scholarly journals Exploring the association between anticipated and actual responses to disclosures of intimate partner violence and sexual assault

2020 ◽  
pp. 026540752098393
Author(s):  
Emily A. Waterman ◽  
Emily R. Dworkin ◽  
Christina M. Dardis ◽  
Sarah E. Ullman ◽  
Katie M. Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Prospective Design ◽  
Hypothetical Scenario ◽  
Victim Responsibility ◽  
Negative Social Reactions ◽  
Victimization History

Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) commonly disclose their experiences to friends or family members, or within other personal relationships. Disclosure recipients’ responses to these disclosures are associated with victims’ mental health. Previous research has separately measured both actual responses to IPV/SA and anticipated responses to IPV/SA (e.g., response to a hypothetical scenario) from the perspective of disclosure recipients. Yet, little research has described the association between disclosure recipients’ anticipated and actual responses. The aim of the current paper was to use a prospective design to examine the association between disclosure recipients’ anticipated and actual responses to IPV/SA, including positive and negative social reactions, perceptions of victim responsibility, empathy, and confusion and ineffectiveness about how to respond. Participants ( N = 126 college students aged 18–23; 70.6% women) answered questions about their anticipated responses to a hypothetical IPV/SA disclosure scenario, and then six months later answered the same questions about their actual responses to an actual disclosure of IPV/SA. Although most anticipated and actual responses were significantly associated, associations were moderate in size. Some associations were stronger for participants with a closer relationship to the victim, for participants who had their own victimization history, for women, and for men. Individuals can predict their responses to some degree, but are not totally accurate in doing so.

Correlates of Social Reactions to Victims’ Disclosures of Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802110160
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Ullman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Reactions ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Negative Social Reactions

Sexual assault and intimate partner violence (IPV) are common experiences in women, but few studies have examined correlates of social reactions experienced by victims telling others about assault. This systematic review identified 30 studies through searches of research databases on correlates of social reactions to disclosure of sexual assault or IPV in samples of adult victims or disclosure recipients. Studies showed evidence of greater negative social reactions for Black and Hispanic victims, less educated, and bisexual victims. More extensive trauma histories in victims were related to receipt of greater negative social reactions, whereas assault characteristics (e.g., victim–offender relationship, alcohol use, perpetrator violence during assault) were sometimes associated with negative reactions. In terms of postassault factors, more psychological symptoms, self-blame, avoidance coping, less perceived control, and less posttraumatic growth were related to more negative social reactions. Disclosure characteristics, telling informal sources, and telling more sources were related to more positive reactions, whereas telling both formal and informal sources was related to negative reactions. Demographic, attitudinal, and relational factors were related to disclosure recipients’ intended social reactions. Future research needs to examine how various factors relate to social reactions in the context of theory, and clinical treatment and interventions should use this information to identify and intervene with victims to reduce negative social reactions and their psychological impacts and to increase positive social reactions particularly from informal support sources.

Bystander Intervention Behavior as Function of Victimization History, Opportunity, and Situational Context

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052097583
Author(s):  
William C. Woods ◽  
Tylor A. Kistler ◽  
Gregory L. Stuart ◽  
Tara L. Cornelius
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Bystander Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Mixed Support ◽  
Victimization History

Preliminary research has demonstrated the utility of bystander interventions in reducing sexual assault, and initial research has begun extending this type of intervention to intimate partner violence more broadly. However, the extant research is limited by methodological issues that fail to examine opportunity for intervention relative to intervention behaviors as well as a failure to examine intervention rates across differing risk situations. Further, there are many unexplored factors that may impact bystander intervention behavior, notably previous experiences with intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Thus, the current study examined bystander opportunities and intervention across situations of varying risk to the bystander, as well as the relationship of opportunity/intervention relative to victimization history. Given the rates of sexual assault and IPV on college and university campuses, the research examined the number of times college students ( N = 393) encountered a range of situations in which bystander intervention may be indicated, and their intervention behavior across varying risk levels to the bystander. Results demonstrated that individuals with a history of psychological victimization were more likely to intervene across all situation types, but sexual and physical victimization provided mixed support for hypotheses. No differences in witnessing or intervening were found as a function of gender. These results replicate previous findings, and further provide evidence for a more nuanced approach to examine bystander behavior intervention. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Disclosure Recipients’ Social Reactions to Victims’ Disclosures of Intimate Partner Violence

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 53-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie M. Edwards ◽  
Christina M. Dardis
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Victim Blame ◽  
Social Reactions ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Victim Responsibility ◽  
Negative Social Reactions

Prior research indicates that victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are most likely to disclose their victimization experiences to an informal support (e.g., friend, family), and that IPV disclosures are often met with both positive (e.g., empathic support) and negative (e.g., victim blame) reactions. However, research on social reactions to disclosure largely has neglected the perspectives of disclosure recipients. Guided by the attribution framework, the current study extends prior research by assessing factors (i.e., situation-specific, individual, relational, attributional, and emotional response) related to positive and negative reactions from the perspective of disclosure recipients ( N = 743 college students). Linear regression analyses indicated that positive social reactions were related to the victim being a woman, greater frequency of IPV victimization by the victim, greater frequency of IPV victimization by the disclosure recipient, less accepting attitudes toward IPV, a closer relationship with the victim, a less close relationship with the perpetrator, lower perceptions of victim responsibility, more empathy for the victim, and more emotional distress experienced by the disclosure recipient during the disclosure. Negative social reactions were associated with more accepting attitudes toward IPV, greater frequency of IPV victimization by the disclosure recipient, a less close relationship with the victim, higher perceptions of victim responsibility, and more emotional distress experienced by the disclosure recipient. Results suggest that programs to improve responses to victim disclosure should focus on decreasing IPV-supportive attitudes, increasing empathy, and assisting disclosure recipients in managing difficult emotional responses effectively.

Intimate Partner Violence and Completion of Post-Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Follow-Up Screening

2018 ◽  
pp. 088626051881702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda K. Gilmore ◽  
Anna E. Jaffe ◽  
Christine K. Hahn ◽  
Leigh E. Ridings ◽  
Kathy Gill-Hopple ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Forensic Examination

Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Intimate Partner Violence, and Sexual Assault

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 383-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Sisic ◽  
Jerry Tan ◽  
Kathryn D. Lafreniere
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Sexual Consent ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Dermatology Clinic

Background: Sexual assault and intimate partner violence have never been examined in individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa. The research is important, because prior studies show higher incidences of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in individuals with disabilities, and hidradenitis suppurativa meets criteria for a disability. Objectives: The objective of the study is to examine whether individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa are at significantly higher risk of intimate partner violence and sexual assault compared with individuals who have acne, a recognised disability. Methods: Participants who met criteria for hidradenitis suppurativa and acne were recruited from a mid-sized university and a dermatology clinic. Participants spoke English and were over the age of sexual consent. Group (hidradenitis suppurativa and acne) differences on intimate partner violence and sexual assault were analysed. Victimisation within the past 12 months was measured using the Checklist for Controlling Behaviours, a measure of intimate partner violence, as well as the Sexual Experiences Survey–Short Form Victim, a measure of sexual assault. Results: In total, 243 participants (n = 128 for hidradenitis suppurativa; n = 115 for acne) were surveyed. Individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa were significantly more likely to report being victimised by intimate partner violence. Conclusions: Intimate partner violence was more frequently observed in individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa. Health care providers should be aware of this issue when interacting with patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

The Feasibility of a Novel Recruitment Protocol for Collecting Survivor Data via Disclosure Recipient Referrals

2022 ◽  
pp. 107780122110706
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Ullman ◽  
Emily A. Waterman ◽  
Katie M. Edwards ◽  
Jania Marshall ◽  
Christina M. Dardis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Matched Pairs ◽  
Social Reactions ◽  
Limited Success ◽  
Research Studies

The current arricle describes a novel recruitment protocol for collecting data from sexual assault and intimate partner violence survivors referred to research studies by individuals to whom they had previously disclosed. Challenges in both recruiting participants and interpreting data are described. Only 35.8% of cases had usable data for both survivors and disclosure recipients, suggesting that this referral method had limited success in recruiting matched pairs. Suggestions for modifications to improve the protocol for future research are offered. Potential advantages and drawbacks of various methods for recruiting dyads are described in order to facilitate future research on survivors’ disclosure processes, social reactions, and the influence of social reactions on survivor recovery.

scholarly journals MP45: What to do with #MeToo: pre and post presenting patterns of intimate partner violence

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S59-S59
Author(s):  
A. Sobiesiak ◽  
K. Muldoon ◽  
L. Shipeolu ◽  
M. Heimerl ◽  
K. Sampsel
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Social Movement ◽  
Emergency Care ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Physical Assault ◽  
Ottawa Hospital

Introduction: The #MeToo social media movement gained international status in October 2017 as millions disclosed experiences of sexual and intimate partner violence. People who experience violence from a former/current intimate partner may not present for care for many reasons, among them not knowing where to go for care, or not realizing they were experiencing abuse since the behavior was portrayed as ‘normal’. Empirical research identified increased police reporting, internet searches, and new workplace regulations on sexual assault/harassment after #MeToo. Less is known about how #MeToo has influenced hospital-based care, particularly among IPV cases. We aimed to investigate if the #MeToo social movement influenced patterns of IPV cases presenting for emergency care. Methods: This study took place at the Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (SAPACP), within the Emergency Department of The Ottawa Hospital. Patients seen from November 1st, 2016 through to September 30th, 2017 was considered Pre-#MeToo and those seen November 1st, 2017 to September 30th, 2018 was considered Post-#MeToo. All patients seen in October 2017 were excluded. Analyses compare the proportion and characteristics of IPV cases seen Pre- and Post-#MeToo. Log-binomial regression models were used to calculate relative risk and 95% CI. Results: 890 cases were seen by the SAPACP during the total study period, of which 564 (63%) were IPV cases. 258 IPV cases were seen Pre-#MeToo and 306 IPV Post-#MeToo. The clinical presentation for IPV cases was similar between both periods where approximately 42% of IPV cases presented for sexual assault, 50% presented for physical assault. An increase in frequency and proportion of IPV cases was observed post-#MeToo. Post-#MeToo there were 48 additional cases of IPV, corresponding to almost a 20% increase in risk compared to the Pre-#MeToo period. (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.31) Post-#MeToo, there were more presenting cases of IPV among male/trans cases (9 vs 26) and youth cases (82 vs 116). Conclusion: #MeToo is a powerful social movement that corresponded with a significant increase in IPV cases presenting for emergency care. While the assault characteristics among IPV cases remained similar, an important contribution of this research is the increase in youth, male/transgender patients who presented for care post-#MeToo. Continued investigations into pre- post-#MeToo trends is needed to understand more about the changing clinical population and to inform resource and service allocation.

scholarly journals Bystander Interventions on Behalf of Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence Victims

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1694-1718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Weitzman ◽  
Sarah Cowan ◽  
Kate Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Situational Characteristics ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Private Matter ◽  
The Individual

Using newly available U.S. nationally representative data from the No More study ( N = 1,307), this article investigates (a) knowledge of sexual assault and intimate partner violence (IPV) victims within one’s social network; (b) who intervenes, whom they intervene on behalf of, and how they intervene; and (c) the perceived barriers to intervening in IPV specifically. The findings reveal that knowledge of violence, the likelihood of intervening, and the intervention approaches taken all vary demographically and by violence type. Among respondents who have known a victim, one- third report having intervened for sexual assault, while one-half report having intervened for IPV. For both types of violence, respondents are more likely to have intervened on behalf of family or friends than on behalf of more distant network members. However, respondents are more likely to have solicited the help of authorities and less likely to have offered safe haven in instances of sexual assault than in instances of IPV. The most commonly cited barriers to IPV intervention include fear of injury, fear of misinterpretation, and belief that IPV is a private matter, though these vary across demographic groups. These findings indicate that the decision to intervene is highly contextual—contingent on the individual characteristics of the intervener, situational characteristics of the violence, and the relationship between the intervener and the victim.

Sexual Assault and Other Types of Intimate Partner Violence in Women With Protection Orders in Vhembe District, South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 857-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Psychological Abuse ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Vhembe District ◽  
Protection Order

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual assault in the context of intimate partner violence in a sample of women receiving a protection order in South Africa. In all, 268 women (18 years of age and older) consecutively receiving a protection order in the Vhembe District in South Africa were assessed by an external interviewer. Results indicate that from the total sample, 40.7% reported sexual assault, one or more times, during the relationship in the past 3 months; 58.2% reported stalking by the intimate partner; and almost all reported some form of psychological abuse (94.0%), physical violence (93.7%), and danger (99.3%). In all, 37% reported psychological, physical, and sexual violence. In multivariate regression psychological abuse, physical violence and stalking were found to be associated with sexual assault.

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