Showing papers in "Violence Against Women in 2022"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore potential links between students' fears and sexual victimization and conclude that sexual harassment affects their behavior and mobility, and highlight the importance of city-country contexts for transit safety.
Abstract: This study reports variation in safety perceptions in transit environments, based on samples of university students in 18 cities on six continents who responded to an identical 45-question survey (N= 13,323 university students). We explore potential links between students' fears and sexual victimization and conclude that sexual harassment affects their behavior and mobility. Student mobility was affected by avoidance strategies prompting some transit riders to travel at particular times, on travel routes and settings that are deemed especially risky, or even avoiding using transit completely. Findings highlight the importance of city-country contexts for transit safety.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, women and ethnic minorities are at increased risk for campus sexual violence (CSV) due to inequality, within-group victimization in marginalized communities includes cultural betrayal.
Abstract: Women and ethnic minorities are at increased risk for campus sexual violence (CSV). Due to inequality, within-group victimization in marginalized communities includes cultural betrayal. Universitie...
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined associations between key risk factors for occupational stress among the intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) workforce and found that gaps in knowledge related to occupational stress remain.
Abstract: Gaps in knowledge related to occupational stress among the intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) workforce remain. This study examined associations between key risk factors for oc...
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw upon interviews with victim-lawyer in Sweden and suggest that having access to an independent legal counsel can mitigate the risks for secondary victimization by empowering victims to access their rights and providing emotional support and connectedness in the criminal justice system.
Abstract: Rape victims often face secondary victimization by the criminal justice system, prompting their advocates to promote a variety of procedural changes, including the provision of an independent legal counsel for victims. Sweden implemented a legal counsel for victims of sexual assault and rape in the late 1980s, yet research about their role remains limited. This article draws upon interviews with victim-lawyers in Sweden and suggests that having access to an independent legal counsel can mitigate the risks for secondary victimization by empowering victims to access their rights and providing emotional support and connectedness in the criminal justice system.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study in urban Kampala contributes to a growing evidence base about the complex contexts within which women make decisions about reporting domestic violence, based on an intersecting theoretic framework.
Abstract: This study in urban Kampala contributes to a growing evidence base about the complex contexts within which women make decisions about reporting domestic violence. Based on an intersecting theoretic...
7 citations
TL;DR: A third of women in Guatemala are subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV) as mentioned in this paper, due to the intersection of race, gender, and poverty, and Indigenous Mayan women are particularly vulnerable.
Abstract: Over a third of women in Guatemala are subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). Indigenous Mayan women are particularly vulnerable, due to the intersection of race, gender, and poverty. Howeve...
6 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the perceptions and experiences of employees at two institutions and found that most employees are aware of their reporting duties, likely to comply, have received training, and support mandated reporting.
Abstract: Most faculty and staff at postsecondary institutions are mandatory reporters who must disclose sexual assault to a Title IX Coordinator. However, scholarship examining their role is sparse. We address this gap by investigating perceptions and experiences of employees (n = 166) at two institutions. Findings indicate that most employees are aware of their reporting duties, likely to comply, have received training, and support mandated reporting. Additionally, we find significant sociodemographic differences in perceptions of mandatory reporting. Those who have had a direct experience reporting have mixed reactions to the process. We discuss research and policy implications.
5 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that individuals experiencing trauma-related shame exhibit greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than those who did not experience such traumas, however, little research has investigated additional fact...
Abstract: Research has demonstrated that individuals experiencing trauma-related shame exhibit greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, little research has investigated additional fact...
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors compared the estimates of elder abuse and age discrimination before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined their associations with physical and mental health, and explored the mediating effects of loneliness on the associations in two independent samples of older women in Hong Kong.
Abstract: Although there is a growing volume of research on violence against women, violence against older women has received little attention to date. Little is known about the experience of elder abuse, discrimination, loneliness, and health among older women, in particular in the era of COVID-19 when our lives have been changed drastically. Using two waves of survey data (N = 1,498), this study compared the estimates of elder abuse and age discrimination before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined their associations with physical and mental health, and explored the mediating effects of loneliness on the associations in two independent samples of older women in Hong Kong. Reductions in some forms of abuse and discrimination against older women during the pandemic were observed. Findings from regression analyses show that elder abuse and age discrimination were associated with poorer health, and these associations were mediated by loneliness.
4 citations
TL;DR: The authors developed a UK-based analysis of the contexts of parricide, combining national statistics with police case study data and case review data, finding that mental illness plays a key role, combined with a gendered context of "parental proximity" and the simultaneous responsibilization and marginalization of parent-victims (particularly mothers).
Abstract: Parricide is underresearched in the UK, and the contexts of this gendered form of violence are poorly understood. Heide’s typology provides an advanced understanding of parricide in the United States, where the majority of parent-killings involve firearms. This article develops a UK-based analysis of the contexts of parricide, combining national statistics with police case study data (n = 57) and case review data (n = 21). Our findings indicate that mental illness plays a key role, combined with a gendered context of “parental proximity” and the simultaneous responsibilization and marginalization of parent-victims (particularly mothers), supporting the need for feminist analyses of parricide.
3 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined audio-recorded first obstetric encounters' intimate partner violence screening conversations to describe and categorize communication approaches and explore associations with patient disclosure, finding no associations between disclosure and any categories of IPV screening.
Abstract: Few studies have empirically examined patient–clinician conversations to assess how intimate partner violence (IPV) screening is performed. Our study sought to examine audio-recorded first obstetric encounters’ IPV screening conversations to describe and categorize communication approaches and explore associations with patient disclosure. We analyzed 247 patient encounters with 47 providers. IPV screening occurred in 95% of visits: 57% used direct questions, 25% used indirect questions, 17% repeated IPV screening later in the visit, 11% framed questions with a reason for asking, and 10% described IPV types. Patients disclosed IPV in 71 (28.7%) visits. There were no associations between disclosure and any categories of IPV screening.
TL;DR: This article explored how violence is lived after violent events have taken place, and how it shapes women's everyday lives post-separation, using ethnographic fieldwork and thematic analysis.
Abstract: Based on ethnographic fieldwork and thematic analysis, this article explores how violence is lived after violent events have taken place, and how it shapes women’s everyday lives post-separation. F...
TL;DR: In this article , the authors acknowledge the global treatment of women in prison as a form of State violence against women and provide policy reform for incarcerated women worldwide, and propose four strategies to reform women's incarceration worldwide: recognizing and dismantling systemic and institutionalized discrimination and biases; abolition of prison sentences for non-violent offenders; restorative approaches to aftercare (or reentry); and making children the priority.
Abstract: Ending violence against women-part of the priority theme of the CSW65-is an international human rights issue. We must prevent and combat violence against all women, including those who are incarcerated worldwide. Incarcerated women are among the most marginalized populations; they have suffered numerous victimizations without ever seeing their perpetrators brought to justice. Though most incarcerated women have committed non-violent offenses, they are locked away in prisons, far away from their loved ones, and subject to inhumane conditions. According to international human rights law, preventing VAW is the responsibility of the State in all contexts, including prisons. In this article, we acknowledge the global treatment of women in prison as a form of State violence against women and provide policy reform for incarcerated women worldwide. We propose four strategies to reform women's incarceration worldwide: (1) recognizing and dismantling systemic and institutionalized discrimination and biases; (2) abolition of prison sentences for non-violent offenders; (3) restorative approaches to aftercare (or reentry); and (4) making children the priority.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a dual risk assessment protocol that combines DVSI-R with supplemental items from the Danger Risk Assessment (DRA) bearing on the risk of potential lethality.
Abstract: This study seeks to determine the concurrent and predictive validity of a dual risk assessment protocol. It combines the risk of persistence in intimate partner violence (IPV) measured via the Domestic Violence Screening Instrument-Revised (DVSI-R) with supplemental items from the Danger Risk Assessment (DRA) bearing on the risk of potential lethality. We further test whether this assessment protocol reproduces disparities by race and ethnicity found in the larger population. Using a sample of 4,665 IPV male defendants with a female victim, analyses support both types of criterion validity. The DRA risk score is associated with felony charges, incarceration at the initial arrest, and the frequency of subsequent dangerous behavior. Results also suggest minimal predictive bias or disparate impact by race and ethnicity. Incorporating supplemental items bearing on potential lethality risk adds important information concerning the risk management strategies of those involved in IPV.
TL;DR: In an online survey, women self-reported high prevalence of intimate partner violence during the early days of the pandemic, and women who reported IPV also reported increased anxiety and depression.
Abstract: In an online survey, women self-reported high prevalence of intimate partner violence during the early days of the pandemic. Risk factors for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) included having a child under the age of 18, being a sexual minority, living in a rural community, and stressors related to healthcare access, income/employment stress, and COVID-19 exposure or illness. Women who worked during the pandemic and were older were less likely to experience IPV. Women who reported IPV also reported increased anxiety and depression. The results are discussed in terms of clinical and policy implications for supporting women who are victims of IPV.
TL;DR: This article explored the experiences of obstetric violence reported in a national survey in 2021 by Australian women who had a baby in the previous 5 years and found that women reported bullying, coercion, non-empathic care, and physical and sexual assault.
Abstract: Globally, significant numbers of women report obstetric violence (OV) during childbirth. The United Nations has identified OV as gendered violence. OV can be perpetrated by any healthcare professional (HCP) and is impacted by systemic issues such as HCP education, staffing ratios, and lack of access to continuity of care. The current study explored the experiences of OV reported in a national survey in 2021 by Australian women who had a baby in the previous 5 years. A content analysis of 626 open text comments found three main categories: "I felt dehumanised," "I felt violated," and "I felt powerless." Women reported bullying, coercion, non-empathic care, and physical and sexual assault. Disrespect and abuse and non-consented vaginal examinations were the subcategories with the most comments.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed data from 203 couples in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to assess associations between childhood experiences of abuse with present co-occurring violence, finding that over half of women (56.1%) and men (50.5%) reported experiencing physical abuse as a child was associated with the greatest odds of recent cooccurring domestic violence while witnessing parental IPV had mixed influence.
Abstract: Little is known about co-occurring intimate partner violence (IPV) against women and child abuse within families in humanitarian settings. Baseline data from 203 couples in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were analyzed to assess associations between childhood experiences of abuse with present co-occurring violence. Over half of women (56.1%) and men (50.5%) reported co-occurring violence. Adjusted models demonstrate experiencing physical abuse as a child was associated with greatest odds of recent co-occurring violence while witnessing parental IPV had mixed influence. Programmatic approaches focused on reducing early childhood violence may be promising to prevent both IPV and child abuse.
TL;DR: The authors conducted a Bayesian multi-level negative binomial regression on a matched pairs sample of all 117 NFL players who were arrested for an act of violence against women between 2000 and 2019 and found that player value and performance were stronger predictors of post-arrest career trajectories.
Abstract: This article examines whether arrests for an act of violence against women have a negative impact on National Football League (NFL) player careers and whether this impact has become more negative over time. Framed by criminological deterrence and conflict theories, I conduct a Bayesian multi-level negative binomial regression on a matched pairs sample of all 117 NFL players arrested for an act of violence against women between 2000 and 2019 (n = 234). Results show that the effect of an arrest on player careers is negligible, though it has become slightly more detrimental over time. Player value and performance are stronger predictors of post-arrest career trajectories, and average or better performance negates any detrimental impact of an arrest.
TL;DR: This paper explored a social marketing campaign aimed to promote compassionate responses to disclosures of sexual violence from peers and raise awareness of university-based formal support services and found that exposure to the campaign may support students' self-perceived confidence in responding compassionately to disclosures.
Abstract: This study explores a social marketing campaign aimed to promote compassionate responses to disclosures of sexual violence from peers and raise awareness of university-based formal support services. Findings from a survey (n = 189) and follow-up focus groups (n = 11) conducted with university students in Australia indicated that exposure to the campaign may support students’ self-perceived confidence in responding compassionately to disclosures of sexual violence and raise awareness of university-based formal support services. These findings suggest social marketing may be a useful tool to form part of universities’ sexual violence response and prevention strategies. These findings may help inform future university campaigns.
TL;DR: Assessment of undergraduate students' perceptions of available campus SVSH resources, gaps in services, and recommendations for solutions for SVSH at three universities in California provides multi-level student-centered solutions to improve current campus-based SVSH prevention efforts.
Abstract: Campus-based sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) are prevalent issues that impact students detrimentally. Guided by community-based participatory research, this qualitative study assessed undergraduate students’ perceptions of available campus SVSH resources, gaps in services, and recommendations for solutions for SVSH at three universities in California via interviews and focus groups. Approximately half of participants were unaware of available SVSH services, while others had varying knowledge of service availability and experiences with services. Students want better-funded, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered services and providers who share their identities and lived experiences. We provide multi-level student-centered solutions to improve current campus-based SVSH prevention efforts.
TL;DR: This article examined staff experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada, and found four core themes: emotional toll of the work; remote (doesn't) work; work restructuring; efforts to stay well and subthemes pleasing staff experiences in a sector vulnerable to vicarious trauma.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has been harmful to survivors of abuse. Less understood is the impact on staff in the violence against women (VAW) service sector. Using interpretive description methodology, we examined staff experiences during the pandemic in Ontario, Canada, and found four core themes: (1) the emotional toll of the work; (2) remote (doesn't) work; (3) work restructuring; (4) efforts to stay well and subthemes nuancing staff experiences in a sector vulnerable to vicarious trauma. This research underscores the need to mitigate experiences of stress, heavy workloads, and guilt for staff in VAW services during crises and provides action-oriented recommendations.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors compared Campus Climate Survey Validation Study (CCSVS) data to Clery Act data in an effort to assess the validity of the CCSVS data and the Clery act data based on the extent to which they corroborate one another.
Abstract: Self-reported survey data on the extent and nature of rape and sexual assault experienced by a population represent an important source of information because these crimes often go unreported, and are thus undercounted in law enforcement or other official statistics. This article compares Campus Climate Survey Validation Study (CCSVS) data to Clery Act data in an effort to (1) assess the validity of the CCSVS data and the Clery Act data based on the extent to which they corroborate one another, and (2) estimate the extent to which Clery Act data potentially underestimate the true incidence of rape. The results help to establish the extent to which self-report surveys on sexual victimization are needed to understand the magnitude of the problem among a given population.
TL;DR: In this article , a qualitative analysis of data from a critical ethnography with a sample of 231 women across two tribes who described intimate partner violence relationships identified the following themes: controlling relationships, losing sense of priorities, using children, socioeconomic stress, family pressures, and restricting relationships.
Abstract: Indigenous women in the United States are among the most vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV), which has reached endemic levels. The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to understand contextual factors and barriers to becoming liberated from violence. Reconstructive analysis of data from a critical ethnography with a sample of 231 women across two tribes who described IPV relationships identified the following themes: controlling relationships, losing sense of priorities, using children, socioeconomic stress, family pressures, and restricting relationships. Results revealed these tactics, which parallel those used in the patriarchal colonialism of historical oppression, impeded women’s liberation from relationships.
TL;DR: Trauma and violence-informed physical activity (TVIPA) as discussed by the authors is a feasible approach to improve access/engagement in physical activity for pregnant/parenting women with experiences of trauma.
Abstract: Trauma- and violence-informed physical activity (TVIPA) is a feasible approach to improve access/engagement in physical activity for pregnant/parenting women with experiences of trauma. Through feminist participatory action research, 56 semistructured interviews were completed to understand TVIPA. Four themes were identified: (1) "I have to be on edge": Trauma and violence pervade women's lives, (2) "It should be mandatory that you feel safe": Emotional safety is essential, (3) "The opportunity to step up and be decision-makers and leaders": Choice, collaboration, and connection create safety, and (4) "It's a good start for healing," strengths-based and capacity building foster individual and community growth.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the extent, source, and individual, micro-system, exosystem, and macro-system level predictors of help-seeking behaviors among women of different age groups in Colombia.
Abstract: This study examined the extent, source, and individual, microsystem, exosystem, and macrosystem-level (Heise's Ecological Model) predictors of help-seeking behaviors among women of different age groups in Colombia. Data on 12,915 married or cohabitating women who had experienced diverse forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) were obtained from the Colombia Demographic Health Survey 2015. More than half of the Colombian women who reported some form of IPV experience did not seek any help. Women aged 25–39 were less likely to seek help. Type of violence and experience of IPV and education were the strongest predictors of help-seeking among women in all age groups. Implications for research and programming are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors describe a multi-year initiative at Michigan State University (MSU) to change the institutional response to relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM) in the aftermath of a large-scale institutional crisis.
Abstract: This paper describes a multi-year initiative at Michigan State University (MSU) to change our institutional response to relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM) in the aftermath of a large-scale institutional crisis. While the circumstances at MSU are unique, many universities have faced or will face moments that bring RVSM issues into the spotlight. To inform other colleges and universities, we describe how we developed a 5-year strategic plan to transform services for survivors and develop prevention programming for multiple audiences and at multiple levels of analysis. We titled this framework Know More. Do More. Support More, whereby “know more” reflects our ongoing use of campus climate surveys and data sharing to educate our community about RVSM; “do more” includes our institutional-level strategic plan for culture change; and “support more” provides guidance to our community members on how to respond to disclosures in a trauma-informed way and connect survivors to support services. We discuss the challenges and opportunities that stemmed from our choice to work “within the system” to create this model, as well as the ethical dilemmas we faced in these partnerships.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show how multifaceted violence intensifies the burdens on mothers and argues that motherhood can offer a source of agency in contexts of normalized violence, inspiring women to flee.
Abstract: Today, growing numbers of mothers and children are fleeing Mexico and Central America. Most scholars attribute this displacement to organized crime, and a few note the importance of gender violence in driving women's migration. Yet, less has been said about how violence affects motherhood or how motherhood shapes women's decisions to leave. Drawing on 44 in-depth interviews with Mexican and Central American women seeking U.S. asylum, we show how multifaceted violence intensifies the burdens on mothers. At the same time, we argue, motherhood can offer a source of agency in contexts of normalized violence, inspiring women to flee.
TL;DR: In China, women who domestically relocate from rural or less developed regions to major cities are at a higher risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) than their non-migrant counterparts.
Abstract: In China, women who domestically relocate from rural or less developed regions to major cities are at a higher risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) than their non-migrant counterparts. Few stud...
TL;DR: In this article , the influence of prior police perceptions, procedurally unjust treatment, and the sex of the responding officer on college women's likelihood to report sexual assault was examined using a vignette design.
Abstract: Sexual assaults are underreported to the police, even though this crime affects one in four college women. Using a vignette design, this study fills a gap in the literature by examining the influence of prior police perceptions, procedurally unjust treatment, and the sex of the responding officer on college women's likelihood to report sexual assault. Results indicate positive prior police perceptions significantly increase students’ perceived likelihood to report sexual victimization. Even when controlling for prior perceptions, procedurally unfair treatment significantly decreases the likelihood of future victimization reporting. Responding officer sex does not affect students’ decision to report.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors explored intimate partner violence evolution during lockdown with a sample of 238 women (44% cohabitating and 56% not co-habitating with the perpetrator), attending five antiviolence centers in Italy (June-September 2020).
Abstract: This study explores intimate partner violence (IPV) evolution during the lockdown with a sample of 238 women (44% cohabitating and 56% not cohabitating with the perpetrator), attending five antiviolence centers in Italy (June–September 2020). Questions included 12 items on IPV and, for each item, a question about whether violence increased/stayed the same/decreased during lockdown; an indicator of IPV modifications was constructed. Two distinct patterns, confirmed after adjustment for socio-demographic factors, emerged: IPV increased for 28% of cohabitating and decreased for 56% of non-cohabitating women. Such results suggest the efficacy of physical distancing—strictly controlled by the State—in the prevention of IPV.