Did domestic violence really increase in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic? Results of an interview-based observational study.

Objectives: The COVID-19 lockdown may lead to rising numbers of domestic violence (DV), especially among previously victimized individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the development and influential factors of DV during the early COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: In this telephone-based study, previous participants with (n = 34) and without (n = 33) DV completed questionnaires on DV, attachment and COVID-19 related stressors. Development of DV and influential factors were investigated with repeated measures ANOVAs and linear regression models. Results: Individuals with prior DV reported significantly higher DV than previously not affected individuals. However, a statistically significant decrease of DV was found in the group with prior DV. Past DV, childlessness and insecure attachment, but not COVID-19 related stressors predicted current DV. Conclusions: In light of an insecure attachment style lockdown measures may have led to a temporary relationship stabilization. However, a reassessment is necessary to evaluate whether this stabilization was a short-time trend only.

[Awareness training for domestic violence for medical professionals. Are they efficient too?] / Sensibilisierungstrainings gegenüber häuslicher Gewalt für medizinisches Fachpersonal. Sind diese auch effizient?

BACKGROUND: According to studies conducted by the European Union, 33% of all women over the age of 15 are affected by domestic violence and tend to turn to the health care system to seek help. The experience of violence has serious consequences not only for the psychological, but also for the physical health of those affected. Except direct injury consequences, inexplicable pain, gastrointestinal discomfort or problems in the field of reproductive medicine can be observed, for example. With many of those affected turning to the health care system first in search of support, healthcare professionals also have a key role to play here, making sensitization training for professional groups increasingly important. METHOD: Participants in awareness-raising training on domestic violence were interviewed before and after training with a questionnaire on their perceived safety in dealing with patients affected by violence. RESULTS: The evaluation of a sensitization training at the Landeskrankenhaus Innsbruck showed significant improvements in the subjective sense of security in dealing with patients affected by violence. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: A clear structure of sensitization trainings with basic courses and advanced training seminars, as well as a focus on developing relationships and dealing with emotions, makes sense.

Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and associated physical and mental health problems amongst hospital patients: Results from a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have severe detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This study aimed to present prevalence rates of ACEs amongst a mixed sample of hospital patients. METHODS: In- and outpatients at seven departments of the University Hospital of Innsbruck (Austria) participated in the study. They completed questionnaires regarding retrospective assessments of ACEs, physical and mental health and experience of domestic violence. The impact of ACEs on patients' health was evaluated by calculation of odds ratios (OR) in binary logistic regressions. RESULTS: A total of n = 2392 (74.3% of all approached patients) were included in the analyses. The results showed that 36.1% of them reported at least one form of ACEs, and 6.3% were polyvictimized (i.e. they reported ≥4 forms of ACEs). Most frequent forms of ACE were emotional abuse (18.3%), peer abuse (14.2%), and neglect (12.3%). ACEs were significantly associated with increased ORs for various physical diseases, mental health problems and domestic violence. CONCLUSION: Retrospectively assessed ACEs are highly prevalent amongst hospital patients and exposure to high numbers of ACEs is associated with decreased physical and mental health. The identification of patients with symptoms following ACEs and referral to appropriate treatment is a crucial challenge for health-care professionals.