Use of emergency contraception among women with experience of domestic violence and abuse: a systematic review

BackgroundEvidence of an association between exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and use of emergency contraception (EC) is lacking in the UK.AimTo quantify the association between exposure to DVA and consultations for EC in general practice.Design and settingNested case-control study in UK general practice.MethodUsing the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, the authors identified all women all women aged 15–49 years registered with a GP between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016. Cases with consultations for EC (n = 43 570) were each matched on age and GP against four controls with no consultations for EC (n = 174 280). The authors calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between exposure to DVA in the previous year and consultations for EC. Covariates included age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, children, alcohol misuse, and depression.ResultsWomen exposed to DVA were 2.06 times more likely to have a consultation for EC than unexposed women (95% CI = 1.64 to 2.61). Women aged 25–39 years with exposure to DVA were 2.8 times more likely to have a consultation for EC, compared with unexposed women (95% CI = 2.08 to 3.75). The authors found some evidence of an independent effect of exposure to DVA on the number of consultations for EC (OR 1.48, 95% CI = 0.99 to 2.21).ConclusionA request for EC in general practice can indicate possible exposure to DVA. Primary care consultation for EC is a relevant context for identifying and responding to DVA as recommended by the World Health Organization and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. DVA training for providers of EC should include this new evidence.

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Hope, Agency, and the Lived Experience of Violence: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Children’s Perspectives on Domestic Violence and Abuse

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838019849582 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 152483801984958 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lisa Arai ◽

Ali Heawood ◽

Gene Feder ◽

Emma Howarth ◽

Harriet MacMillan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Qualitative Research ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Large Body ◽

Child Centered ◽

Review Reports ◽

The Impact ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

There is a large body of research on the impact of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) on children, mostly reporting survey data and focusing largely on psychological outcomes. Qualitative research on the views of children has the potential to enable a child-centered understanding of their experience of DVA, so their needs can be better met by professionals. This systematic review reports general findings from the ViOlence: Impact on Children Evidence Synthesis (VOICES) project that synthesized published qualitative research on the experiences of DVA from the perspective of children and young people. A thematic synthesis of 33 reports identified six themes: lived experience of DVA, children’s agency and coping, turning points and transitions, managing relationships postseparation, impact of DVA on children, and children’s expressions of hope for the future. We conclude that professionals working with children affected by DVA should be mindful of the diversity in children’s experiences and listen carefully to children’s own accounts.

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Help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA): a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021960 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e021960 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Alyson L Huntley ◽

Lucy Potter ◽

Emma Williamson ◽

Alice Malpass ◽

Eszter Szilassy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Support Services ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽

Male Victims ◽

Qualitative Evidence ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

ObjectivesTo understand help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and their experiences of support services by systematically identifying qualitative and mixed-method studies and thematically synthesising their findings.DesignSystematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. Searches were conducted in 12 databases and the grey literature with no language or date restrictions. Quality appraisal of the studies was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Reviewers extracted first and second order constructs related to help-seeking, identified themes and combined them by interpretative thematic synthesis.SettingDVA experienced by male victims and defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse among people aged 18 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.ParticipantsMale victims of DVA.InterventionsAny intervention which provides practical and/or psychological support to male victims of DVA including but not limited to DVA-specific services, primary healthcare and sexual health clinics.Primary and secondary outcome measuresQualitative data describing help-seeking experiences and interactions with support services of male victims of domestic violenceResultsWe included twelve studies which were published between 2006 and 2017. We grouped nine themes described over two phases (a)barriers to help-seeking: fear of disclosure, challenge to masculinity, commitment to relationship, diminished confidence/despondency and invisibility/perception of services; and (b)experiences of interventions and support: initial contact, confidentiality, appropriate professional approaches and inappropriate professional approaches.ConclusionThe recent publication of the primary studies suggests a new interest in the needs of male DVA victims. We have confirmed previously identified barriers to help-seeking by male victims of DVA and provide new insight into barriers and facilitators to service provision.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016039999.

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Healthcare experiences of perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043183 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043183

Author(s):

Marilia A Calcia ◽

Simran Bedi ◽

Louise M Howard ◽

Heidi Lempp ◽

Sian Oram

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Healthcare Staff ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

ObjectivesDomestic violence and abuse (DVA) is highly prevalent, with severe adverse consequences to the health and well-being of survivors. There is a smaller evidence base on the health of DVA perpetrators and their engagement with healthcare services. This review examines the experiences of perpetrators of DVA of accessing healthcare services and the barriers and facilitators to their disclosure of abusive behaviours in these settings.DesignA systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.Data sourcesA systematic search was conducted in Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, HMIC, BNID, CINAHL, ASSIA, IBSS, SSCI (peer-reviewed literature) and NDLTD, OpenGrey and SCIE Online (grey literature). Each database was searched from its start date to 15 March 2020. Eligibility criteria required that studies used qualitative or mixed methods to report on the experiences of healthcare use by perpetrators of DVA. A meta-ethnographic method was used to analyse the extracted data.ResultsOf 30,663 papers identified, six studies (n=125 participants; 124 men, 1 woman) met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to disclosure of DVA to healthcare staff included perpetrators’ negative emotions and attitudes towards their abusive behaviours; fear of consequences of disclosure; and lack of trust in healthcare services’ ability to address DVA. Facilitators of disclosure of DVA and engagement with healthcare services were experiencing social consequences of abusive behaviours; feeling listened to by healthcare professionals; and offers of emotional and practical support for relationship problems by healthcare staff.ConclusionsDVA perpetration is a complex issue with multiple barriers to healthcare engagement and disclosure. However, healthcare services can create positive conditions for the engagement of individuals who perpetrate abuse.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017073818.

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Interventions to Improve the Response of Professionals to Children Exposed to Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review

Child Abuse Review ◽

10.1002/car.2385 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 19-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

William Turner ◽

Marianne Hester ◽

Jonathan Broad ◽

Eszter Szilassy ◽

Gene Feder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

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Help seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse: an example of an integrated mixed methods synthesis of systematic review evidence defining methodological terms

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-020-05931-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alyson L. Huntley ◽

Eszter Szilassy ◽

Lucy Potter ◽

Alice Malpass ◽

Emma Williamson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Service Provision ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Male Victims ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

Primary Level ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

Abstract Background Domestic violence and abuse is a violation of human rights which damages the health and wellbeing of victims, their families and their friends. There has been less research on the experiences and support needs of male victims than those of women. Historically research on men’s experiences has not focused on what constitutes effective, needs-led service provision. The aim of this paper was to conduct an integrated mixed methods synthesis of systematic review evidence on the topic of help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse. Methods An integrated mixed methods synthesis approach was taken to enhance our understanding of the complex phenomenon of help seeking by, and service provision to male victims. This process also identifies gaps in the evidence. Using previously identified systematic review data; mixed methods data from four primary-level service evaluation studies, along with expert and patient consultation were used to develop research propositions. Primary-level qualitative interview and survey data from 12 studies of men experiences were mapped onto the propositions to support them. Results Fourteen propositions were composed. Seven propositions were supported or at least partly supported by the qualitative data. These supported propositions were used to make recommendations for policy and practice particularly concerning service preferences of male victims. The remaining seven propositions were not specifically supported by the qualitative data. These unsupported propositions were used to develop research recommendations concerning the need to further understand the potential blurred boundaries of victim–perpetrator, hybrid perpetrator-victim experiences, men who are/have been victims of childhood sexual abuse and determining the level of risk for men. They also highlight the need to produce better guidance for the response of the police & the criminal justice system. Finally, they highlight the need to produce the most appropriate service for men in terms of access, linkage, substance/alcohol abuse, mental health, sexuality, and race. Conclusion Integrated mixed-methods synthesis of systematic review evidence is a relatively novel approach. This approach can lead to recommendations for policy and practice as well as highlighting gaps in the research agenda as shown in this example.

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A qualitative systematic review of published work on disclosure and help-seeking for domestic violence and abuse among women from ethnic minority populations in the UK

Ethnicity and Health ◽

10.1080/13557858.2018.1447652 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 732-746 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Omolade Femi-Ajao ◽

Sarah Kendal ◽

Karina Lovell

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Ethnic Minority ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Minority Populations ◽

Qualitative Systematic Review ◽

Ethnic Minority Populations ◽

The Uk ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

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Detection of Domestic Violence and Abuse by Community Mental Health Teams Using the BRAVE Intervention: A Multicenter, Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/08862605211004177 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088626052110041

Author(s):

Roos Ruijne ◽

Cornelis Mulder ◽

Milan Zarchev ◽

Kylee Trevillion ◽

Roel van Est ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Referral Rates ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Cluster Randomized ◽

And Control ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

Despite increased prevalence of domestic violence and abuse (DVA), victimization through DVA often remains undetected in mental health care. To estimate the effectiveness of a system provider level training intervention by comparing the detection and referral rates of DVA of intervention community mental health (CMH) teams with rates in control CMH teams. We also aimed to determine whether improvements in knowledge, skills and attitudes to DVA were greater in clinicians working in intervention CMH teams than those working in control teams. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in two urban areas of the Netherlands. Detection and referral rates were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after the start of the intervention. DVA knowledge, skills and attitudes were assessed using a survey at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after start of the intervention. Electronic patient files were used to identify detected and referred cases of DVA. Outcomes were compared between the intervention and control teams using a generalized linear mixed model. During the 12-month follow-up, detection and referral rates did not differ between the intervention and control teams. However, improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude during that follow-up period were greater in intervention teams than in control teams: β 3.21 (95% CI 1.18-4.60). Our trial showed that a training program on DVA knowledge and skills in CMH teams can increase knowledge and attitude towards DVA. However, our intervention does not appear to increase the detection or referral rates of DVA in patients with a severe mental illness. A low detection rate of DVA remains a major problem. Interventions with more obligatory elements and a focus on improving communication between CMH teams and DVA services are recommended.

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Testimonial Smothering and Domestic Violence Disclosure in Clinical Contexts

Episteme ◽

10.1017/epi.2021.3 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Jack Warman

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Recent Work ◽

Social Epistemology ◽

Empirical Work ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Epistemic Injustice ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Personal Histories ◽

Domestic Violence And Abuse

Abstract Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) are at last coming to be recognised as serious global public health problems. Nevertheless, many women with personal histories of DVA decline to disclose them to healthcare practitioners. In the health sciences, recent empirical work has identified many factors that impede DVA disclosure, known as barriers to disclosure. Drawing on recent work in social epistemology on testimonial silencing, we might wonder why so many people withhold their testimony and whether there is some kind of epistemic injustice afoot here. In this paper, I offer some philosophical reflections on DVA disclosure in clinical contexts and the associated barriers to disclosure. I argue that women with personal histories of DVA are vulnerable to a certain form of testimonial injustice in clinical contexts, namely, testimonial smothering, and that this may help to explain why they withhold that testimony. It is my contention that this can help explain the low rates of DVA disclosure by patients to healthcare practitioners.

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