Firearm-Related Risks and Consequences for Immigrant Women in Abusive Relationships: Barriers to Reporting Threats to Safety and Recommendations for Safety Planning.

Firearms are the leading cause of intimate partner violence-related murders of women in the US. This study aimed to understand differing consequences of partners' firearm possession on abused women and barriers women face in reporting threats to safety due to the partners' possession of a firearm.. Additionally, the study explored participants' perceptions of effective approaches to risk assessments and safety planning with women who are at-risk for being harmed by their partners' possession of a firearm. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with seventeen service providers and 45 immigrant women survivors of intimate partner violence were conducted. Data were analyzed using content analysis procedure. Participants shared that the partners' possession of a firearm can increase risk for firearm-related injury or fatality in situations of escalation of violence. Abused women living with a partner with firearm possession live in constant fear or threat. The presence of a firearm can also be a trigger of unwanted memories of the past and can have legal and other consequences for survivors. Impediments to reporting threats to safety were barriers such as lack of knowledge of firearm-related risks and gender and social norms. The findings can be informative for safety planning with survivors of IPV whose partners own or have access to a firearm. Comprehensive assessment of risks and barriers can be used to develop individualized and tailored safety plans for survivors with a partner who possesses a firearm.

Empowerment Moderates the Relationship Between Partner Abuse and Suicidal Ideation for Immigrant Women.

PURPOSE: Research shows strong associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) among women and suicidal ideation but this topic is understudied among immigrant women in abusive relationships in the United States. Empowerment may play a significant role in protecting abused immigrant women from suicidal ideation but has not been studied with quantitative data. METHOD: The current study used convenience sampling. Immigrant women who experienced IPV were asked about IPV severity, empowerment, and where they were born. Bivariate associations among variables were assessed; empowerment was tested as a moderator of the relationship between IPV and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: The sample comprised 293 immigrant women, with 62.8% reporting suicidal ideation with a significantly greater proportion of women from South America than elsewhere reporting suicidal ideation. Empowerment buffered the effect of IPV on suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of suicidal ideation among immigrant women experiencing IPV is concerning. Severity of IPV, region of the world where women were born, and empowerment were all related to suicidal ideation, showing directions for future research. Empowerment nursing interventions are needed to address IPV and resulting mental health problems among immigrant women. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Cumulative Lifetime Violence and Bacterial Vaginosis Infection in Sexually Transmitted Infections: Findings From a Retrospective Cohort Study Among Black Women at Risk for HIV.

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition among women of reproductive age and has been associated with sexually transmitted infections. This study examines the association between cumulative lifetime violence exposure, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections among Black women at risk for HIV. Methods: HIV-negative Black women in a retrospective cohort study (N=230) completed survey questions on cumulative violence (exposure to sexual or physical abuse before age 18 years and exposure to intimate partner violence or sexual violence [partner or other] after age 18 years and past year), bacterial vaginosis (lifetime and past year), and sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (lifetime and past year). Logistic regression models estimated the associations between cumulative violence, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial vaginosis was examined as a moderator in the association between cumulative violence and sexually transmitted infections. Results: Many women reported cumulative violence exposure (40%), lifetime bacterial vaginosis diagnosis (53%), and lifetime sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (73%). Cumulative violence experience was significantly associated with increased adjusted odds of lifetime bacterial vaginosis diagnosis (AOR=1.98; 95% CI=1.10, 3.54). Lifetime bacterial vaginosis diagnosis (AOR=2.76; 95% CI=1.45, 5.22) and past-year bacterial vaginosis diagnosis (AOR=2.16; 95% CI=1.14, 4.10) were significantly associated with increased odds of lifetime sexually transmitted infection diagnosis. Lifetime bacterial vaginosis diagnosis (AOR=2.10; 95% CI=1.19, 3.70) and past-year bacterial vaginosis diagnosis (AOR=3.00; 95% CI=1.70, 5.31) were significantly associated with past-year sexually transmitted infection diagnosis. Lifetime bacterial vaginosis infection significantly increased the odds of lifetime sexually transmitted infection diagnosis with increasing cumulative violence exposure. Conclusions: Our findings support educating and screening Black women who experience cumulative violence for bacterial vaginosis to reduce the risk of untreated bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections.

Nurses' preparedness, opinions, barriers, and facilitators in responding to intimate partner violence: A mixed-methods study.

INTRODUCTION: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with multiple adverse health consequences. Nurses (including midwives) are well positioned to identify patients subjected to IPV, and provide care, support, and referrals. However, studies about nursing response to IPV are limited especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study aimed to examine nurses' perceived preparedness and opinions toward IPV and to identify barriers and facilitators in responding to IPV. DESIGN: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted by collecting quantitative data first and explaining the quantitative findings with qualitative data. METHODS: The study was conducted in two tertiary general hospitals in northeastern (Shenyang city) and southwestern (Chengdu city) China with 1500 and 1800 beds, respectively. A total of 1071 survey respondents (1039 female [97.0%]) and 43 interview participants (34 female [79.1%]) were included in the study. An online survey was administered from September 3 to 23, 2020, using two validated scales from the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted from September 15 to December 23, 2020, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS: The survey respondents largely agreed with feeling prepared to manage IPV, e.g., respond to discourses (544 [50.8%] of 1071) and report to police (704 [65.7%] of 1071). The findings of surveyed opinions (i.e., Response competencies; Routine practice; Actual activities; Professionals; Victims; Alcohol/drugs) were mixed and intertwined with social desirability bias. The quantitative and qualitative data were consistent, contradicted, and supplemented. Key qualitative findings were revealed that may explain the quantitative results, including lack of actual preparedness, absence of IPV-related education, training, or practice, and socially desirable responses (especially those pertaining to China's Anti-domestic Violence Law). Commonly reported barriers (e.g., patients' reluctance to disclose; time constraints) and facilitators (e.g., patients' strong need for help; female nurses' gender advantage), as well as previously unreported barriers (e.g., IPV may become a workplace taboo if there are healthcare professionals known as victims/perpetrators of IPV) and facilitators (e.g., nurses' responses can largely meet the first-line support requirements even without formal education or training on IPV) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses may play a unique and important role in responding to IPV in LMICs where recognition is limited, education and training are absent, policies are lacking, and resources are scarce. Our findings support World Health Organization recommendations for selective screening. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study highlights the great potential of nurses for IPV prevention and intervention especially in LMICs. The identified barriers and facilitators are important evidence for developing multifaceted interventions to address IPV in the health sector.

Risk and Protective Factors for Firearm Assault Injuries Among Black Men: A Scoping Review of Research.

Black men are disproportionately affected by firearm assaults in the United States, and these disparities are rooted in structural and social inequities. The objective of this scoping review of research was to identify risk and protective factors for firearm assault injuries among Black men at all levels of the social-ecological framework. The search was conducted in 2021. The initial search generated 1,122 articles. Studies were eligible if they (a) included an analysis of modifiable risk or protective factors for firearm assaults among Black men; (b) reported an estimate of correlation, association, or effect between risk or protective factors and firearm assault injuries, firearm violence, and/or firearm homicides; and (c) were published peer-reviewed articles. In all, 19 articles were identified for review. Risk factors identified at each ecological level include the following: (1) Individual: firearm possession/weapon use and criminal legal system interaction; (2) Relationships: gang membership and exposure to other people who have experienced a firearm assault; (3) Community: indicators for socioeconomic status and racial residential segregation; and (4) Societal: historical racist policy. Individual-level substance use had mixed results. Few (26%) studies examined protective factors at any ecological level, but community-level factors like neighborhood tree cover were identified. Future research needs to examine risk and protective factors at the societal level and multiple ecological levels simultaneously leading to more effective multi-level interventions that will guide policy formation. A greater diversity of study designs, research methods, and theoretical frameworks is needed to better understand factors associated with firearm assault among Black men.

Development of an HIV/STI and partner violence health promotion intervention for abused US Virgin Islands women.

Women in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at disproportionate rates compared to women on the US mainland. Women in violent relationships report experiencing controlling behaviours that decrease their ability to negotiate for sex using condoms or to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Though several evidence-based interventions exist to prevent either IPV or HIV, few address them through an integrated health promotion approach or attend to particular USVI cultural mores. This article describes the systematic development of a theory based, culturally tailored, integrated health promotion intervention that addresses IPV and HIV among USVI women experiencing abuse. The process included: (i) identifying and integrating evidence-based health promotion interventions, (ii) conducting formative research using focus groups, (iii) synthesizing focus group data to inform intervention development and (iv) developing a culturally and linguistically appropriate intervention specific to the needs and concerns of USVI women. The Empowered Sisters Project: Making Choices Reducing Risks (ESP) was developed through this research. ESP is a three-session health promotion curriculum focussed on enhancing sexual health and safety among women experiencing abuse. The ESP intervention components included promoting condom use, increasing IPV and HIV knowledge and developing a personalized safety plan. Health professionals facilitated individual intervention sessions using culturally tailored visual media and scripts. This program focussed on experiences of women living in the USVI and has implications for utility across the Caribbean diaspora.

Discrimination, Sexual Violence, Depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Support among Black Women.

BACKGROUND: Black Americans face significant discrimination associated with mental health disorder, which may be exacerbated among sexually victimized people. Social support may buffer that relationship. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from a retrospective cohort study were analyzed to examine if discrimination and sexual victimization overlap to exacerbate symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to determine the extent to which social support moderated that association among Black women living in Baltimore, Maryland [138 non-abused (no physical/sexual victimization) and 98 abused (sexually victimized) since age 18]. RESULTS: Symptoms of depression and PTSD were independently associated with discrimination. Multilinear regression showed social support from friends moderated the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms among sexually abused participants only. CONCLUSION: Discrimination may exacerbate symptoms of depression and PTSD more for sexually victimized Black women, but sources of informal social support may attenuate adverse effects of discrimination on depressive symptoms among members of that group.

Risks of Severe Assault and Intimate Partner Homicide among Transgender and Gender Diverse Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: Preliminary Findings from Community Listening Sessions.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an epidemic among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. However, intimate partner homicide (IPH) among TGD people is under researched. Thus, thematic content analysis was used to describe and examine antecedents of severe assault and IPH among TGD adults who have experienced IPV (N = 13), via community listening sessions. While some themes resembled known severe assault and IPH risks among cisgender women, several themes were unique to TGD people and should be considered when safety planning with TGD individuals or adapting IPV screening tools for this population.

An examination of the association between forced sex history and reproductive coercion experiences among Black women attending STD clinics in Baltimore, MD, USA.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive coercion victimization (RCV) is a significant public health issue that negatively affects women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Less is known about reproductive coercion perpetration (RCP). Few studies have examined these phenomena among representative samples of Black women. METHODS: Retrospective data of women (n = 298) attending STD clinics in Baltimore, MD were analyzed. We calculated lifetime and 12-month prevalence reports of reproductive coercion, and reported values stratified by forced sex history. Binomial logistic regression models were used to examine the association between forced sex history and RCV, accounting for other types of violence typologies. RESULTS: Lifetime and past 12-month RCV and RCP prevalence were higher among women with forced sex experiences than their counterparts (Lifetime RCV: 46.9% versus 17.5%; past 12-month RCV: 19.4% versus 8.5%. Lifetime RCP: 24.5% versus 17%; past 12-month RCP: 13.3% versus 10.5%). Adjusted models, lifetime reproductive coercion: Women reporting forced sex had a 3.58 times higher odds of having had experienced RCV compared to women not reporting forced sex (AOR 3.58; 95% CI 2.00, 6.46). Women reporting forced sex had a 3.66 times higher odds of having ever experienced pregnancy coercion compared to their counterparts (AOR 3.66; 95% CI 1.93, 7.03) and 4.30 times higher odds of having ever experienced condom manipulation (AOR 4.30; 95% CI 2.15, 8.86). Adjusted models, past 12-month reproductive coercion: Women reporting forced sex had a 2.72 times higher odds of having had experienced past 12-month RCV compared to women not reporting forced sex (AOR 2.72; 95% CI 1.27, 5.91). Women reporting forced sex had a 3.25 times higher odds of having experienced past 12-month pregnancy coercion compared to their counterparts (AOR 3.25; 95% CI 1.38, 7.83) and 3.41 times higher odds of having experienced past 12-month condom manipulation (AOR 3.41; 95% CI 1.14, 10.98). CONCLUSIONS: Participants in our study reported high rates of RCV. Our novel exploration revealed significantly high rates of co-occurring forced sex experiences and RCV and initial prevalence report of RCP. Agencies have a unique opportunity to intervene by implementing screening protocols and referrals for supportive services. These findings may inform future intervention research efforts aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes among Black women.

Didn't put a label on it: Examining intimate partner strangulation within a diagnostic framework.

AIMS: The aim was to examine and describe women's emergency department visits and care-seeking experiences, including recognition, evaluation and communication of symptoms, injuries and health risks after non-fatal intimate partner strangulation. DESIGN: Using a diagnostic process framework, this mixed-methods study explores concordance and discordance of interview and medical records data to highlight opportunities for clinical diagnostic improvement. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews with women after an emergency department visit for non-fatal intimate partner strangulation, concurrent with medical records reviews, were conducted between March 2018 and January 2019. A constant comparative approach was used to analyse interview and medical record data using an a priori codebook designed based on the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine's conceptual model of the diagnostic process and prior intimate partner violence research. RESULTS: Interviews reflected participants did not have a sense of long-term health risks from their strangulation beyond addressing emotional trauma. Women noted that forensic and emergency nursing support was treatment in and of itself that allowed them to be heard and validated. Medical record clinical impressions and final diagnoses included domestic violence, domestic abuse or sexual assault, but not specifically strangulation. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the growing literature regarding strangulation diagnosis and care. Our findings provide new details of women's emergency department care-seeking experiences which, whilst overall aligned with medical records documentation, were not reflected in final diagnostic impressions nor in patient recollection of long-term health risks. IMPACT: Nurses are strongly positioned as clinical practice leaders and policy advocates to improve collective responses to this dangerous violence mechanism. Actions such as improving patient education, referral and follow-up options to better communication and address long-term strangulation risk are one example. Further research on non-fatal intimate partner strangulation and care-seeking is warranted to expand this knowledge, particularly in longitudinal cohorts and varied geographical areas.

Characterising a syndemic among black women at risk for HIV: the role of sociostructural inequity and adverse childhood experiences.

Objectives Black women disproportionately experience STIs (including HIV/AIDS), gender-based violence, substance misuse and mental health conditions. Addressing a gap in syndemic research, we characterised comorbidity overlap within the context of sociostructural inequities and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among black women in Baltimore, Maryland. Methods Between 2015 and 2018, black women (n=305) were recruited from STI clinics in Baltimore, Maryland. Among those with complete survey data (n=230), we conducted a latent class analysis to differentiate women based on their profile of the following syndemic comorbidities: STIs, adult sexual victimisation, substance misuse and mental health disorders. We then examined the association between ACEs and syndemic latent class membership. Results Thirty-three percent of women experienced three to nine ACEs before age 18 years, and 44% reported four to six comorbidities. The two-class latent class solution demonstrated the best fit model, and women were categorised in either class 1 (past-year STI; 59%) or class 2 (syndemic comorbidities; 41%). Women in class 2 were more likely to report unstable housing (10% vs 3%) and identify as bisexual/gay (22% vs 10%) than women in class 1. ACEs were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of class 2 membership. Conclusions This study reinforces the importance of screening for ACEs and offering trauma-informed, integrated care for black women with syndemic comorbidities. It also highlights the critical nature of tailoring interventions to improve sociostructural equity, preventing and reducing syndemic development.

Discrimination, resilience, and HIV testing frequency among black women seeking services from STD clinics.

RATIONALE: In the United States, Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for most new HIV infections diagnosed among women. Socio-structural barriers to HIV testing include stigma and discrimination but may be mitigated by resilience. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effect of discrimination and resilience on HIV testing behaviors among Black women. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, we conducted The ESSENCE Project, a retrospective cohort study on the role of physiological and environmental factors on the association between sexual assault and HIV risk among Black women in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Black women aged 18-44 were recruited from public health STD clinics and completed an audio-computer-assisted self-interview survey. Hierarchical multiple negative binomial regression models were used to examine the associations of everyday discrimination (subtle and overt) and resilience on HIV testing frequency; resilience and its subscales (relational maintenance, personal fortitude, positive coping, independence and insight) were also examined as moderators. RESULTS: Among 236 Black women reporting HIV testing history, the median number of lifetime HIV tests was 4 (IQR = 2, 6). Mean everyday discrimination was 2.3 (SD = 1.2). Mean resilience was 5.3 (SD = 0.8). Everyday discrimination and its subscales (overt and subtle) were negatively associated with lifetime HIV testing frequency, while overall resilience was not associated with lifetime HIV testing frequency. Accounting for demographics, overall resilience moderated the association of subtle discrimination and lifetime HIV testing frequency. For the resilience subscales, more specifically: (1) associations of subtle discrimination and HIV testing frequency were significant at the lowest relational maintenance and lowest positive coping resilience; and (2) the association of subtle discrimination and HIV testing frequency was significant at the highest resilience for all four subscales. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for provider- and community-level interventions addressing the deleterious effects of everyday discrimination and more specifically subtle everyday discrimination to encourage HIV testing.

Cultural Protection from Polysubstance Use Among Native American Adolescents and Young Adults.

Reservation-based Native American youth are at disproportionate risk for high-risk substance use. The culture-as-treatment hypothesis suggests aspects of tribal culture can support prevention and healing in this context; however, the protective role of communal mastery and tribal identity have yet to be fully explored. The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between cultural factors and high-risk substance use, which includes polysubstance use, early initiation of alcohol and illicit drugs, and binge drinking, and (2) substance use frequency and prevalence of various substances via cross-sectional design. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to analyze data from 288 tribal members (15-24 years of age) residing on/near the Fort Peck Reservation in the Northern Plains. When controlling for childhood trauma and school attendance, having at least a high school education (OR = 0.434, p = 0.028), increased communal mastery (OR = 0.931, p = 0.007), and higher levels of tribal identity (OR = 0.579, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with lower odds of polysubstance use. Overall prevalence of polysubstance use was 50%, and binge drinking had the highest single substance prevalence (66%). Prevalence of early initiation of substances (≤ 14 years) was inhalants (70%), alcohol (61%), marijuana (74%), methamphetamine (23%), and prescription drug misuse (23%). Hydrocodone, an opioid, was the most frequently misused prescription drug. Findings indicate programs focused on promoting education engagement, communal mastery, and tribal identity may mitigate substance use for Native American adolescents living in high-risk, reservation-based settings.

Impact of Sources of Strengths on Coping and Safety of Immigrant Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a national and international public health and human rights concern. Immigrant women are disproportionately affected by IPV that includes homicides. This study explored the perspectives of survivors of IPV, who are immigrants to the United States, regarding their sources of strength that enhance their safety and promote coping in abusive relationships. Data for this qualitative study were collected from ethnically diverse immigrant women residing in Massachusetts, Arizona, Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York, Minnesota, and California, using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Eighty-three in-depth interviews were conducted with adult immigrant survivors of IPV who self-identified as Asian (n = 30), Latina (n = 30), and African (n = 23). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Women identified both external (e.g., community support, support from social service agencies) and internal (e.g., optimism, faith, beliefs) sources of strength. The study highlights how these sources can adequately address needs of survivors and offers areas for improvement in services for survivors. The findings are informative for practitioners serving immigrant survivors of IPV in legal, social service, and physical and mental health settings.

Describing Nonfatal Intimate Partner Strangulation Presentation and Evaluation in a Community-Based Hospital: Partnerships Between the Emergency Department and In-House Advocates.

OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of strangulation, and associated medical care, documentation, and injuries of women after nonfatal intimate partner strangulation (NF-IPS) who present for care to a community-based emergency department (ED) with an associated intimate partner violence (IPV) advocacy program between 2008 and 2016. SETTING, DESIGN, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective review of 345 female ED patients' medical records who sought care at a community hospital ED following a physical assault including strangulation by an intimate partner was conducted. Demographics, characteristics related to reported signs and symptoms, injuries, and subsequent imaging, diagnoses, and discharge information were abstracted. RESULTS: Commonly reported symptoms were neck pain (67.2%) and headache (45.8%), with fewer patients reporting more severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness (22.6%), dysphagia (25.0%), or dysphonia (26.7%). Rates of patients disclosing strangulation to the entire multidisciplinary team and dedicated neck imaging appeared to improve between 2008 and 2014. Among the 45 patients with noted head and neck findings, 2 patients were found to have an internal carotid artery dissection, 2 patients were found to have strokes, and 1 patient was found to have an intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of NF-IPS may present to community-based hospitals, and existing imaging guidelines can support clinicians in identifying serious internal injury such as carotid artery dissection and stroke. Further research is needed to better discern symptoms previously attributed to psychological trauma from poststrangulation brain injury. This study contributes to the growing literature on NF-IPS with data specific to community-based ED visits.

Greenness and the Potential Resilience to Sexual Violence: "Your Neighborhood Is Being Neglected Because People Don't Care. People With Power Don't Care".

There is increasing evidence that green space in communities reduces the risk of aggression and violence, and increases wellbeing. Positive associations between green space and resilience have been found among children, older adults and university students in the United States, China and Bulgaria. Little is known about these associations among predominately Black communities with structural disadvantage. This study explored the potential community resilience in predominately Black neighborhoods with elevated violent crime and different amounts of green space. This embedded mixed-methods study started with quantitative analysis of women who self-identified as "Black and/or African American." We found inequality in environments, including the amount of green space, traffic density, vacant property, and violent crime. This led to 10 indepth interviews representing communities with elevated crime and different amounts of green space. Emergent coding of the first 3 interviews, a subset of the 98 in the quantitative analysis, led to a priori coding of barriers and facilitators to potential green space supported community resilience applied to the final 7 interview data. Barriers were a combination of the physical and social environment, including traffic patterns, vacant property, and crime. Facilitators included subjective qualities of green space. Green spaces drew people in through community building and promoting feelings of calmness. The transformation of vacant lots into green spaces by community members affords space for people to come together and build community. Green spaces, a modifiable factor, may serve to increase community resilience and decrease the risk of violence.

Safety Planning With Marginalized Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Challenges of Conducting Safety Planning Intervention Research With Marginalized Women.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects marginalized women in the United States. This calls for effective safety planning strategies to reduce the risk for future revictimization and address safety needs of survivors from marginalized groups. This review identified types of interventions that incorporated safety planning and were successful in reducing the risk for future revictimization among IPV survivors from diverse groups, examined elements of safety planning in effective interventions, and described challenges or limitations in safety planning intervention research with marginalized women. A systematic search of five databases was performed. The search resulted in inclusion of 17 studies for synthesis. The included studies were quantitative, U.S.-based, evaluated interventions with a safety planning component, and had an outcome of change in IPV. Effective interventions that incorporated safety planning were empowerment and advocacy focused. Elements included were comprehensive assessments of survivors' unique needs and situations, educating them about IPV, helping them identify threats to safety, developing a concrete safety plan, facilitating linkage with resources, providing advocacy services as needed, and conducting periodic safety check-ins. For survivors with mental and behavioral health issues, effective interventions included psychotherapeutic approaches along with safety planning to address survivors' co-occurring health care needs. Although most studies reported positive findings, there were limitations related to designs, methods, adequate inclusion, and representation of marginalized women and cultural considerations. This calls for additional research using rigorous and culturally informed approaches to establish an evidence base for effective interventions that specifically address the safety planning needs of marginalized survivors of IPV.

'So hurt and broken': A qualitative study of experiences of violence and HIV outcomes among Zambian youth living with HIV.

Emerging data show associations between violence victimisation and negative HIV outcomes among youth in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted in-depth interviews with adolescents and young adults living with HIV (aged 15-24 years) in Ndola, Zambia, to better understand this relationship. We purposively selected 41 youth (24 females, 17 males) with varied experiences of violence and virologic results. Analysis used thematic coding. Two-thirds of participants said violence affected their medication adherence, clinic attendance, and/or virologic results. They focused on the negative effects of psychological abuse from family members in homes and peers at schools, which were the most salient forms of violence raised, and sexual violence against females. In contrast, they typically depicted physical violence from caregivers and teachers as a standard discipline practice, with few impacts. Youth wanted HIV clinic settings to address verbal abuse and emotional maltreatment, alongside physical and sexual violence, including through peer mentoring. Violence - especially verbal and emotional forms - must be recognised as a potential barrier to HIV self-management among youth living with HIV in the region. Further testing of clinic, home, and school-based interventions may be critical to reducing levels of violence and improving HIV outcomes in this vulnerable but resilient population.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04115813.

Longitudinal Impact of the myPlan App on Health and Safety Among College Women Experiencing Partner Violence.

The objective of this study was to examine differences in change over time in health and safety outcomes among female college students randomized to myPlan, a tailored safety planning app, or usual web-based safety planning resources. Three hundred forty-six women (175 intervention, 171 control) from 41 colleges/universities in Oregon and Maryland completed surveys at baseline, 6- and 12-months from July 2015 to October 2017. Generalized estimating equations were used to test group differences across time. Both groups improved on four measure of intimate partner violence (IPV; Composite Abuse Scale [CAS], TBI-related IPV, digital abuse, reproductive coercion [RC]) and depression. Reduction in RC and improvement in suicide risk were significantly greater in the myPlan group relative to controls (p = .019 and p = .46, respectively). Increases in the percent of safety behaviors tried that were helpful significantly reduced CAS scores, indicating a reduction in IPV over time in the myPlan group compared to controls (p = .006). Findings support the feasibility and importance of technology-based IPV safety planning for college women. myPlan achieved a number of its objectives related to safety planning and decision-making, the use of helpful safety behaviors, mental health, and reductions in some forms of IPV.