Defining organized sexual abuse

The label ‘organized abuse’ is widely used but without an agreed meaning. An agreed definition would improve communication among practitioners and make it easier to compare the results of different pieces of research. Items classified together must possess at least one feature in common: in the case of organized abuse this is that they all involve more than one perpetrator. Some types of case for which the label ‘organized’ has been used, like those that concern children's sexual abuse in an institution or that include allegations of a ritual context, do not fulfil even this initial criterion. Some cases of institutional or ritual abuse may also be cases of organized abuse but the terms are not synonymous with each other. Domestic cases, where all the perpetrators and the victims are members of a single household, are also sufficiently unlike the paradigmatic case of organized abuse for them to be excluded from the category. The recognition that exclusion is as necessary to rigorous definition as inclusion requires making explicit what definitions are and what they are for.     

The effect of experience of childhood abuse among university students on self-perception and submissive behavior

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of experience of childhood abuse among university students on self-perception and submissive behavior.

Methods

The study group consisted of 646 students attending various departments of the Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Education in Trabzon, Turkey. Participants were administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Social Comparison Scale and the Submissive Acts Scale in a classroom setting.

Results

Analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between self-perception and all forms of abuse (physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse and neglect), and a positive correlation between submissive behavior and all forms of abuse. The students' emotional abuse and neglect scores varied significantly according to gender, with males having higher emotional abuse and neglect scores than those of girls. Additionally, males had higher physical abuse scores than girls.

Conclusion

Childhood abuse emerged as a significant predictor of negative self-perception and submissive behavior. In addition, with the exception of sexual abuse, other forms of abuse vary according to gender. The experiences of childhood abuse may have a long-term impact on various features of character and behavior.     

Ritual,and child sexual abuse,but not ritual child sexual abuse

Central to the controversy over ritual (satanic) child sexual abuse have been claims concerning agency ‘diagnoses’ of cases. Specifically, it has been alleged that agency findings of ritual abuse have been erroneous and are the product of poor practice. There is, though, little systematic information regarding agency assessment of suspected ritual abuse cases. This paper presents two cases where there was evidence both of child sexual abuse and ‘ritual’ but where agencies adjudged that these aspects occurred independently of one another and were not indicative of ritual child sexual abuse. The existence of these cases underlines the need for a broader and more balanced debate in respect of ritual abuse in general and the agency handling of these cases in particular. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pornography and the Organization of Intrafamilial and Extrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse: Developing a Conceptual Model

This paper uses a case study (the experience of having been sexually abused as a child) and a review of the relevant literature as the basis for developing a conceptual model of the relationship between intrafamilial and extrafamilial child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation, and the role of adult and child pornography in it. The paper illustrates some of the characteristics and effects of pornography and child sexual abuse including: gender; intra- and intergenerational patterns of victimization; coercion and compliance; the sexualization of the child; pornography and prostitution; and the function of incest as a form of pimping for the perpetrator and as grooming for extrafamilial abuse. It also illustrates the way in which pornography is a part of all forms of intrafamilial and extrafamilial abuse and is itself a form of organized abuse. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Abuse of disabled children in Ghana

Even though disabled children are targets of various forms of abuse, such issues remain mostly undocumented open secrets in many countries including Ghana. The article is based on a qualitative data provided by three key informants. Six stories emerged from the data and are discussed in terms of four main forms of abuse. Labelling theories are employed to strengthen the discussions. The article is aimed at increasing awareness on the various forms of abuse experienced by disabled children in Ghana. The study is also meant to capture the attentions of stakeholders that have the responsibility to end abusive practices against disabled children in Ghana.     

The Emerging Problems of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Late Life

Treatment of substance abuse among older adults will become increasingly important as the number of aged Americans increases. The abuse of psychoactive substances is a major contributor to excess morbidity, mortality, and homelessness among persons of all ages and socioeconomic strata regardless of race or ethnicity. Alcohol and tobacco accountfor the majority of substance abuse-related death and disability in the United States; the former through cerebrovascular and hepatic disease, accidents and violence, the latter through chronic pulmonary disease and malignancy. Patterns of substance abuse in late life are substantially different from those observed among younger adults. However, treatment may be less challenging. Effective diagnosis and treatment requires a nonpunitive, supportive, but persistent approach. This means the capacity to collect a substance intake history and the ability to formulate a treatment plan or referral strategy to an addiction specialist or residential treatment setting. It is also important for the practitioner to manage negative feelings toward patients who decline treatment or who are chronic abusers.     

Chapter 6. Issues in Caregiving

SUMMARY

Some 10 to 29% of persons over 65 in the United States are sufficently physically, cognitively, or emotionally impaired to need some level of caregiving from their informal and formal support systems. Unfortunately, there are still some older persons who need care, but care is either not provided, inadequate, or involves some form of mistreatment. This chapter discusses the difficulties of maltreatment and substance abuse.     

The Emerging Problems of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Late Life

Treatment of substance abuse among older adults will become increasingly important as the number of aged Americans increases. The abuse of psychoactive substances is a major contributor to excess morbidity, mortality, and homelessness among persons of all ages and socioeconomic strata regardless of race or ethnicity. Alcohol and tobacco account for the majority of substance abuse-related death and disability in the United States; the former through cerebrovascular and hepatic disease, accidents and violence, the latter through chronic pulmonary disease and malignancy. Patterns of substance abuse in late life are substantially different from those observed among younger adults. However, treatment may be less challenging. Effective diagnosis and treatment requires a nonpunitive, supportive, but persistent approach. This means the capacity to collect a substance intake history and the ability to formulate a treatment plan or referral strategy to an addiction specialist or residential treatment setting. It is also important for the practitioner to manage negative feelings toward patients who decline treatment or who are chronic abusers.     

Mental Health and Criminal Justice Issues Among Perpetrators of Elder Abuse

ABSTRACT

Recent studies on elder abuse suggest that the pathology or impairment of the abuser may be a stronger predictor of elder abuse than characteristics of the victim. To examine the relationship between elder abuse, abuser pathology, and the criminal justice system, the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) undertook a survey of older victims of reported domestic abuse seeking assistance from the DFTA Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center. Preliminary findings from the survey indicate that impaired abusers were significantly younger than unimpaired abusers and more likely to live with their elderly victims, to be unemployed, and to have a history of involvement with the criminal justice system.     

Prevalence of Sexually Abusive Experiences in Childhood and Adolescence Among a Community Sample of Latinas: A Descriptive Study

This study examined the prevalence, severity, and circumstances of self-reported sexually coercive and abusive experiences in childhood and adolescence in a community sample of Latina women (N?=?204) ages 18 to 34 years. Results from structured phone interviews indicated that 35%?of the women reported experiencing some form of sexual abuse, 31%?of the reported perpetrators were family members, and 52%?were boyfriends, friends, or acquaintances. Of those who reported an abusive experience, 44%?had not disclosed the abuse to anyone; for those who did disclose, 74%?reported feeling supported. Findings highlight the importance of including peer and dating-partner abuse in the assessment of CSA and the necessity for outreach to Latina women who may have never disclosed their experiences of abuse.     

2015 Rosalie Wolf Memorial Award Lecture: Past,present, and future of elder abuse

ABSTRACT

This article aims to advance the global issue of elder abuse through exploring how the current body of elder abuse literature can collectively pave the way for present and future directions for research, practice, and policy.     

Does the mandate make a difference? reporting decisions in emotional abuse

Mandated (N = 57) and non‐mandated (N = 94) reporters were questioned as to their perceptions of the seriousness of 20 vignettes related to child emotional abuse, as well as their willingness to report the actions contained in the vignettes to child protective services. No difference was observed between mandated and non‐mandated reporters on the mean number of vignettes considered reportable. In addition, several psychosocial variables, including perceptions of teasing, political viewpoint, tendencies towards diffuse responsibility, perceptions of child protective services (CPS) and attitude towards helping others, were measured. Separate regression equations for mandated and non‐mandated reporters showed two different models in predicting reporting tendencies. Mandated reporters were most affected by the seriousness of the situation and their willingness to engage in prosocial behaviour, whereas non‐mandated reporters were most motivated by judgements of the seriousness of the abusive situation and their faith in child protective services. Being a male was also observed to be more predictive of reporting for non‐mandated reporters. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The risk factors of abusive relationships for nontraditional students

Objective: To examine the effect of nontraditional student status on abusive relationships, namely emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Participants: The 2011–2014 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II data (N = 102,563) were utilized for the analysis. Methods: Logistic regression models were employed as the outcome variables were dichotomous. Results: Non-traditional students compared to traditional ones indeed had higher odds ratios of having abusive relationships. Nontraditional students compared to traditional students, however, were more likely to experience emotional and physical abuse, but not sexual abuse. Conclusions: The prevention programs and policies related to abusive relationships need to be address differently based on the results of this study, which is also essential for nontraditional students to adjust and succeed in higher education and further their careers.     

Childhood Sexual Abuse and Psychobiology

No abstract available for this article.     

The Teaching of Hypnosis: Outline and Method

Abstract

In the past several years there has been a significant increase in the number of training programs in clinical hypnosis. There appears to be little information available regarding the actual method and content of such coursework. The authors gave a number of professionals and paraprofessionals a training program that included lectures, clinical inductions, and an opportunity for limited use of these methods in a supervised setting. The methods used were presented in a step-by-step fashion, drawing upon not only the authors' experience and expertise, but also requiring the active participation of those learning these clinical methods. In all, there were ten sessions with some required reading outside of the class time. Typical problems of resistance, problem solving, and various perspectives were discussed and employed.     

Profiles of adult survivors of severe sexual,physical and emotional institutional abuse in Ireland

Adult survivors of institutional abuse were interviewed with a comprehensive assessment protocol which included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Institutional Child Abuse Processes and Coping Inventory, the Structured Clinical Interviews for Disorders of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV axis I disorders and personality disorders, the Trauma Symptoms Inventory, a Life Problems Checklist, the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory and the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale. Profiles were identified for subgroups that described severe sexual (N = 60), physical (N = 102), or emotional (N = 85) abuse as their worst forms of maltreatment. Survivors of severe sexual abuse had the most abnormal profile, which was characterised by higher rates of all forms of child maltreatment and higher rates of post‐traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder, trauma symptoms and life problems. Survivors of severe emotional abuse were better adjusted than the other two groups. The profile of survivors of severe physical abuse occupied an intermediate position between the other two groups. A thorough assessment of abuse history and current functioning should be conducted when providing services to adult survivors of institutional abuse, since this may have important implications for the intensity of services required. Survivors of severe sexual abuse may require more intensive services. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Domestic Violence and Intergenerational Rates of Child Sexual Abuse: A Case Record Analysis

Using case review at a shelter for battered women and their children, this exploratory study investigated the association between physical abuse, exposure to domestic violence and intergenerational occurrence of child sexual abuse. The charts of 570 children were reviewed in an attempt to explore the relationship between the children's experiences with sexual abuse and their nonoffending parent's own history of having been sexually abused. Results indicated that a significant percentage of nonoffending parents who reported a history of child sexual abuse also had children who were sexually abused. Additionally, we found that most (93%) of the children studied had been exposed to domestic violence, and while the base rate of sexual abuse was relatively low (11%), the rate of physical abuse of the children was substantial (41%). Logistic regression results indicated that children of sexually abused nonoffending parents may be at heightened risk for sexual abuse. Implications for treatment and intervention are discussed.     

The Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Other Trauma on Drug Court Participants

Within the context of a larger study of drug court participants, this study examined the impact of traumatic experiences on psychiatric distress and on court outcomes. In the analyses, the participants (n = 229) were separated into 3 groups: childhood sexual abuse (CSA; n = 18), other trauma (n = 134), and no trauma (n = 77). The CSA group had higher mean scores on depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social phobia, somatization, and posttraumatic stress disorder than the other trauma group. Path analyses suggest that a history of trauma is a positive predictor of psychiatric distress and negative court events (positive urine screens, sanctions, etc.), with indirect effects on substance abuse severity, and failure in the drug court. These results suggest a need for the initial assessment procedure in drug courts to include a screening for trauma history, including CSA. They also suggest a need for trauma-informed care within drug courts.     

The Efficacy of a Condensed Seeking Safety Intervention for Women in Residential Chemical Dependence Treatment at 30 Days Posttreatment

This study examined the efficacy of a condensed version of the Seeking Safety intervention in the reduction of trauma-related symptoms and improved drug abstinence rates among women in residential chemical dependence treatment. One hundred and four women were randomly assigned to treatment including a condensed (six session) Seeking Safety intervention or the standard chemical dependence intervention. The Seeking Safety participants reported lower sexual-abuse-related trauma symptoms at 30 days posttreatment as compared to participants who received only standard treatment. However, the condensed Seeking Safety intervention was not more advantageous in reducing overall trauma symptoms or relapse 30 days after treatment ended.     

Child Abuse Investigations: Reasons for using Child Advocacy Centers and Suggestions for Improvement

Child protective service (CPS) and child abuse law enforcement (LE) investigators have been required by the majority of states to work together when investigating criminal cases of child abuse. Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) and other^. multidisciplinary models of collaboration have developed across the United States to meet these requirements. This study surveyed 290 CPS and LE investigators who use a CAC in their investigations of criminal cases of child abuse. Reasons given for using, centers, include legal or administrative mandate and protocol, child appropriate environment, support, referrals, capacity for medical exams, expertise of center interviewers and access to video and audio technology. Respondents also identified ways that centers could be more helpful.