that had either experienced eviction or were at high risk for eviction. Tenants in Harris and Travis counties (Texas, USA) completed an online survey (n = 1085; March–July 2024). Housing instability was assessed across four domains: homelessness, lease violations, utility hardship, and poor housing quality. IPV was measured using the Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream Screener. Covariate-adjusted logistic regression models suggest indicators within the four housing instability domains were associated with IPV risk. Within the homelessness domain, experiences with lifetime homelessness (AOR = 1.92, 95%CI 1.61–2.28), in the past 12 months living in unconventional spaces (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI 1.92–2.29), and moving in with others (AOR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.06–1.36) were associated with IPV. Within the lease violations domain, missed rent payments (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.68–1.71) and non-payment lease violations (AOR = 2.50, 95%CI 2.29–2.73) in the past 12 months were associated with IPV. Utility shutoffs (AOR = 1.62, 95%CI 1.37–1.91) and unsafe housing (AOR = 1.65, 95%CI 1.31–2.09) in the past 12 months were associated with IPV. Homelessness, housing-related economic hardships and substandard living conditions predict an elevated risk of IPV. Full article

Domestic violence is a public health problem that has important consequences for the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and their families, leading to negative effects on future generations, which are exacerbated or inhibited by individual, social and cultural factors. This qualitative study aimed to explore the intergenerational transmission of domestic violence in Peruvian families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with an adolescent, a mother and a grandfather from nine families. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis revealed the importance of traditional gender norms, machismo and marianismo, in intergenerational transmission. Other important subthemes in maintenance were irritability, social learning, alcohol consumption and economic dependence. On the other hand, support networks, overcoming trauma, knowing how to choose a partner, education and separation were subthemes identified as protective factors and, finally, religious beliefs were associated with contradictory effects, since they can perpetuate violence or serve as a protective factor against violence. The implications of these findings are discussed and a proposal based on the socioecological model of domestic violence is elaborated, covering the four levels: individual, relationship, community and societal. Full article

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of mothers who are victims of domestic violence regarding their children’s interactions during animal-assisted activities conducted over three months in a residential shelter. Utilizing a semi-structured interview approach, six mothers from diverse national backgrounds, aged 24 to 48 years, participated in the research. The study identifies perceived benefits, behavioral changes, and challenges encountered during the sessions. Content analysis revealed four main categories: (A) Parents’ perceptions of their children’s previous contact with pets; (B) initial expectations of parents regarding their children’s participation in the intervention; (C) mothers’ observations during the intervention sessions with the animals; and (D) mothers’ reflections after the intervention. Findings indicate benefits for children’s behavior and development, perceived improvements in socio-emotional skills and communication, as well as a positive emotional experience for the mothers throughout the process. The results underscore the significance of animal-assisted activities in promoting the well-being of children and their families. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating family perspectives in evaluating therapeutic interventions and offers insights for structuring more inclusive and effective animal-assisted intervention programs. Full article

In the news media, there are regular reports of family caregivers killing the people for whom they care, but scholarly research on this phenomenon is fragmented, and there has been little effort to predict or prevent future deaths. The aim of this study was to develop a typology of caregiver-perpetrated homicides that could provide a framework for more rigorous research and targeted responses in policy and practice. Ideal Type Analysis was applied to sixty-four homicides and homicide–suicides perpetrated by family caregivers in England and Wales between January 2015 and December 2019. The cases clustered into seven clear types: Ending Suffering; Genuine Burden of Care; Pre-existing Mental Illness; Neglect; Exploitation; Caregiver as Victim of Domestic Violence, Abuse or Coercive Control; and Caregiver as Perpetrator of Domestic Violence, Abuse, or Coercive Control. Each type was characterised by a distinct motive, context, or course of events leading to the homicide. This is the first typology of homicides and homicide–suicides perpetrated by caregivers. The Caregiver-Perpetrated Homicide Typology challenges previous claims that caregiver-perpetrated homicides are isolated events and provides a framework for the development of evidence-based prediction and prevention initiatives. Full article

Although the help-seeking behaviors of intimate partner violence survivors have been imperative, less evidence has been shown on ethnic women’s help-seeking behaviors. As such, this study aims to explore women survivors’ help-seeking behaviors in Kachin State, an ethnic area of Myanmar with an online in-depth interview approach. Twelve women survivors who were recruited by social workers, camp leaders, and volunteers participated in the study. Findings were analyzed by using the intimate partner violence help-seeking theory. In contrast to the extant literature, this study found an equal number of women survivors reached out to both formal and informal sources. Their help-seeking behaviors were influenced by their violence perception, cultural norms, lack of information on support services availability, the violence severity, and social support. Exposure to parental violence and women’s unique personal attributes had a negative impact on their decision to seek formal help. Results underscored the importance of sociocultural norms in an ethnic patriarchal society. As such, addressing deep-rooted patriarchal sociocultural norms, effective awareness raising, women’s empowerment, establishment of anti-domestic violence law, and multi-sectoral collaboration with men’s engagement and inclusion of cultural and religious leaders are urgently needed in ethnic communities to enhance formal help-seeking. Full article

(1) Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused from rapid head acceleration/deceleration, focal blows, blasts, penetrating forces, and/or shearing forces, whereas hypoxic–anoxic injury (HAI) is caused through oxygen deprivation events, including strangulation. Most service-seeking domestic violence (DV) survivors have prior mechanistic exposures that can lead to both injuries. At the time of our study, some evidence existed about the exposure to both injuries over the course of a survivor’s lifetime from abuse sources, yet little was known about their co-occurrence to the same survivor within the same episode of physical intimate partner violence (IPV). To better understand the lived experience of service-seeking DV survivors and the context in which partner-inflicted brain injury (PIBI) is sustained, we sought to understand intentional brain injury (BI) exposures that may need to be addressed and accommodated in services. Our aims were to 1. characterize the lifetime co-occurrence of strangulation and intentional head trauma exposures from all abuse sources to the same survivor and within select physical episodes of IPV and 2. establish the lifetime prevalence of PIBI. (2) Methods: Survivors seeking DV services in the state of Ohio in the United States of America (U.S.) completed interview-administered surveys in 2019 (n = 47). Community-based participatory action approaches guided all aspects of the study development, implementation, and interpretation. (3) Results: The sample was primarily women. Over 40% reported having Medicaid, the government-provided health insurance for the poor. Half had less than a postsecondary education. Over 80% of participants presented to DV services with both intentional head trauma and strangulation exposures across their lifetime from intimate partners and other abuse sources (i.e., child abuse, family violence, peer violence, sexual assault, etc.), though not always experienced at the same time. Nearly 50% reported an experience of concurrent head trauma and strangulation in either the first or last physical IPV episode. Following a partner’s attack, just over 60% reported ever having blacked out or lost consciousness—44% experienced a loss of consciousness (LOC) more than once—indicating a conservative estimate of a probable brain injury by an intimate partner. Over 80% of service-seeking DV survivors reported either a LOC or two or more alterations in consciousness (AICs) following an IPV attack and were classified as ever having a partner-inflicted brain injury. (4) Conclusions: Most service-seeking IPV survivors experience repetitive and concurrent exposures to abusive strangulation and head trauma through the life course and by intimate partners within the same violent event resulting in brain injury. We propose the use of the term partner-inflicted brain injury (PIBI) to describe the physiological disruption of normal brain functions caused by intentional, often concurrent and repeated, traumatic and hypoxic neurologic insults by an intimate partner within the context of ongoing psychological trauma, coercive control, and often past abuse exposures that could also result in chronic brain injury. We discuss CARE (Connect, Acknowledge, Respond, Evaluate), a brain-injury-aware enhancement to service delivery. CARE improved trauma-informed practices at organizations serving DV survivors because staff felt knowledgeable to address and accommodate brain injuries. Survivor behavior was then interpreted by staff as a “can’t” not a “won’t”, and social and functional supports were offered. Full article

Victims of domestic violence who bring their experiences to the attention of their spiritual communities and faith leaders have experienced both betrayal and courage from their religious institutions. There is much hurt in the betrayal and much to celebrate in the courage. Institutional betrayal can be embedded in systemic and organizational cultures that repeat themselves even with new leadership and across generations. When leadership hesitate to take actions to protect members, or values the institution above the individuals that depend on it, betrayal ensues. Alternatively, institutional courage can be implemented through improved practices and updated organizational policies. This is true in all communities, including those of faith. When clergy take supportive actions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those within an institution, healing is more likely to follow. Faith leaders must seek to engage proactively, protect the vulnerable against injustice, and create cultures that benefit those who depend upon the institution. It takes courage to practice institutional courage! Full article

Purpose: The prevalence of domestic violence is increasing, and it is becoming more common for women who have experienced domestic violence to access support programs in their community. Learn to Live Again (L2LA) is an eight-week therapeutic program facilitated by Barnardos, which is provided through community support services in NSW, Australia. The program is designed for women who have experienced or continue to experience the traumatic effects of family and domestic violence. Methods: The pilot study involved collecting survey data from former participants and semi-structured interviews with current participants and facilitators. Data collection occurred between June and August 2023. Data collection included both face-to-face and online versions of the program. Results: All participants reported positive experiences of L2LA. The main benefits of the program for participants included connecting with women in similar situations, learning skills and strategies to cope with their experiences, sharing their lived experiences of domestic violence, and reconnecting with their children. Facilitators also had positive experiences of facilitating the program and observing the positive changes women experienced. Although, challenges were also identified and included managing the group dynamics, small group sizes, and managing trauma experiences in a group setting. Conclusion: The results indicate participants as well as facilitators had positive experiences of L2LA. Participants valued the program and felt that it helped them to begin the healing process and improve their overall wellbeing. Women were very passionate about recommending the program to other women. Facilitators observed many positive changes in the women throughout the program. However, L2LA challenges included the small group size, managing the dynamics of the group, and the range of trauma within the group as well as children being present. A larger evaluation of this program is required to confirm these findings. Full article

Despite South Africa having interventions to address intimate partner violence (IPV) and offer women places of safety, they stay for long periods in IPV relationships. However, research on this topic is limited. Therefore, we examined the reasons why women stay for long periods of time in IPV relationships in a sample of women who were living in shelters for abused women in Gauteng Province, South Africa, and explored their experiences during the stay in IPV relationships. We used a descriptive phenomenological research approach and recruited and conducted in-depth interviews with 11 women who had left IPV relationships. The data were analysed using Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis method. Although women experienced a myriad of violent acts, physical violence was the most prevalent form of violence. Leaving the IPV relationship was not easy, as it involved an array of decision-making marked by a continuum of events. Various concerns kept most women trapped. They struggled with guilt and fear, emotional investment, love for the partner, fear of provoking more anger, and the hope that the partner will change. Hoping that the partner would change, having nowhere to go, and financial dependency were compounding factors that led to the feeling of being trapped in the relationship. However, having nowhere to go was the foremost factor that delayed women from leaving. Interventions to mitigate IPV should focus on understanding why women remain in abusive relationships for a long time to inform the design and development of effective interventions. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic had acute and lasting gendered impacts around the world, with UN Women declaring a shadow pandemic of violence against women. This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant and refugee women’s experiences of family domestic violence (FDV) in Western Australia (WA) using a community-based participatory research approach. Thirty-eight interviews and two qualitative surveys conducted with 27 women were included in the analysis. Interview and survey data underwent reflexive thematic analysis informed by the Power and Control Wheel, generating three themes and ten subthemes: (1) the facets of violence women experienced (isolation; economic violence; emotional violence; visa vulnerabilities; fear and uncertainty), (2) the systemic enablers of FDV and barriers to seeking help (FDV service provision; the immigration system), and (3) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and government measures on women and family (enabling FDV; reducing the impact of FDV; COVID-19 paled into insignificance). While for some migrant and refugee women, government measures facilitated access to support for FDV, our findings show that for others, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated and became part of the violence they had already experienced. Recommendations for tailored FDV and other support during the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed, including the expansion of family violence provisions for all visa types. Full article

This article proposes a conversation on the limits and possibilities of collectivizing the way in which we generate and inscribe knowledge within the terms of a political economy of knowledge production and circulation regulated by hierarchies of academic and non-academic classifications, as well as those that demarcate centres and peripheries domestically and internationally through racial–gendered distributions of authority. To this end, it explores a series of collective projects elaborated within the GlobalGRACE network in Brazil (Global Gender and Cultures of Equality), which experiment with residency methodologies designed to create the necessary infrastructure for a redistribution of power, knowledge, and authority in investigations on racial–gendered violence in the peripheries of Rio de Janeiro. As collaborators in this research–action project initiated in 2018 with the Observatory of Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, here, we mobilize two of these collective projects as case studies—the dance residency of Cia Passinho Carioca and the Free School of Arts ELÃ residency—so as to reflect on our ways of knowing and experiencing racial–gendered inequalities in context. In this way, it becomes possible to propose not only questions around the production, erasure, and appropriation of knowledge but also possibilities for the broad-based circulation of dissident knowledge practices and the subsequent displacement of established authorities in the field, notably by means of a disobjectification of subjects of knowledge and exercises in authoring in the first-person plural. This entry point into the conversation on who has the power to know and control the meanings of intersectional inequalities enables a focus on practice, pedagogy, and methods to unpack the ethical and epistemological questions at hand. By centring the problem of authorship, we argue that feminist and decolonial approaches to knowing, teaching, and learning need to effectuate redistributions of power and the construction of politico-epistemic infrastructure if we have any chance of cultivating the conditions needed for liberatory knowledge practices. Full article