Child abuse may be the cause of clinical signs that are often poorly understood, leading to an underestimation of violence. According to United Nations agencies, 1 billion children worldwide are victims of violence. The objective of this study was to identify the clinical signs of abused children during a consultation in primary care. A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane, PsycInfo, Embase, and CINAHL databases from 1996 to January 2024. The studies included focused on children aged 0-18 who were victims of abuse and presenting in primary care. Among the 3811 articles found in the databases, 19 were included in the review. Signs of physical trauma included fractures, bruises, burns, and genital and neurological injuries. Somatic symptoms in children may include abdominal pain, persistent nonspecific symptoms, and atopic manifestations such as eczema or asthma. The psychological symptoms identified were depression, despair, and anxiety. Abuse is also associated with behavioral disorders (externalizing or internalizing behaviors) and developmental delays (language, learning, and social interaction disorders). Few articles have investigated the clinical signs of child victims of violence presenting in primary care. These children may present with various clinical signs (physical trauma, pain, atopy, psychological disorders, behavioral disorders, developmental delays) that highlight the importance of considering abuse as the cause. Child abuse is a major public health issue that can cause physical, psychological, and social problems. This systematic review was conducted from 1996 to 2024 to identify the clinical signs of child abuse in primary care. Nineteen studies were included, most from the USA and Europe. Children who are victims of abuse may present direct stigmata (fractures, bruises, or burns), nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, atopy (nocturnal asthma symptoms and eczema), and psychological (depression, anxiety) or behavioral problems. Developmental delays in language, learning, or social interaction were also reported. General practitioners are on the front line for detecting clinical signs of child abuse, and their ability to recognize early signs of child abuse is essential. However, few studies have focused on primary care. Further research is needed on primary care and general medicine, both in terms of detection and long-term consequences (symptoms, addiction, perpetration, and adult victimization), as well as the approach and support provided by general practitioners when faced with these complex situations.
This study analyzes survivor and perpetrator profiles, patterns of domestic violence and abuse, and associated health consequences among women presenting to a hospital-integrated crisis center in India. It also examines associations between demographic characteristics and abuse types. This retrospective study included all consecutive survivors registered at a tertiary-care hospital-based crisis center in South India from August 2024 to August 2025. Structured documentation captured survivor demographics, perpetrator characteristics, abuse types, health outcomes, and help-seeking behavior. Categorical variables were expressed as frequency and percentage and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation. Associations were assessed using χ2 or Fisher's exact tests; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among 299 survivors, the mean age was 33.6 ± 8.1 years, 72.6% were married and 76.9% identified husbands as perpetrators. Emotional (86.0%), verbal (81.9%), and economic (69.9%) abuse predominated, while 57.9% reported physical violence and 29.1% sexual violence. Alcohol use among perpetrators was reported in 45.8%. Among survivors, 95.7% reported emotional distress, 50.5% sustained physical injuries, and 11.7% experienced reproductive health consequences. Married and divorced/separated survivors reported higher rates of economic, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse compared with single survivors. Profession was significantly associated with sexual violence, which was reported more frequently among women engaged in professional services (P < 0.001). Despite high severity, only 34.8% reported abuse to police and 10.0% initiated legal proceedings. Domestic violence among our cohort was predominantly characterized by emotional and economic abuse with substantial mental and reproductive health impacts. Despite help-seeking, legal engagement remains limited. Hospital-based crisis centers within obstetric services play an important role in identifying survivors, documenting cases and providing multidisciplinary support.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a pervasive and costly public health issue. Many IPV victims seek care in the emergency department (ED) due to injuries or related medical complaints; yet a substantial number of cases remain undetected. The challenge lies in implementing effective screening tools within the demanding environment of an ED. In this study we aimed to assess the efficacy of two brief IPV screening tools- the single question, "Have you been hit, kicked, punched, or otherwise hurt by someone in the past year?" and the 4-item Ongoing Violence Assessment Tool-and to compare them to the more comprehensive Index of Spouse Abuse, a validated 30-item survey that is considered the gold standard for IPV assessment. Our objective was to identify improved strategies for IPV screening in the busy ED setting. In this prospective study, every third English-speaking female patient 18-55 years of age presenting to our ED triage was invited to participate. Each participating patient was sequentially assigned to either the single question or the ongoing assessment screening group. Both groups completed feedback surveys about their experiences and the Index of Spouse Abuse survey. We used chi-square tests to compare categorical variables, and we used frequency tables to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each IPV screening tool. We compared test characteristics between the Ongoing Violence Asessment Tool or the single question screening tool to the Index of Spouse Abuse using the Fisher exact test. Mean duration was compared using two-tailed Student t-tests. The primary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of the single question assessment. and the 4-item Ongoing Violence Assessment Tool, using the Index of Spouse Abuse as the gold standard for IPV screening. Secondary outcomes were to record the length of time needed to screen with the single question assessment and the Ongoing Violence Assessment Tool and to collect participant feedback on the two screening tools. A total of 400 participants were enrolled in the study and completed the designated surveys. Screening time was significantly shorter in the single question group (median 6 seconds) compared to the ongoing assessment group (median13 seconds; P < .001). Feedback surveys did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. When compared to the Index of Spouse Abuse, the single question tool exhibited sensitivity of 53.3% and specificity of 94.1%, while the ongoing assessment demonstrated slightly higher sensitivity levels of 75.0% and lower specificity of 92.8%. For the single question assesssment, the positive predictive value was 42.1% and negative predictive value was 96.1%. For the Ongoing Violence Assessment Tool, the positive predictive value was 40.1% and the negative predictive value was 98.2%. The 7-second reduction in overall IPV screening time for the single question compared to the 4-item Ongoing Violence Assessment Tool likely has little clinical benefit, especially with its low sensitivity. Further studies are needed to identify the optimal screening tool for intimate partner violence in the emergency department.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child physical abuse often co-occur, but the frequency and risk factors for abusive injuries in IPV-exposed children remain unknown. Our objectives were to (1) determine frequency of skeletal surveys (SSs) and neuroimaging use because of IPV and their diagnostic value in children aged less than 24 months evaluated by a child abuse pediatrics specialist (CAP) and (2) identify factors associated with performance of and findings on SS and neuroimaging. We conducted a retrospective study of children aged less than 24 months undergoing CAP consultations because of IPV exposure from February 2021 to February 2024 in a multicenter child abuse research network. We analyzed use of SS and neuroimaging and associations between imaging use and sociodemographic factors and associations between imaging positivity and clinical factors (age, injury-related chief complaint, presenting trauma history, injury on physical examination). Among 326 children, 305 (93.6%) underwent SSs, with 29 (9.5%) positive for a new fracture. Among 267 children without signs/symptoms of head trauma, 110 (41.2%) had neuroimaging, with 7 (6.4%) positive for intracranial injury. There was no disproportionality in SS use, but race/ethnicity and insurance type were associated with the use of neuroimaging. The presence of an injury on physical examination finding was associated with newly identified fractures (15.7% vs 6.4%; P = .009). Current evidence supports use of SSs in children aged less than 24 months undergoing medical evaluations after exposure to IPV. Further research is needed to assess risk factors for positive findings on SSs and neuroimaging with larger sample sizes.
Domestic abuse is a significant public health issue associated with physical harm and long-term health consequences. Injuries involving the head, face, and oral region are among the most frequent physical manifestations, making oral and maxillofacial trauma a potentially critical indicator of abuse in clinical settings. This study aimed to examine the occurrence, demographic characteristics, and injury patterns of head and neck trauma associated with domestic abuse using provincial hospital-based data from Saskatchewan, Canada. A retrospective population-based analysis was conducted using the Health Research Data Platform-Saskatchewan. Records from the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) and the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) were reviewed for the period of 2017-2024. ICD-10-CA and CCI codes were used to identify head and neck injuries and cases in which the injuries were documented as related to domestic abuse. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Among 490,180 hospital visits for head and neck injuries, 510 were identified as domestic abuse-related, corresponding to 0.10% of all visits. Most cases involved women (83.1%), with the highest proportion occurring among adults aged 21-40 years. Physical abuse was the most frequently documented type, followed by sexual abuse, and intimate partners were the most common perpetrators. Superficial head injuries were the leading presentation (37%), followed by other head injuries (34%) and intracranial injuries (12%). About one-third of cases required imaging, indicating a substantial burden of clinically significant trauma. Domestic abuse-related head and neck injuries in Saskatchewan disproportionately affect young adult women and are most often linked to intimate partner violence. These findings support the need for improved screening, stronger interdisciplinary training, and better integration of domestic abuse recognition into healthcare and dental practice.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Screening uptake may be lower among women affected by sexual violence and abuse (SV&A), although evidence remains mixed. These women face unique barriers to accessing intimate healthcare, reflecting deep-rooted inequities. This systematic review examined how experiences of SV&A influence engagement with cervical screening and identified approaches that improve access to and experiences of screening care for this population. Medline, Embase, ASSIA, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library were searched. English-language studies and grey literature published from 2000 onwards exploring barriers and prevalence of cervical screening among women living with the impact of SV&A across OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries were included. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used by two independent reviewers to search, screen, data extract, critically appraise and narratively synthesise included studies. 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) engagement with cervical screening care, (2) influential factors and (3) compassionate care. Practical, emotional and structural barriers influenced attendance, with experiences of SV&A often leading to avoidance of intimate examinations. Compassionate and trauma-informed approaches emphasising trust, communication, choice and control were linked to improved engagement and more positive screening experiences. Understanding barriers to accessing cervical screening care for women who have experienced SV&A can enhance access to intimate screening care. Enhancing care at each stage of the screening process may better respond to women's individual experiences. Further research is needed to explore models of compassionate care and their longer-term impact on quality of life and health outcomes.
Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a public health concern, but Brazilian population-based evidence on childhood abuse, familial violence, and victimization markers across life stages is limited. This study examined CSA prevalence and associated familial and adult violence-related markers in two Brazilian settings. Data came from the Brazilian arm of the WHO Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence: 2645 women aged 15-49 years from São Paulo (n = 1172) and Zona da Mata de Pernambuco (n = 1473), surveyed in 2000-2001. Unconditional logistic regression, using a forward stepwise approach and complex-sampling correction, identified factors associated with CSA. Model 1 examined familial childhood-context markers; Model 2 examined markers reported at different life stages, including adult violence-related markers. CSA prevalence was 7.7% in São Paulo and 4.7% in Pernambuco; 94.5% of perpetrators were male. In Model 1, maternal IPV was associated with CSA (OR = 2.34; 95% CI [1.58, 3.48]). In Model 2, CSA was associated with adult victimization markers, including physical IPV in São Paulo (OR = 3.40; 95% CI [1.17, 9.91]) and sexual IPV in Pernambuco (OR = 3.90; 95% CI [1.35, 11.31]); early sexual initiation was examined as a related life-course marker. CSA was associated with familial and adult violence markers across life stages. These results support coordinated, trauma-informed, intersectoral approaches linking child protection, domestic violence responses, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and clinical support services.
Obesity and lifetime exposure to violence are preventable public health issues. The relationship between exposure to violence and obesity treatment outcomes has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of childhood trauma and violence during adulthood on short -term weight loss success among individuals with obesity. The study included 89 female patients diagnosed with obesity who had no active psychiatric disorders. Participants were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Clinical Version (SCID-5-CV). Childhood trauma was measured with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28). Exposure to physical, emotional, sexual, and economic violence during adulthood was evaluated using a researcher-developed questionnaire. After a three-month follow-up period, participants who achieved at least 5% weight loss, a short-term treatment target recommended for reducing morbidity were compared with those who did not. A substantial proportion of participants (85.4%) reported experiencing at least one type of childhood trauma, and more than half (51.7%) had been exposed to at least one type of violence in adulthood. Participants who failed to achieve ≥5% weight loss had significantly higher CTQ subscale scores for physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect (p <0.05). A significant association was also observed between childhood trauma and subsequent exposure to violence in adulthood (p <0.01). Effective weight loss was less common among individuals exposed to physical, emotional, economic, or sexual violence during adulthood; however, multivariate analyses revealed that only economic violence was a significant risk factor for unsuccessful weight loss (aOR=5.65[2.05-15.55]). This study highlights the high prevalence of exposure to different types of lifetime violence among women with obesity and demonstrates a significant association between trauma history and diminished weight loss outcomes. Integrating trauma-focused approaches into obesity treatment may contribute to improving both treatment and prevention processes.
Background/Objectives: Elder abuse remains a significantly underreported public health issue. The study examines how elder abuse is detected through a passive, suspicion-based case-finding pathway in an Italian university hospital emergency department (ED) and what the findings imply for improving systematic screening. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed elder abuse cases accessed at Careggi University Hospital ED (Florence, Italy) from 2017 to 2022. Eligible patients were aged ≥65 years and had suspected or confirmed elder abuse identified through Rosa Code protocol activation, abuse-related ICD-10 codes, and forensic consultation records. Two investigators independently reviewed eligible charts using predefined inclusion criteria and a standardized data-extraction form. Missing or unclear documentation was quantified descriptively, and no imputation was performed. Results: Sixty-seven elder abuse cases were identified during the six-year period, corresponding to a reported detection rate of 0.8% among the records screened for this study (mean: 11.2 cases/year). All eligible cases were captured through Rosa Code activation; ICD-10 and forensic-record searches did not identify additional cases. The majority of victims were women (76.1%), with a mean age of 75.5 years, and 76.1% had documented comorbidities. Physical abuse was the most common form (61.2%), predominantly perpetrated by family members (93.8%) within the victim's home (64.2%). Head and neck injuries were most frequent (43.3%). A notable 50% decline in reported cases occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite law enforcement notification in 78% of cases, 65.7% of patients were discharged home. Conclusions: The study's detection rate (<1%) falls critically short of international benchmarks (3-5%), underscoring urgent need for systematic screening using validated tools and staff training and multidisciplinary safeguarding pathways in Italian emergency departments.
The frequency of reports of abusive violence among US service members deployed to post-9/11 operations and the psychosocial associations of participating in such behaviors are largely unexamined. We examined reports of participation in and observation of abusive violence behaviors in a sample of deployed veterans (N = 1345) and explored their correlates, which were contrasted with reports of exposure to combat stressors, using Emotional Processing Theory as a framework for variable selection. Forty percent of the sample (46% of men, 35% of women) endorsed observing at least one abusive violence behavior and fourteen percent of the sample (23% of men, 6% of women) reported participation in at least one abusive violence behavior. The nomological networks of abusive violence participation and observation were highly similar, but distinct from combat exposure. Abusive violence participation and observation were comparable to combat exposure in their associations with externalizing problems (e.g., alcohol and substance use), but each had consistently smaller associations with internalizing distress (e.g., depression, PTSD symptoms). Reports of exposure to abusive violence, particularly via observation, appear to be relatively common among deployed veterans with varying severities of internalizing distress, and these unique experiences are associated with a range of mental and behavioral health symptoms and functional difficulties that diverge from those associated with combat exposure.
Hospital administrative data are widely used to monitor child physical abuse (CPA), but coding is often inconsistent. We described the national frequency and distribution of CPA-related coding in German administrative data and assessed how ICD-10-GM indicators and procedural coding influence ascertainment and temporal trends. We analysed aggregated German hospital data from the InEK data browser (2019-2024, ages 0-17 years), comparing T74.1 with broader indicator sets (a validated algorithm adapted to ICD-10-GM and an extended German set) and capturing procedural safeguarding documentation (OPS 1-945.x). We summarised principal diagnoses among hospitalisations with CPA-related coding and quantified CPA-related coding among admissions with predefined abuse-relevant injuries (fractures, haematomas) in children aged 0-2 years, a group at increased risk of physical abuse. CPA-related diagnostic coding remained rare (< 0.5% of annual admissions excluding procedural codes) but increased from 2019 to 2024, driven mainly by assessment- and psychosocial-context indicators (particularly Z04.5 and Z65), whereas T74.1 was stable or declining. Several low-frequency codes showed pronounced year-to-year variability. OPS 1-945.x-a child-protection assessment of suspected endangerment rather than confirmed abuse-had the highest counts and increased, with a decline in 2022. CPA-related indicators were mainly associated with head injuries, most often traumatic subdural haemorrhage and concussion. Among children with abuse-relevant fractures and haematomas, explicit T74.1 coding occurred in only a small minority, whereas OPS 1-945.x was more frequent.  These findings highlight the need for standardised coding guidance, validation of broader code sets, and training on administrative documentation to improve the surveillance value of hospital data. • CPA is under-coded in hospital administrative data; T74.1 is rarely used. • Broader ICD/procedure-based definitions can increase case capture. • German national discharge data (2019-2024) show stable/declining T74.1 with rising Z04.5/Z65 and increasing procedural codes OPS 1-945.x. • Including the broader indicator and procedural codes (e.g., Z04.5, Z65, OPS 1-945.x) reveals a marked shift in how concerns about CPA are documented, with these codes increasingly used alongside or instead of T74.1, particularly among children admitted with abuse-relevant injuries.
Bidirectional Violence (BV) in intimate relationships has become an increasingly recognized yet inconsistently defined phenomenon. This conceptual fragmentation presents a significant challenge to research, clinical practice, and policy development. This scoping review, conducted according to the PRISMA and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, aimed to map how BV has been conceptually defined and operationalized in empirical and theoretical studies. A total of 82 peer-reviewed articles, published between 1995 and January 2025, were analyzed, encompassing a range of disciplines and methodologies. Findings revealed considerable heterogeneity in terminology, ranging from typological approaches (Johnson, 1995) to specific concepts like "bidirectional violence," "mutual violence," "reciprocal violence," and "victim-perpetrator overlap," as well as the lack of consensus in their definitions and usage. Based on this evidence, we propose an integrative, minimal definition of BV, informed by systemic perspectives, which highlights the relevance of relational dynamics, motivational asymmetry, and escalation patterns for understanding violence involving both partners. The review highlights the urgent need for conceptual clarity and standardized operational frameworks to guide research, improve clinical assessment, and support more effective policy responses to intimate partner violence involving both partners.
Globally, rising temperatures and the frequency and severity of heatwaves are predicted to worsen over the coming years, yet the social impacts of this phenomenon remain under-researched. In particular, the relationship between extreme heat and gender-based violence (GBV) has received limited attention, despite growing concern that heat-related stress could exacerbate known drivers of violence. We conducted a systematic review following a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD42025645675). We searched academic and grey literature to identify the global quantitative evidence on the association between heat (measured as ambient temperature, heatwaves, or heat stress) and GBV (including intimate partner violence [IPV], non-partner sexual violence, and early marriage). Our search identified 23 reports describing 22 studies from both high- and low-income settings, including cross-sectional, ecological, time-series, and cohort designs. Of the 22 studies, 20 studies reported evidence of an association between higher temperatures and increased reporting of GBV. Notably, IPV and sexual violence were the most frequently reported outcomes. For early marriage specifically, two of three studies identified significant links between heat exposure and early marriage. Few studies disaggregated findings by age or gender, and none analysed outcomes for gender minorities or people with disabilities. The evidence suggests that heat may act as a trigger, stressor, or amplifier of violence, particularly in contexts of economic precarity, poor housing, or weakened health and protection systems. Yet, current climate and heat preparedness plans rarely account for GBV risks. There is an urgent need for longitudinal studies using interdisciplinary methods and expanding community-led research to centre lived experiences of populations at highest risk to better inform prevention and response strategies for GBV and to embed gender equality considerations into global heat action plans, social protection, and early warning systems.
The primary focus of the study was to explore the psychosocial experiences, abuses, and exploitations, and adaptation mechanisms of Ethiopian women who were victims of trafficking in the Middle East countries. The study explores contributing factors to trafficking, mental health impacts, significant forms of abuses and exploitations, victims' coping strategies, and post trafficking situations. a phenomenological qualitative approach was used using a semi-structured in-depth interview with 30 Ethiopian women who survived human trafficking. To identify key patterns in the participants' narratives, thematic analysis was used. The results of the study show that economic hardship, gender-based violence, and the need for a better life were the primary causes of trafficking. Survivors endured harsh labor exploitation, economic exploitation, sexual abuse, and psychological trauma. Social isolation, combined with language and cultural barriers, aggravated their agony. After being released from trafficking, survivors faced health decline, psychological trauma, and substance abuse. The coping mechanisms used by victims were spirituality, writing, music, familial support, and maladaptive strategies. The findings of the study emphasize the need for trauma-informed interventions, psychosocial supports, and legal protections for human trafficking victim survivors. Policymakers and service providers should address systematic vulnerabilities and optimize rehabilitation efforts to mitigate long-term consequences.
There is limited research describing survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Malawi. This study examined characteristics, medical management, and outcomes of GBV survivors presenting at health facilities in Neno district, Malawi. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study, using facility-based GBV registers at 14 health facilities in Neno district, Malawi. We categorized all variables and used frequencies and percentages. We used Chi-square and Fisher exact to test the association between sexual abuse and other variables. Of 465 GBV survivors, 59.1% were sexually abused, and 56.8% sought help within 72 h after the incident. The majority of survivors were female (n = 413, 88.8%), unmarried (n = 334, 71.8%), and aged 18 years or younger (n = 282, 60.6%). Psychological and trauma counselling was provided to 85.6% and 84.1% of survivors, respectively. Of 275 SGBV survivors, 74.9% tested HIV negative, and 25.8% (n = 71) tested Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) positive. Of the 33 eligible women, 40% tested pregnancy positive. Only 26.6% of the eligible 275 SGBV survivors received STI prophylaxis, and 47.1% of the eligible 85 SGBV survivors received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Emergency contraception was given to twelve of 29 eligible women. We found an association between sexual abuse and reporting to the health facility within or after 72 h, age of the victim, sex of the victim, marital status, and referral to social welfare (p < 0.001). GBV survivors district-wide were mainly at or below 18 years of age, female, and unmarried. A majority of the survivors were sexually abused, and over half of the survivors reported cases within 72 h of the incident taking place. Our study demonstrates that providing standard, and coordinated GBV care in a rural setting is possible. Improvements to documentation tools is needed to enhance follow-up interventions.
Understanding the experiences of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in adolescent dating relationships is critical to addressing its physical and psycho-social impacts. Intervention research on IPV in dating relationships often focuses on high-income contexts. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies on dating violence among adolescents and young people aged 10 to 25 years in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Twelve databases were systematically searched last in March 2023. Twenty-three publications describing 22 qualitative studies across 13 countries met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis of the included study findings led to five themes: experiences of violence, causal attributions, impact, help-seeking and expectations of support. Findings revealed cross-regional experiences of physical violence, sexual coercion, control, and emotional violence both offline and online, associated with physical harm and adverse psycho-social effects. Traditional gender norms were key drivers of dating violence, maintained and normalised by myths of romantic love. Help-seeking was limited to informal sources, unless medical attention was necessary. Our findings highlight the severity of harms associated with dating violence and the limited resources available for adolescents in low-resource settings. We make a case for developing prevention interventions that address risk factors at multiple levels - individual, interpersonal, social and cultural - and that overcome the barriers identified by adolescents and young people from LMIC settings. The review protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021267236).
Sexual violence against women in armed conflicts has become a weapon with various strategic purposes. It is used as a tool to humiliate and demoralise the enemy, as well as to exert territorial control and "ethnic cleansing." Not only seeks the individual suffering but also destroys the social fabric of her community. This study aims to analyze the psychosocial impact of sexual violence experienced by women during armed conflicts, focusing on its effects on mental health and social relationships. Adhering to Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, we employed a systematic review of 30 scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025, extracted from the Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, and Embase databases. These articles, qualitative and quantitative, address the psychosocial consequences of this violence on women in various conflicts. Of the initial 2,151 articles, 30 met the inclusion criteria. The main outcomes reveal severe psychosocial consequences in survivors. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is the main one, depression and anxiety are reported in 40% of the studies. Moreover, all of them agree that women experience severe deterioration in their social relationships, in 59% of cases they are abandoned or expelled by their partners. Added to this, 30% of studies highlight that physical health consequences worsen social exclusion and mental health. This study emphasises the need to develop holistic, comprehensive and culturally sensitive intervention and support strategies, from social, psychological, and medical professions that deal with the impact of sexual violence.
In long-term residential care, power imbalances and care-related stressors may create conditions for violence, which occurs in multiple directions and can take various forms. Both residents and staff may be affected as victims or perpetrators, particularly in contexts shaped by cognitive impairment, organizational constraints, or interpersonal stress. Despite its prevalence and complexity, systematic evidence on structured, institution-level risk assessment approaches remains limited. This scoping review therefore investigates recommendations for facility-specific risk assessments to prevent violence and identifies risk factors for violence in residential long-term care settings. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL via EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library. Grey literature was also included. Eligible publications addressed institutional risk factors or described the validation or application of risk assessment tools in long-term care settings. The search adhered to Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, with data extraction and analyses based on consensus among three reviewers. A total of 64 articles were included, with 3 focusing on the validation of risk assessments and 61 describing risk factors for violence in long-term care. Eleven risk analyses from major residential long-term care providers were identified, of which four domains for risk factors were deduced: (a) work organization and facility structures, (b) residents, (c) staff, and (d) building aspects. There is a need for evidence-based risk assessment strategies in long-term care settings. These should address identified risk factors through staff training, organizational support, and resident care strategies.
Violence against children (VAC) is a global health issue. Research that includes child participants is essential for their perspectives to be fully represented in policy and interventions that affect them. There is a gap in our understanding of how VAC researchers have engaged with young children as participants. This scoping review maps the study design, research methods, and ethical practices undertaken in VAC research with children aged 2 to 12. Eleven databases were searched, in addition to gray literature and recommendations from the EndViolence Lab. Documents were assessed against inclusion criteria, including a focus on data collection with children aged 2 to 12 on experiences of violence. Both empirical studies and guidance articles and reports were included. Data extraction from 21 empirical studies and themes from 14 guidance articles were cross-referenced to further map current practices. Engaging young children in VAC research was shown to be possible by creating a safe and comfortable research environment, using child-specific measures and engagement techniques, managing adult gatekeepers and participants, training interviewers, gaining consent from children, and establishing referral protocols. By using the study designs, methods and ethical protocols compiled in this scoping review, future researchers can continue to engage young children in VAC research and expand our knowledge of children's experiences of violence in the movement to end VAC.
Previous research has identified certain factors that support the healing and recovery of victim-survivors of family violence; however, far less is known about the recovery experiences of women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Therefore, this meta-synthesis analysed existing qualitative evidence from the literature to explore the facilitators of recovery and healing among multicultural victim-survivors of family violence. Ten databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles and grey literature published between 2014 and October 2024. Studies that included non-Anglo-Saxon women who had experienced family or intimate partner violence as adults and examined factors that promoted recovery and healing were selected. A total of 25 studies with 407 participants published between 2015 and 2024 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the results. Studies represented over 15 different cultural groups across various countries and contexts. Thematic synthesis of the included studies led to the development of the following seven key analytical themes: (1) informal and formal supports, (2) the role of children, (3) spirituality and faith, (4) agency and reconnecting to self, (5) purposeful mind-body practices, (6) self-development through prosocial behaviour, and (7) perseverance and envisioning a better future. The findings illustrate that recovery and healing among multicultural victim-survivors is a dynamic, multifaceted process influenced by interrelated factors. An increased understanding of these facilitators will help inform culturally responsive and trauma-informed care that more effectively addresses the needs of multicultural women experiencing family violence.