Evidências científicas da prática da violência contra a pessoa idosa: revisão integrativa / Evidencias científicas de la práctica de violencia contra personas mayores: revisión integradora / Scientific evidence of the violence against the older adult: an integrative review

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar as evidências científicas da violência praticada contra a pessoa idosa, com destaque para a prevalência, o perfil da vítima e os fatores de risco. Métodos: Revisão integrativa de artigos disponíveis nas bases de dados da PubMed®, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Banco de Dados em Enfermagem (BDENF), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), publicados entre 2015 a 2019, a partir dos descritores: "idoso", " elderly ", " older person " , " aged ", " old ", " exposure to violence ", "exposição à violência", " aging ", envelhecimento", " elder abuse " , " domestic violence " , " violence ", "violência", "maus-tratos ao idoso" e "violência doméstica". Para refinamento, foram utilizadas as quatro fases do diagrama de fluxo de seleção de artigos do PRISMA. Resultados: Foram identificados 17 artigos que apresentaram como fatores de risco aumentados para a violência contra a pessoa idosa idade avançada, disfuncionalidade familiar, falta de acesso a direitos sociais e condições crônicas de incapacidade. Conclusão: O estudo traz contribuições diretas para os profissionais e setores interessados no enfrentamento da violência contra a pessoa idosa, a qual possui alta prevalência na sociedade atual.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar las evidencias científicas de la violencia practicada contra personas mayores, con énfasis en la prevalencia, el perfil de la víctima y los factores de riesgo. Métodos: Revisión integradora de artículos disponibles en las bases de datos de PubMed®, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Banco de Dados em Enfermagem (BDENF), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) y Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), publicados entre 2015 y 2019, a partir de los descriptores: "anciano", " elderly ", " older person " , " aged ", " old ", " exposure to violence ", "exposición a la violencia", " aging ", "envejecimiento", " elder abuse " , " domestic violence " , " violence ", "violencia", "malos tratos al anciano" y "violencia doméstica". Para refinar la búsqueda, se utilizaron las cuatro fases del diagrama de flujo de selección de artículos PRISMA. Resultados: Se identificaron 17 artículos que presentaron los siguientes factores de riesgo aumentados en la violencia contra personas mayores: edad avanzada, disfuncionalidad familiar, falta de acceso a derechos sociales y condiciones crónicas de incapacidad. Conclusión: El estudio contribuye directamente para los profesionales y sectores interesados en el enfrentamiento a la violencia contra personas mayores, que tiene una alta prevalencia en la sociedad actual.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence of violence against the older adult, with emphasis on the prevalence, the profile of the victim, and the risk factors. Methods: An integrative review of articles available in the PubMed® databases, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Nursing Database (BDENF), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Latin American and Caribbean Research on Health Sciences (LILACS), published between 2015 and 2019, using the descriptors: "idoso" , "older adult", "older person", "aged", "old", "exposure to violence", " exposição à violência ", "aging", envelhecimento" , "elder abuse", "domestic violence", "violence", " violência", "maus-tratos ao idoso" and "violência doméstica" . As to refine it, the four phases of the PRISMA study selection flow diagram were used. Results: 17 articles were identified which presented as increased risk factors for violence against the older adult, family dysfunction, lack of access to social rights and chronic conditions of disability. Conclusion: The study brings direct contributions to professionals and sectors interested in facing violence against the older adult, which has a high prevalence in today's society.

Perinatal e-screening and clinical decision support: the Maternity Case-finding Help Assessment Tool (MatCHAT).

INTRODUCTION Screening tools assist primary care clinicians to identify mental health, addiction and family violence problems. Electronic tools have many advantages, but there are none yet available in the perinatal context. AIM To assess the acceptability and feasibility of the Maternity Case-finding Help Assessment Tool (MatCHAT), a tool designed to provide e-screening and clinical decision support for depression, anxiety, cigarette smoking, use of alcohol or illicit substances, and family violence among pre- and post-partum women under the care of midwives. METHODS A co-design approach and an extensive consultation process was used to tailor a pre-existing electronic case-finding help assessment tool (eCHAT) to a maternity context. Quantitative MatCHAT data and qualitative data from interviews with midwives were analysed following implementation. RESULTS Five midwives participated in the study. They reported that MatCHAT was useful and acceptable and among the 20 mothers screened, eight reported substance use, one depression and five anxiety. Interviews highlighted extensive contextual barriers of importance to the implementation of maternity-specific screening. DISCUSSION MatCHAT has potential to optimise e-screening and decision support in maternity settings, but in this study, use was impeded by multiple contextual barriers. The information from this study is relevant to policymakers and future researchers when considering how to improve early identification of common mental health, substance use and family violence problems.

The level of recognition of the symptoms of violence against women by senior year nursing and midwifery students.

Background: Violence against women maintains its importance. Nursing and midwifery students should be able to identify symptoms of violence against women. Healthcare providers have received insufficient education, either before or after graduation, for identifying violence cases and for dealing with interfamilial violence against women. Aims: This study is conducted to identify nursing and midwifery students' ability to recognise symptoms of violence against women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included nursing and midwifery students attending the Ege University, School of Nursing, the Celal Bayar University, Health School of Higher Education and Health School of Izmir Atatürk (N = 557). The convenience sampling method was used. There were 114 students who declined to participate in this study as they did not want to answer questions about violence (n = 443). Results: It was determined that 94.6% of the students were knowledgeable about violence against women. The scores obtained by students from the physical symptom sub-dimension were 8.35 ± 1.65 and from the emotional symptom sub-dimension were 11.97 ± 2.19. The total scores obtained from the scale were 20.32 ± 3.14. A statistically significant difference was found between students' age, gender, nursing or midwifery section, being subjected to violence, receiving violence awareness training and reporting violence in the sub-dimensions and total scores of the scale (p < 0.05). Impact Statement: Having knowledge and self-confidence increased students' awareness in identifying the symptoms of violence. Conclusion: The participant's limited ability to identify symptoms of violence is thought to result from inadequate emphasis on violence issues in the curricula. Greater emphasis should be placed on violence issues in curricula to guide students as future health care professionals.

Responding to violence against women: A qualitative study with midwives in Timor-Leste.

PROBLEM: The health sector is a critical partner in the response to violence against women, but little is known about how to translate international guidelines and sustainable good practice in remote and under-resourced health systems. AIM: This research explores the barriers and enablers that midwives report in responding to domestic and sexual violence in Timor-Leste, a country with a very high rate of violence against women. The aim is to inform a systems approach to health provider training and engagement applicable to Timor-Leste and other low-resource settings. METHODS: In 2016 we conducted qualitative interviews and group discussions with 36 midwives from rural health settings, community health centres and hospitals in three municipalities of Timor-Leste. FINDINGS: A range of individual, health system and societal factors shape midwives' practice. While training provided the foundation for knowing how to respond to cases of violence, midwives still faced significant health system barriers such as lack of time, privacy and a supportive environment. Key enablers were support from colleagues and health centre managers. CONCLUSION: Health provider training to address violence against women is important but tends to focus on individual knowledge and skills. There is a need to shift toward systems-based approaches that engage all staff and managers within a health facility, work creatively to overcome barriers to implementation, and link them with wider community-based resources.

Violence against the elderly: the conceptions of nursing professionals regarding detection and prevention. / Violência contra idosos: concepções dos profissionais de enfermagem acerca da detecção e prevenção.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the conceptions of the nursing professionals working in Basic Health Units regarding the detection and prevention of violence against the elderly. METHODS: Descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study. Performed in two BHUs in Mossoró/RN, using a semi-structured interview script, from March to August of 2013. Sample composed of four nurses and six nursing technicians. The content analysis, pre-analysis, material exploration, and treatment of results were performed. RESULTS: Four categories were identified: Strategies used to identify violence against the elderly; Types of violence against the elderly; Conduct used after finding a suspicion of violence; SUS and the problem of violence against the elderly. Many professionals recognize/distrust possible cases, however, they do not know how to proceed. The dimension of the problem requires that pragmatic interventions be performed in the clinical setting and in the social context. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: There is a need for continuing education for professionals and greater communication between the bodies responsible for reporting and embracement.

[Psychopathology of intrafamily violence]. / Psychopathologie des violences intrafamiliales.

Intrafamily violence is a major public health problem, due to its frequency and the severity of its consequences. The aim is to establish links between violence and psychopathology, for the perpetrators as well as the victims. Data reveal a higher frequency of certain mental health disorders and history of abuse in the perpetrators, without it being systematic. It is important to adopt a global and multidisciplinary approach, and a holistic perspective faced with the people concerned by these acts. Health professionals, from the social sector and associations must therefore work together in a network to manage and attempt to prevent crisis situations.

South Asian women's coping strategies in the face of domestic violence in the United States.

We conducted in-depth telephone interviews with a convenience sample of 20 South Asian women experiencing domestic violence in the United States. Utilizing the emotion-focused and problem-focused coping framework, the researchers analyzed the narratives of abused South Asian women. Emotion-focused coping strategies include (a) spirituality and/or religion and (b) the role of children. Problem-focused coping strategies include (c) informal and formal support and (d) strategies of resisting, pacifying, safety planning. Implications for practice and future research in the United States and internationally are discussed.

Violência contra idosos: concepções dos profissionais de enfermagem acerca da detecção e prevenção / Violencia contra ancianos: conceptos de profesionales de enfermería sobre la detección y prevención / Violence against the elderly: the conceptions of nursing professionals regarding detection and prevention

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar as concepções dos profissionais de enfermagem atuantes em Unidades Básicas de Saúde quanto à detecção e prevenção de idosos violentados. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo, exploratório, qualitativo. Realizado em duas UBS, Mossoró/RN, utilizando roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada, em março a agosto de 2013. Amostra composta por quatro enfermeiros e seis técnicos de enfermagem. Realizada análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS Identificaram-se 4 categorias: Estratégias utilizadas para identificar a violência contra o idoso; Tipos de violências contra o idoso; Conduta utilizada após constatação de uma suspeita de violência; SUS e a problemática da violência contra o idoso. Muitos profissionais reconhecem/desconfiam dos possíveis casos, entretanto, não sabem como proceder. A dimensão do problema exige que sejam realizadas intervenções pragmáticas no meio clínico e no contexto social. CONCLUSÕES Há necessidade de educação permanente para profissionais e maior comunicação entre as instâncias responsáveis pela denúncia e acolhimento.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar los conceptos de enfermeros activos en unidades básicas de la salud sobre la detección y prevención del maltrato hacia personas ancianas. MÉTODOS Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo y cualitativo, realizado en dos UBS, en Mossoro/RN, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas entre marzo y agosto de 2013. Se realizó el estudio con cuatro enfermeros y seis técnicos de enfermería. Se llevó a cabo el análisis de contenido. RESULTADOS El análisis se divide en 4 categorías: Estrategias utilizadas para identificar la violencia contra ancianos; Tipos de violencia contra personas mayores; Acción utilizada luego de detectarse la violencia; y SUS y el tema de la violencia contra ancianos. Muchos profesionales reconocen/desconfían de los posibles casos, sin embargo, no saben cómo proceder. La magnitud del problema requiere de intervenciones pragmáticas que se lleven a cabo en el ámbito clínico y en el contexto social. CONSIDERACIONES FINALES Existe la necesidad de una educación continua para profesionales y una mayor comunicación entre los organismos responsables de la queja y acogida.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze the conceptions of the nursing professionals working in Basic Health Units regarding the detection and prevention of violence against the elderly. METHODS Descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study. Performed in two BHUs in Mossoró/RN, using a semi-structured interview script, from March to August of 2013. Sample composed of four nurses and six nursing technicians. The content analysis, pre-analysis, material exploration, and treatment of results were performed. RESULTS Four categories were identified: Strategies used to identify violence against the elderly; Types of violence against the elderly; Conduct used after finding a suspicion of violence; SUS and the problem of violence against the elderly. Many professionals recognize/distrust possible cases, however, they do not know how to proceed. The dimension of the problem requires that pragmatic interventions be performed in the clinical setting and in the social context. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS There is a need for continuing education for professionals and greater communication between the bodies responsible for reporting and embracement.

Las matronas y la detección de la violencia en el embarazo / Midwives and intimate partner violence during pregnancy

La violencia de género es un grave problema social en todo el mundo, por su gravedad y su elevada prevalencia. Puede provocar patologías, incapacidad e incluso la muerte, y tiene repercusiones sobre la salud física, psíquica, social y sexual-reproductiva de la mujer. Si la violencia se ejerce durante el embarazo, puede tener consecuencias no sólo para la mujer, sino también para el feto en desarrollo y el futuro hijo. Existen una serie de funciones mínimas que los profesionales deben desarrollar, como preguntar sobre violencia de género con regularidad, informar y remitir a las mujeres que la sufran a los recursos disponibles de la comunidad, registrar los casos y conocer la legislación vigente del país

Gender violence is a major social problem at global level due to its serious nature and prevalence. It can lead to pathologies, disabilities and even death, and has repercussions for women’s physical, mental, social and sexual/reproductive health. If it occurs during pregnancy it can have consequences not only for the woman but for the developing foetus and the future child. There are a series of minimum functions professionals can perform, such as asking regularly about gender violence, informing women who suffer it about and referring them to the resources available in the community, recording cases and being familiar with current legislation in the country

Protective factors associated with resilient functioning in young adulthood after childhood exposure to violence.

Children may be subjected to many forms of violence and a significant number will experience multiple victimizations. These children are at high risk for developing psychological and emotional difficulties that may last into adulthood. Despite the increased risk for psychopathology, a substantial percentage of young adults exhibit resilient functioning following a history of childhood violence. This study examines the role of social support, spirituality, and emotional intelligence in promoting resilience during emerging adulthood. Participants included 321 young adult American college students, age 18-24, who experienced childhood violence, including community violence, interpersonal aggression, child maltreatment, peer/sibling victimization, and/or sexual assault. Findings revealed that this sample was highly victimized, with an average of 9 violent experiences reported during childhood. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that after controlling for exposure to childhood victimization, other potentially traumatic events, and current depression and anxiety symptoms, higher resilience during emerging adulthood was associated with greater spirituality, greater emotional intelligence, and support from friends (but not from family). Findings suggest that the potency of protective factors outweighs that of adversity and psychopathology when predicting resilient functioning. By identifying variables that can enhance resilience, this study offers unique insight into how functioning may be improved by both individual and environmental factors.

[Domestic violence: any progress?]. / Violences conjugales : a-t-on progressé ?

Since the publication of the French national survey of violence against women in 2000, the fight against domestic violence has made steady progress. Knowledge of the phenomenon has significantly improved. A nationwide study of murders and manslaughters perpetrated by one partner of a couple against the other has been published annually since 2006. In 2012, domestic violence resulted in the deaths of 314 persons: 166 women, 31 men, 25 children, 9 collateral victims, 14 rivals, and two former spouses killed by their ex-fathers in law. In addition, 67 perpetrators committed suicide (51 men and3 women). The number of victims fluctuates from year to year but has remained fairly stable since 2006 (n=168). Legislation has improved significantly: eight new laws have been passed since 2004, all designed to protect women and to ensure that violent men are restrained and treated. New measures to inform and protect women have been implemented and others have been improved, such as the anonymous helpline (phone no 3919, "domestic violence information"). An inter-ministerial committee on the protection of women from violence and the prevention of human trafficking (MIPROF) was created on 3 January 2013. A website entitled "Stop violence against women " (Stop violences faites aux femmes) is now available. The "Imminent Danger" mobile phone system, designed to alert police if a suspected or known perpetrator breaches restraint conditions, will be extended to the entire country from January 2014. Referees charged with coordinating comprehensive long-tern care of women victims have been deployed at the county level. Information centers on the rights of women and families (CIDFF) now form a local nationwide network. Routine interviews with a midwife during the fourth month of pregnancy, focusing on the woman's emotional, economic and social conditions, have been implemented in 21 % of maternity units and should gradually be generalized. The authorities who have enforced the law have modified their behavior, as have the victims, although for a lesser extent. Perpetrators are increasingly subject to restraining orders, with an obligation to undergo treatment and to attend awareness sessions. Victims are also more likely to go to the police. Social workers, self-help groups and, since 2006, psychologists are now available for victim support in police stations. Management of perpetrators has improved. Finally, despite the continuing reluctance of many physicians, an encouraging trend is emerging among younger members of the profession. A recent survey of 1472 French medical students showed that, while 90 % of them said they had received no training in this area, 93 % considered that doctors should play a role and 95 % said they felt highly concerned. Specific university diplomas have been created and domestic violence is now included in the midwifery curriculum. The delicate question of prevention remains to be resolved; a program is currently being tested.

Family violence exposure and health outcomes among older African American women: do spirituality and social support play protective roles?

BACKGROUND: Family violence (FV), spirituality, and social support are salient psychosocial determinants of health. FV is associated with poor health among older African American women. The effect of spirituality and social support levels on the health of older African American women is unknown. METHODS: To assess the role of spirituality and social support as culturally relevant determinants of health status for older African American women independent of FV levels, we used a cross-sectional observational study. Two hundred twelve African American women, aged ≥ 50, were interviewed in two urban primary care practices. The measures used were (1) Family Violence Against Older Women (FVOW) scale, (2) Physical and Mental Composite Scores of the Short-Form 8® scale, (3) Medical Outcomes of Social Support survey (MOSS), and (4) Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS). Spearman correlation coefficients estimated to test associations among lifetime FV exposure, spirituality, social support, and health status outcomes and multivariate regression models were used to examine the independent effect of spirituality and social support on physical and mental health status, controlling for FV and significant demographic variables. RESULTS: Mean participant age was 63.9 years. Higher spirituality levels were significantly associated with better physical health status after adjusting for FV levels and demographic factors (F = 6.17, p = 0.0001). Similarly, higher levels of spirituality and social support both significantly correlated with better mental health status in the multivariate model (F = 13.45, p < 0.0001) that controlled for lifetime FV levels and demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Spirituality and social support are two potentially modifiable determinants of health for older African American women. Culturally appropriate mechanisms to enhance social support and spirituality levels need to be explored as potential inteventions to improve the health of those African American women who have been exposed to FV.

Identifying abuse among women: use of clinical guidelines by nurses and midwives.

AIM: This aim of this study to identify the incidence of violence against women seeking healthcare services and evaluate the use of clinical guidelines to identify interpersonal violence. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out. Data were collected over a period of 7 months in 2005 and 2006. The samples consisted of 14 nurses, 10 midwives and 208 women in Iceland (101 women visiting the Emergency Department and 107 receiving prenatal care at the High Risk Prenatal Care Clinic). RESULTS: Twenty women (19.6%) who visited the Emergency Department and 21 women (19.8%) who came to the High Risk Prenatal Care Clinic had been sexually abused at some point in their lives by close family members. Within the preceding 12 months, 18 women at the Emergency Department (19.1%) and eight at the High Risk Prenatal Care Clinic (7.5%) reported physical abuse, and 22 women (22.2%) at the Emergency Department and 12 (11.5%) at the High Risk Prenatal Care Clinic reported emotional abuse. A majority of the nurses and midwives indicated that the guidelines were efficient for assessing/screening for gender violence in emergency and high risk clinical settings. CONCLUSION: Screening for abuse of women at emergency and high risk clinics is crucial, not only to offer the women the immediate interventions they might need, but also to ensure the future provision of appropriate healthcare services.

The impact of exposure to domestic violence on children and young people: a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the literature concerning the impact of exposure to domestic violence on the health and developmental well-being of children and young people. Impact is explored across four separate yet inter-related domains (domestic violence exposure and child abuse; impact on parental capacity; impact on child and adolescent development; and exposure to additional adversities), with potential outcomes and key messages concerning best practice responses to children's needs highlighted. METHOD: A comprehensive search of identified databases was conducted within an 11-year framework (1995-2006). This yielded a vast literature which was selectively organized and analyzed according to the four domains identified above. RESULTS: This review finds that children and adolescents living with domestic violence are at increased risk of experiencing emotional, physical and sexual abuse, of developing emotional and behavioral problems and of increased exposure to the presence of other adversities in their lives. It also highlights a range of protective factors that can mitigate against this impact, in particular a strong relationship with and attachment to a caring adult, usually the mother. CONCLUSION: Children and young people may be significantly affected by living with domestic violence, and impact can endure even after measures have been taken to secure their safety. It also concludes that there is rarely a direct causal pathway leading to a particular outcome and that children are active in constructing their own social world. Implications for interventions suggest that timely, appropriate and individually tailored responses need to build on the resilient blocks in the child's life. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study illustrate the links between exposure to domestic violence, various forms of child abuse and other related adversities, concluding that such exposure may have a differential yet potentially deleterious impact for children and young people. From a resilient perspective this review also highlights range of protective factors that influence the extent of the impact of exposure and the subsequent outcomes for the child. This review advocates for a holistic and child-centered approach to service delivery, derived from an informed assessment, designed to capture a picture of the individual child's experience, and responsive to their individual needs.

An exploration of the spiritual and psychosocial variables associated with husband-to-wife abuse and its effect on women in abusive relationships.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to: 1) determine which aspects of religious belief incompatibility were associated with husband-to-wife abuse; 2) determine whether religious coping was independently associated with functional status among victims of spousal abuse; and 3) whether degree of abuse correlated with degrees of religious belief incompatibility or functional status among abused wives. METHOD: Couples were asked to complete a structured interview concerning marital satisfaction, argument frequency, alcohol use, witnessing violence as a child, spirituality, functional status, and domestic violence. RESULTS: In four areas of spiritual belief (sense of being judged, closeness to God, congregational benefits, forgiveness), religious belief incompatibility significantly predicted abuse. Perceived congregational help and religious coping were associated with improved social support. Finally, abuse severity and duration correlated with functional status but not with degree of religious belief incompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of religious belief incompatibility may account for more variance in husband-to-wife abuse than non-spiritual predictors alone. Although the presence of abuse was associated with poorer functional status in women, religious coping was only linked to improved social support.

A cognitive behavioral therapy for alcohol-dependent domestic violence offenders: an integrated substance abuse-domestic violence treatment approach (SADV).

This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of a twelve-session cognitive behavioral group therapy for alcohol-dependent males with co-occurring interpersonal violence (IPV). Participants were 85 alcohol-dependent males who were arrested for domestic violence within the past year. Seventy-eight male adults were randomized to either a cognitive behavioral Substance Abuse Domestic Violence (SADV) group (N = 40) or a Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) Group (N = 38). There was no significant difference between SADV versus TSF in the number of sessions attended. Regarding substance use, the group assigned to SADV reported using alcohol significantly fewer days (eg, 90 days of abstinence across the 12 weeks of treatment) as compared to the TSF group. Regarding physical violence, there was a trend for participants in the SADV condition to achieve a greater reduction in the frequency of violent episodes across time compared to individuals in the TSF group. These data suggest the promise of the SADV group therapy approach for alcohol-dependent males with a history of IPV who present for substance abuse treatment.

A comprehensive programme addressing HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.

A survey was administered to 304 respondents participating from three areas near Welkom, South Africa. Face-toface interviews were conducted with women from randomly selected households to evaluate the impact of a service provision programme targeting women living with HIV/AIDS and gender based violence. Gender based violence (GBV) awareness and knowledge was high. Respondents had high perceived levels of risk. They reported making various behavioural changes to avoid GBV.The respondents were aware of their legal rights pertaining to GBV. HIV/AIDS knowledge levels and attitudes were acceptable. Behavioural changes included condom use, abstinence and being faithful to one partner. Disclosure of HIV was lower than disclosure of GBV.Awareness and knowledge of female condoms were high, yet usage low. Participants reported that they would be able to introduce condoms to a relationship and negotiate usage with relative ease. Perceived levels of GBV and HIV were high, and stigma levels towards the affected women were also relatively high.The awareness and knowledge levels of GBV and HIV of older respondents were lower than younger respondents.The key findings of this study support the notion of using a holistic approach, targeting more than one issue. There is lower stigma levels associated with combined conditions, which might allow easier access to vulnerable groups. Coordination and collaboration of services are however needed to enable this benefit.

Completing substance abuse treatment in child welfare: the role of co-occurring problems and primary drug of choice.

A significant number of substance-abusing parents in the child welfare system do not complete substance abuse treatments. Consequently, their children experience longer stays in substitute care settings, and the risk of the termination of parental rights is increased. This study identifies and determines the specific factors that explain the completion of substance abuse treatment for substance-abusing caregivers in child welfare. The sample includes 871 caregivers enrolled in the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse waiver demonstration. Approximately 22% of these caregivers successfully completed all required levels of substance abuse treatment. The multivariate models indicate that age, employment status, and legal involvement were significantly associated with the likelihood of completing substance abuse treatment. Heroin users were significantly less likely to complete treatment as compared with alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana users. The findings are discussed in terms of policy and practice implications for public child welfare systems.

The roles of religion and spirituality among African American survivors of domestic violence.

The investigation examined religious involvement, spirituality, religious coping, and social support as correlates of posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression symptoms in African American survivors of domestic violence. Sixty-five African American women who experienced domestic violence in the past year provided data on demographics, severity and frequency of physical and psychological abuse during the past year, aspects of current social support, types of current coping activities, religious involvement, spiritual experiences, and symptoms related to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Women who evinced higher levels of spirituality and greater religious involvement reported fewer depression symptoms. Religious involvement was also found to be negatively associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Women who reported higher levels of spirituality reported utilizing higher levels of religious coping strategies, and women who reported higher levels of religious involvement reported higher levels of social support. Results did not support hypotheses regarding social support and religious coping as mediators of the associations between mental health variables, religious involvement, and spirituality.

Qualitative interviews on substance abuse relapse and prevention among female trauma survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Complex relationships among trauma, substance abuse, and mental disorders raise significant questions for the study of long-term recovery. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine key themes in sustaining recovery among women with co-occurring disorders who had survived trauma. METHODS: In semistructured interviews conducted at one of the nine sites of the Women, Co-occurring Disorders, and Violence Study, 27 female trauma survivors described the influences they considered most important in sustaining and hindering their recovery, with an emphasis on recovery from substance abuse. Recurring themes in the interviews were identified. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from this analysis. Four of these themes supported recovery: connection, self-awareness, a sense of purpose and meaning, and spirituality. Three others served as obstacles to recovery: battles with depression and despair, destructive habits and patterns, and lack of personal control. The women in this study reported that, although caring relationships provided important supports for sustained recovery, some of these same relationships increased emotional stress and conflict and thus may impede recovery. CONCLUSIONS: It is important for women and clinicians to place a high priority on the development of boundary management and other relationship skills. In addition, clinicians need to attend to negative feelings such as boredom and loneliness and to help women develop a range of meaningful activities that are consistent with a strong sense of identity. Individual relapse prevention skills by themselves seem insufficient to sustained abstinence.