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Sexual Abuse (sexual + abuse)
Kinds of Sexual Abuse Terms modified by Sexual Abuse Selected AbstractsOUT-OF-COURT STATEMENTS BY VICTIMS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE TO MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS: A CONFRONTATION CLAUSE ANALYSISFAMILY COURT REVIEW, Issue 1 2009Jonathan Scher Acknowledging the rapid growth of child sexual abuse in the United States, this Note advocates for the recognition of a limited exception to the blanket-hearsay ban on out-of-court statements made by unavailable declarants set out by the Supreme Court in Crawford v. Washington. In order to protect a criminal defendant's Sixth Amendment confrontation right, Crawford requires that hearsay evidence that is "testimonial" in nature be deemed inadmissible if the witness is unavailable and the defendant does not have a prior opportunity to cross-examine the witness against him. However, Crawford noted that, where nontestimonial hearsay is at issue, cross-examination may not be necessary. Accordingly, where a child sexual abuse victim makes statements during a structured or semi-structured forensic interview to a member of a multidisciplinary team, these statements should be deemed nontestimonial and thus admitted into evidence, without requiring cross-examination of the child. Allowing for this exception to the general hearsay ban in Crawford is not only consistent with current precedent, but it is also warranted to promote public policy and to curb the negative impact such abuse has on society. [source] CHILD CUSTODY LITIGATION: ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE BY KATHRYN KUEHNLE AND LESLIE DROZDFAMILY COURT REVIEW, Issue 4 2007Hon. Arline Rotman No abstract is available for this article. [source] SEXUAL ABUSE AND DEMENTIA IN OLDER PEOPLEJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2006Ann W. Burgess DNSC No abstract is available for this article. [source] PARTNER AWARENESS REGARDING THE ADULT SEQUELAE OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SURVIVORSJOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 2 2003Noelle S. Wiersma This qualitative study investigates factors that may facilitate or impede awareness within couples regarding the sequelae of chuildhood sexual abuse for adult females and their partner. Six couples were interviewed about perceived effects of the abuse for self and partner and their perceptions regarding their awareness of these effects. Transcribed data were analyzed using grounded-theory methodolgy. Emergent themes regarding potential barriers to and facilitators of agreement are outlined in the context of the expressive and receptive abilities and motivations of each partner in communicating about the abuse. Preliminary implications for marriage and family therapy and further research are provided. [source] COUPLES THERAPY FOR WOMEN SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE WHO ARE IN ADDICTIONS RECOVERY: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF TREATMENT PROCESS AND OUTCOMEJOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 1 2001Barry Trute Treatment for women who are survivors of child sexual abuse and who have a history of substance abuse has largely involved gender-specific interventions. This study examines the use of conjoint couple therapy with a cohort of women who were survivors of child sexual abuse and who are in addiction recovery and with their partners. A comparative case study analysis incorporated standardized clinical measures with client and therapist interviews. Brief conjoint therapy was found to assist couples in the specific relationship skill areas of communication and mutual problem solving. Further, substantive gains were found in the realm of affective relations. The women reported an increase in support from their male partners, and the men reported a decrease in negative emotional atmosphere in the relationship. [source] The Effect of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adolescent Pregnancy: An Integrative Research ReviewJOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, Issue 4 2008Melissa A. Francisco PURPOSE.,This study aims to describe the current research literature on the relationship of childhood sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy and highlight the potential cross-cutting risk factors. DESIGN AND METHODS.,Thirteen articles were identified as the basis of this review using Cooper's methodology (1998) for synthesizing research. Articles were categorized according to the levels of evidence proposed by Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2005). RESULTS.,The majority of the studies identified a relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy (n = 9). Cross-cutting risk factors included female gender, younger age, substance use/abuse, family constellation, parent,child conflict, and mother disengagement. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.,Strategies for nurses to identify pregnant and parenting adolescents who have been sexually victimized are important for early intervention. Resiliency factors of young people who report positive outcomes are highlighted. [source] Relationships of Sexual Abuse, Connectedness, and Loneliness to Perceived Well-Being in Homeless YouthJOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, Issue 2 2002Lynn RewArticle first published online: 23 FEB 200 ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To describe respondents' perceptions of connectedness, loneliness, and well-being; and to explore relationships among these variables. DESIGN AND METHOD. Survey data from 96 participants, focus group interviews with 32 participants, and 10 individual interviews were analyzed. RESULTS. Sixty percent of the sample reported sexual abuse, which was significantly related to loneliness and inversely related to connectedness and perceived well-being. Subjects felt lonely and disconnected. They perceived their well-being in terms of current health status. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. High rates of sexual abuse, lack of connectedness, and loneliness may help to explain poor perceived well-being in homeless youth. [source] Investigating Sexual Abuse: Findings of a 15-Year Longitudinal StudyJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2005Bob McCormack Background, There is a lack of longitudinal large-scale studies of sexual abuse in intellectual disability services. Such studies offer opportunities to examine patterns in disclosure, investigation and outcomes, and to report on incidence and trends. Methods, All allegations of sexual abuse (n = 250) involving service users as victims or perpetrators of sexual abuse over a 15-year period in a large Irish community-based service were analysed based on the data extracted from extensive contemporaneous case notes. Results, Victims or families were the most common concern raisers of abuse. Following multidisciplinary investigation, almost half (47%) of all allegations of sexual abuse were confirmed (n = 118). In confirmed episodes, more than half the perpetrators were adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities, while almost a quarter were relatives. The most common type of abuse was sexual touch, although 31% of episodes involved penetration or attempted penetration. The most common location was the family home, followed by the day service and public places. A notable feature was the variation in the incidence of abuse over the study period, largely caused by episodes of multiple abuse. Conclusions, The incidence of confirmed episodes of sexual abuse of adults with intellectual disabilities may be higher than previously estimated. There is an urgent need for statutory guidelines, which require reporting of adult abuse, and provide protection for bona fide whistle blowers, similar to existing child protection legislation. [source] Evaluation of the Effect of an Open Learning Course on Staff Knowledge and Attitudes Towards the Sexual Abuse of Adults with Learning DisabilitiesJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 1 2001James Hogg An open learning course, ,Approaches to Sexual Abuse of Adults with Learning Disabilities', was undertaken with a range of staff working with adults with learning disabilities. Using a specially designed questionnaire based on the research and practice literature on sexual abuse, the present authors evaluated the impact of the course on staff knowledge of: (1) sexual abuse, and its antecedents and consequences; (2) the procedures to be followed once abuse is suspected; and (3) the practices most likely to minimize abuse. In addition, the effect of the course on attitudes was also assessed. Staff knowledge of sexual abuse was significantly increased following completion of the course. Staff attitudes at the outset of the course tended to be highly consistent with the values and practices reflected in the course material. However, changes in acceptance of formal practices to deal with abuse, confidence in having the skills to deal with incidents and awareness of the vulnerability of people with learning disabilities to abuse were all enhanced. The implication of sample attrition during the course is considered with respect to the nature of the environment in which staff work and the feasibility of the open learning model. [source] Sexual Abuse of BoysJOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 1 2005Sharon M. Valente RN TOPIC:, Sexual abuse in childhood can disable self-esteem, self-concept, relationships, and ability to trust. It can also leave psychological trauma that compromises a boy's confidence in adults. While some boys who willingly participate may adjust to sexual abuse, many others face complications, such as reduced quality of life, impaired social relationships, less than optimal daily functioning, and self-destructive behavior. These problems can respond to treatment if detected. PURPOSE:, In this paper, we examine the prevalence, characteristics, psychological consequences, treatment, and coping patterns of boys who have been sexually abused and their failure to disclose abuse unless asked during a therapeutic encounter. Nurses have a responsibility to detect the clues to sexual abuse, diagnose the psychological consequences, and advocate for protection and treatment. SOURCES USED:, Computerized literature search of the Medline and PsychInfo literature and books on sexual abuse of boys. CONCLUSIONS:, Psychological responses to abuse such as anxiety, denial, self-hypnosis, dissociation, and self-mutilation are common. Coping strategies may include being the angry avenger, the passive victim, rescuer, daredevil, or conformist. Sexual abuse may precipitate runaway behavior, chronic use of sick days, poor school or job performance, costly medical, emergency and or mental health visits. In worst cases, the boy may decide that life is not worth living and plan suicide. The nurse has a key role to play in screening, assessing, and treating sexual abuse children. [source] Children's Life Transition Following Sexual AbuseJOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 4 2006Jacqueline Hatlevig The life transition of children 6 to 13 years old was studied for 1 to 3 years following sexual abuse. Data included transcripts from in-depth interviews about the children's daily living experiences and drawings were analyzed using the ADOPT analysis procedure. Implications for nursing include the use of drawings as a research technique and the effectiveness of strategies used by participants to manage the aftermath of the trauma. [source] Information Processing of Sexual Abuse in EldersJOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 3 2006Ann W. Burgess Sexual abuse is considered to be a pandemic contemporary public health issue, with significant physical and psychosocial consequences for its victims. However, the incidence of elder sexual assault is difficult to estimate with any degree of confidence. A convenience sample of 284 case records were reviewed for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to present the limited data noted on record review on four PTSD symptoms of startle, physiological upset, anger, and numbness. A treatment model for information processing of intrapsychic trauma is presented to describe domain disruption within a nursing diagnosis of rape trauma syndrome and provide guidance for sensitive assessment and intervention. [source] The Legacy of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Family AdversityJOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 4 2008Donna S. Martsolf Purpose: To describe the process by which childhood adversity influences the life course of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Design: A community-based, qualitative, grounded-theory design. Methods: In this grounded theory study, data were drawn from open-ended interviews conducted as part of a larger study of women's and men's responses to sexual violence. The current study indicates the experiences of 48 female and 40 male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and family adversity. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Findings: Participants described a sense of inheriting a life of abuse and adversity. The process by which childhood adversity influences the life course of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse is labeled Living the Family Legacy. The theory representing the process of Living the Family Legacy includes three major life patterns: (a) being stuck in the family legacy, (b) being plagued by the family legacy, and (c) rejecting the family legacy/creating a new one. Associated with these life patterns are three processes by which participants passed on a legacy to others, often their children: (a) passing on the family legacy, (b) taking a stab at passing on a new legacy, and (c) passing on a new legacy. Conclusions: The legacy of abuse and adversity has a profound effect on the lives of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. There are several trajectories by which the influence of childhood adversity unfolds in the lives of adult survivors and by which the legacy is passed on to others. Clinical Relevance: The model representing the theoretical process of Living the Family Legacy can be used by clinicians who work with survivors of childhood sexual abuse and childhood adversity, especially those who have parenting concerns. [source] The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Later Sexual Victimization among Runaway YouthJOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE, Issue 2 2001Kimberly A. Tyler Path analysis was used to investigate the impact of childhood sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among 372 homeless and runaway youth in Seattle. Young people were interviewed directly on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth service agencies. High rates of both childhood sexual abuse and street sexual victimization were reported, with females experiencing much greater rates compared with their male counterparts. Early sexual abuse in the home increased the likelihood of later sexual victimization on the streets indirectly by increasing the amount of time at risk, deviant peer affiliations, participating in deviant subsistence strategies, and engaging in survival sex. These findings suggest that exposure to dysfunctional and disorganized homes place youth on trajectories for early independence. Subsequently, street life and participation in high-risk behaviors increases their probability of sexual victimization. [source] Medical Evidence and Expert Testimony in Child Sexual AbuseJUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT JOURNAL, Issue 1 2006LORI D. FRASIER ABSTRACT Expert medical testimony in child sexual abuse cases can be critical to the outcome of a legal case. This article will review the development of the medical knowledge and clinical expertise in child sexual abuse. Since the passage of mandatory child abuse reporting laws, the forensic medical examination of a child for evidence of sexual abuse has become standard. Until recently, many myths regarding female genital anatomy existed but were based primarily on dogma and lack of empirical research. Over the past 25 years, many research studies and accumulating clinical evidence have expanded medical knowledge and debunked old myths. Physical evidence, even in cases of alleged genital or anal penetration is rare. Sexually transmitted infections are also uncommon and often require medical interpretation as to their significance in a prepubertal child. Specialized medical knowledge, training, and clinical expertise have developed in order to evaluate children presenting with allegations of sexual abuse. Such medical expertise provides invaluable service to courts. We review criteria for evaluating such expertise in light of current medical practice. [source] Childhood Sexual Abuse Affects Cervical Cancer ScreeningNURSING FOR WOMENS HEALTH, Issue 6 2002Carolyn Davis Cockey No abstract is available for this article. [source] The Differential Impacts of Early Physical and Sexual Abuse and Internalizing Problems on Daytime Cortisol Rhythm in School-Aged ChildrenCHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2010Dante Cicchetti The impact of early physical and sexual abuse (EPA/SA) occurring in the first 5 years of life was investigated in relation to depressive and internalizing symptomatology and diurnal cortisol regulation. In a summer camp context, school-aged maltreated (n = 265) and nonmaltreated (n = 288) children provided morning and late afternoon saliva samples on 5 consecutive days. Child self-report and adult observer reports of child internalizing and depressive symptoms were obtained. Children experiencing EPA/SA and high depressive or internalizing symptoms uniquely exhibited an attenuated diurnal decrease in cortisol, indicative of neuroendocrine dysregulation. These results were specific to EPA/SA rather than later onset physical or sexual abuse or early occurring neglect or emotional maltreatment. [source] Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual RevictimizationCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2002Catalina M. Arata Research identifying rates and effects of adult/adolescent sexual revictimization among child sexual abuse victims was reviewed. Approximately one-third of child sexual abuse victims report experiencing repeated victimization. Child sexual abuse victims have a 2 to 3 times greater risk of adult revictimization than women without a history of child sexual abuse. Physical contact in abuse and revictimization in adolescence were found to lead to the greatest risk of revictimization. Repeated victims had more symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and dissociation than women with a history of child sexual abuse alone. Theories of revictimization and mediating variables were also reviewed. Clearer definitions of repeated victimization are needed and future research should include studies that follow child sexual abuse victims prospectively. [source] Sexual abuse in a preschool setting: child reports, hermeneutics and the lawACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2000D Lagerberg No abstract is available for this article. [source] Sexual abuse at a Swedish daycare centre: allegations, confessions and evaluationsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2000F Lindblad In September 1997, sexual abuse at a Swedish daycare centre was disclosed. The suspect, a male member of the staff, admitted having abused six children. A total of 30 children were included in the police investigation. In this study, these cases were evaluated individually using a child psychiatric method. Information was collected from the police investigation and from interviews with parents. The conclusions,categorized as "abuse likely", "abuse conceivable" or "abuse uncertain",were compared with the children's own reports, the legal evaluations and the confessions of the suspects. Conclusions: The correspondence of child reports with child psychiatric evaluations was fairly high, indicating that child reports may serve as a good screening indicator of abuse. There was little agreement between child psychiatric evaluations and legal decisions, which were based on the reports of suspects. Some differences may be explained by varied methodology, definitions and criteria. Others reflect real differences in opinion. Our study illustrates the need to establish legal criteria for statements from pre-schoolers if such evidence is to constitute the basis of a ruling without a confession. Studies comparing professional psychological assessments of children's statements about sexual abuse with independent data stand out as an important line of research for the future. [source] The impact of physical and sexual abuse on body image in eating disordersEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 2 2005Tamás Treuer Abstract Objective The role of childhood sexual abuse as a risk factor for the development of eating disorders has gained considerable attention in the literature in the last few years, especially its role in bulimia nervosa. Although physical abuse was also frequently explored in the history of patients with eating disorders, its role was unclear in the aetiopathogenesis of these disorders. The goal of our study was to test the hypothesis, based on our clinical experience, that physical abuse is more frequent in eating disorders than thought previously and that the patient's distortion in body image is more severe in these cases. Method A standardized interview method was used to elicit details of physical and sexual abuse in a group of 63 patients with eating disorders. The frequency of laxative use and the severity of body image distortion was also examined with the Body Attitude Test. These clinical data were analysed on the whole sample and also on the subgroups of eating disorders. Results We found significantly more severe body image distortions in those patients who had been physically abused (p,<,0.05) and there were significantly more severe body image distortions in those patients who had a history of laxative abuse (p,<,0.001). Sexual abuse occured in 29%, physical abuse in 57% and laxative abuse in 46% within the whole sample of examined eating disorder patients. Physical abuse and laxative abuse were the most frequent in the binge eating/purging type of anorexia nervosa (92% and 69%). Also, these patients had the worse rates on sexual abuse and body image distortion items. According to our results, the presence of sexual abuse was not associated with more severe body image distortion in eating disorder patients. Conclusions Childhood physical abuse seems to be a more important factor in the development of body image distortion than had been thought before; its importance in this aspect may be greater than sexual abuse. Physical abuse, laxative abuse and the binge,purge subtype in anorexia nervosa are a considerable risk factor for the severity of the distortion in body image and their presence makes the prognosis of the eating disorder worse. Further studies of the nature of these relationships are warranted. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] A comparison of clinical and psychological features in subgroups of patients with anorexia nervosaEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 4 2003Manuela Oliosi Abstract Background: In DSM-IV anorexics who purge without binging (AN-P) are considered together with the binge eating purging subgroup (AN-B). Few studies have investigated whether it is binge eating per se or the compensatory behaviours that provide the most relevant marker for subclassifying anorexia nervosa. Methods: We compared 40 restricting-type anorexics (AN-R), 40 AN-B and 38 AN-P subjects consecutively admitted to our inpatient treatment. We excluded patients who had not had a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa for at least 1.5 years duration. Results: AN-B patients showed a slightly more severe eating disorder symptomatology, while in terms of body weight AN-R and AN-P present a higher degree of weight loss. Psychiatric symptoms were similar in the three groups. Sexual abuse, suicide attempts and dissociative symptoms were higher in AN-P and AN-B patients compared to AN-R. Discussion: Our results together with the fact that it is difficult to define binge eating in anorexic subjects and that purging behaviours are often associated with severe medical complications, support the subtyping system of anorexia nervosa based on the presence/absence of purging behaviours rather than of binge eating. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Evaluating a Survivors Group Pilot for Women with Significant Intellectual Disabilities who have been Sexually AbusedJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 4 2007Nicholas Guy Peckham Background, Sexual abuse has been associated with trauma, low self-esteem, anger, depression and challenging behaviours. This pilot study builds on a small published literature by evaluating a survivors group (SG) for women with an intellectual disability and an educational support group (ESG) for their carers. Method, The SG was delivered weekly over 5 months for 20 sessions and the ESG ran concurrently for their seven carers in a separate room within the same community-based building. Participants were helped to build trust and rapport, provided with education about sexual abuse designed for their level of ability, and helped to reprocess the trauma of their sexual abuse. Results, Both the SG and the ESG were evaluated using a repeated-measures design (double baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment and follow up), to see whether there was any improvement in relevant clinical dependent variables associated with the consequences of sexual abuse (i.e. trauma, self-esteem, anger, depression and challenging behaviour). Improvements occurred in sexual knowledge, trauma and depression. Neither self-esteem nor anger improved for most of the SG and challenging behaviour worsened at first before improving. Conclusions, The SG seemed to be successful in improving sexual knowledge and in reducing trauma and depression, although challenging behaviours worsened at first before improving. There is a need for more sexual abuse/sexual education groups for men and women with intellectual disabilities. [source] Sexual Abuse of BoysJOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 1 2005Sharon M. Valente RN TOPIC:, Sexual abuse in childhood can disable self-esteem, self-concept, relationships, and ability to trust. It can also leave psychological trauma that compromises a boy's confidence in adults. While some boys who willingly participate may adjust to sexual abuse, many others face complications, such as reduced quality of life, impaired social relationships, less than optimal daily functioning, and self-destructive behavior. These problems can respond to treatment if detected. PURPOSE:, In this paper, we examine the prevalence, characteristics, psychological consequences, treatment, and coping patterns of boys who have been sexually abused and their failure to disclose abuse unless asked during a therapeutic encounter. Nurses have a responsibility to detect the clues to sexual abuse, diagnose the psychological consequences, and advocate for protection and treatment. SOURCES USED:, Computerized literature search of the Medline and PsychInfo literature and books on sexual abuse of boys. CONCLUSIONS:, Psychological responses to abuse such as anxiety, denial, self-hypnosis, dissociation, and self-mutilation are common. Coping strategies may include being the angry avenger, the passive victim, rescuer, daredevil, or conformist. Sexual abuse may precipitate runaway behavior, chronic use of sick days, poor school or job performance, costly medical, emergency and or mental health visits. In worst cases, the boy may decide that life is not worth living and plan suicide. The nurse has a key role to play in screening, assessing, and treating sexual abuse children. [source] Information Processing of Sexual Abuse in EldersJOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 3 2006Ann W. Burgess Sexual abuse is considered to be a pandemic contemporary public health issue, with significant physical and psychosocial consequences for its victims. However, the incidence of elder sexual assault is difficult to estimate with any degree of confidence. A convenience sample of 284 case records were reviewed for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to present the limited data noted on record review on four PTSD symptoms of startle, physiological upset, anger, and numbness. A treatment model for information processing of intrapsychic trauma is presented to describe domain disruption within a nursing diagnosis of rape trauma syndrome and provide guidance for sensitive assessment and intervention. [source] Sexual abuse in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilityJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2001R. Balogh Abstract The present authors conducted a study of the occurrence of victimization and the perpetration of sexual abuse among 43 in-patients with intellectual disability aged between 9 and 21 years who were admitted to a child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient department over a period of 5 years. A retrospective case-note review was employed that explored the nature and severity of abuse in relation to the age, gender and level of disability. The prevalence of abuse or abusive behaviour, i.e. 14% of 300 admissions, did not change over time. In 13 out of the 43 cases, the issue of sexual abuse was identified after admission. Victimization alone occurred in 21 cases, perpetration alone in six cases, and both victimization and perpetration in 16 cases. Fifty per cent of the victims had been abused by a member of their close or extended family. Most cases (62%) were adolescents. There was only one instance of a victim being abused by a female. However, there were five girls who were perpetrators, all of whom had previously been victims. By contrast, 11 out of the 17 male perpetrators had been victims. Despite difficulties of disclosure, it was possible to establish that severely disabled patients had suffered sexual abuse. The present data support theories which (1) recognize gender differences in sexual abuse patterns and (2) have a developmental perspective, incorporating the influence of adolescence. [source] Prevalence of Psychopathology Across a Service Population of Parents With Intellectual Disabilities and Their ChildrenJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 1 2007Sue McGaw Abstract, This study identified and investigated the incidence of childhood trauma and psychopathology across a population of parents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) known to a parenting service in the United Kingdom over a 5-year period and examined the emotional and physical welfare of their children. Data were gathered from 49 parents with ID and 58 children currently living with their families. Four measures were used to identify risk and level of need at referral, the prevalence of childhood abuse reported by parents, and any associations with current levels of psychopathology in the parents or their children. Symptoms of psychopathology were prevalent among 45% of parents with ID, although the association with parent childhood trauma was weak. Significant associations were found between the presence of parent psychopathology and mental and cognitive problems in the children, such as attention deficits, anxiety disorders, and autism. Also, a significant relationship was identified between parents who reported childhood trauma and registration of their children on the Child Protection Register for risk of neglect and/or maltreatment. Sexual abuse and emotional abuse were the most prevalent risk categories under which these children were registered, the latter category significantly associating with parents' self-reports of emotional abuse as children. These findings were significantly different from that identified for children of parents without reported childhood trauma (p < 0.01). [source] Prevalence and Impact of Childhood Maltreatment in Incarcerated YouthAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2010Daniel Coleman The prevalence of childhood maltreatment and the magnitude of the association of maltreatment with internalizing mental health symptoms were examined in 398 incarcerated youth. The prevalence of abuse greatly exceeded general population rates. The proportion of variance in mental health symptoms accounted for by maltreatment was small but developmentally significant. Sexual abuse is a markedly stronger predictor of internalizing mental health problems in incarcerated youth than physical abuse. Consistent with a bio-psychological model of trauma, dissociation at the time of sexual abuse was the strongest nondemographic predictor of mental health symptoms. Physical abuse was associated with more internalizing mental health problems for children from families with mental health problems and families with lower socioeconomic status. Implications for practice and research are discussed. [source] A history of sexual abuse and health: a Nordic multicentre studyBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 10 2004Malene Hilden Objectives To determine if a history of sexual abuse is associated with objective and subjective indicators of health and if certain abusive incidents had a stronger impact on health than others. Design A cross-sectional, multicentre study. Setting Five gynaecological departments in the five Nordic countries. Sample Three thousand five hundred and thirty-nine gynaecology patients. Methods The NorVold Abuse Questionnaire (NorAQ) on abuse history and current health was mailed to all patients who consented to participate. Main outcome measures Reason for index visit at the gynaeocological clinic as well as several questions on health were recorded. General health status was measured as self-estimated health, psychosomatic symptoms (headache, abdominal pain, muscle, weakness, dizziness), number of health care visits and number of periods on sick leave. Result A history of sexual abuse was reported by 20.7% of respondents. A history of sexual abuse was significantly associated with chronic pelvic pain as reason for index visit (P < 0.01), laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.01), psychosomatic symptoms (P < 0.01), self-estimated poor health (P < 0.01), many health care visits (P < 0.01) and high incidence of sick leave (P < 0.01). Several subgroups within the group of sexually abused women were more likely to report poor health: women abused as both children and adults, women who experienced additional emotional and/or physical abuse and women abused by a person they knew. Conclusion Sexual abuse has a profound impact on women's health. Taking a history of sexual abuse seems particularly warranted when the patient presents with chronic pelvic pain or symptoms of a vague and diffuse nature. [source] Sexual abuse at a Swedish daycare centre: allegations, confessions and evaluationsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2000F Lindblad In September 1997, sexual abuse at a Swedish daycare centre was disclosed. The suspect, a male member of the staff, admitted having abused six children. A total of 30 children were included in the police investigation. In this study, these cases were evaluated individually using a child psychiatric method. Information was collected from the police investigation and from interviews with parents. The conclusions,categorized as "abuse likely", "abuse conceivable" or "abuse uncertain",were compared with the children's own reports, the legal evaluations and the confessions of the suspects. Conclusions: The correspondence of child reports with child psychiatric evaluations was fairly high, indicating that child reports may serve as a good screening indicator of abuse. There was little agreement between child psychiatric evaluations and legal decisions, which were based on the reports of suspects. Some differences may be explained by varied methodology, definitions and criteria. Others reflect real differences in opinion. Our study illustrates the need to establish legal criteria for statements from pre-schoolers if such evidence is to constitute the basis of a ruling without a confession. Studies comparing professional psychological assessments of children's statements about sexual abuse with independent data stand out as an important line of research for the future. 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