scholarly journals Witnessing adults' violence: the effects on children and adolescents

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dora Black

Children, like adults, can directly experience or be witness to interpersonal violence either within or outside the family, on one or repeated occasions. Intra-familial violence may result in the death or serious disablement of a parent or child, or may be experienced as child sexual abuse or chronic domestic violence. Non-familial violence includes urban violence now endemic in some communities, war and civil conflict, and vicarious violence such as in films and on television. Traumatic events can also occur by natural forces, for example, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes. This review will focus mainly on the effects on children of witnessing severe or repeated violence, sometimes resulting in death, occurring to a member of their family, perpetrated either by a parent, step-parent or cohabitee or by a person or persons unrelated to them, although it will draw on studies of other traumatic experiences where relevant.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Martín-Babarro ◽  
M. Paz Toldos ◽  
Lorena Paredes-Becerra ◽  
Renzo Abregu-Crespo ◽  
Juan Fernández-Sánchez ◽  
...  

Objective: To examine the relationship between exposure to multiple forms of child abuse and neglect within the family context and peer victimization at school, accounting for the moderator effect of sex and educational level.Methods: Two thousand four hundred fifteen children and adolescents, aged 9 to 15 years, attending public schools in Mexico completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and a modified version of the Olweus' Bully/Victim Questionnaire. We used linear regression models to assess the association of five different forms of child abuse (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical negligence) with three forms of peer victimization (direct, indirect, and cyberbullying).Results: Direct forms of child abuse within the family (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse), but not neglect, were significantly and positively associated with a risk for peer victimization. In the fully adjusted models, emotional abuse was significantly associated with the three types of peer victimization: [indirect b = 0.48, t = 6.75, p < 0.001, direct (b = 0.47, t = 4.89, p < 0.001), and cyberbullying (b = 0.85, t = 5.45, p < 0. 001)]; while physical abuse was positive and significantly associated with direct victimization (b = 0.29, t = 3.28, p < 0.001). Boys suffering from sexual abuse within the family context showed higher levels of all subtypes of peer victimization. Students attending secondary school who suffered from sexual abuse showed higher levels of indirect victimization than did students attending primary schools.Conclusion: Child abuse within the family context seems to be associated with the risk of peer victimization. Preventive strategies to address bullying and promote resilience should take family factors into account. Interventions for high-risk families might be useful to prevent child multi-victimization.


Author(s):  
Birsen Şentürk Pilan ◽  
Serpil Erermiş ◽  
Tuğçe Özcan ◽  
Reyhan Çalışan ◽  
İlayda Barankoğlu ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses and factors associated with psychiatric diagnoses of children and adolescents who are victims of sexual abuse. Method: The files of 92 children and adolescents aged between 0-18 who were referred to University Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Forensic Policlinic between January 2017 and December 2019 due to sexual abuse were evaluated retrospectively. Psychiatric diagnoses of the cases were made according to DSM 5 diagnostic criteria. Intellectual capacity of the cases was evaluated according to the latest verison of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Results: In our study, 78 (84.8%) cases were female and 14 (15.2%) were male. Mean age of the cases was 14.1±3.88 years. The most common type of sexual abuse was touching (52.2%, n=48). There was a psychiatric diagnose in 50 (54.3%) of them. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were posttraumatic stress disorder (n=29, 31.5%) and major depressive disorder (n=25, 27.2%). The rate of psychiatric diagnosis was significantly higher in cases exposed to coercion and violence (p=0.032). In 32 cases (34.8%), it was determined that the abuser was within the family. Conclusion: Sexual abuse has an effect on child’s development throughout life.In our study, the rate of psychiatric diagnosis was high. It is very important to provide the necessary psychiatric support to the victims of sexual abuse. With the studies to be done in this area, awareness can be increased and necessary precautions can be taken.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Ana Virginia Quiroz De la Cruz ◽  
José Raymundo Triviño Sabando

En este trabajo se aborda la temática del abuso sexual a niños, niñas y adolescentes y la importancia de la orientación familiar en la prevención de este abominable mal que azota con gran fuerza a una población vulnerable de la sociedad. Comprende un análisis de datos históricos de los orígenes de esta práctica hasta la incidencia de casos que en la actualidad se revelan en la realidad ecuatoriana, sobre todo. Se reflexiona sobre el preocupante aumento de casos que salen a la luz pública, así como también aquellos que no son expuestos y que son parte de una estadística oculta, pero que constituyen una realidad latente que urge ser tratada. Actualmente en un alto índice de familias es muy escaso el diálogo sobre temas de prevención de la violencia sexual infantojuvenil, en gran medida por tabúes, temores e idiosincrasias culturales y falta de capacitación, por lo que se concluye que, a partir de una mayor intervención a través de procesos técnicos, la orientación familiar podría ser un proceso clave para disminuir esta abominable práctica social. PALABRAS CLAVE: Orientación familiar; abuso sexual; violación; población vulnerable. THE FAMILY ORIENTATION IN THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS ABSTRACT This paper addresses the issue of sexual abuse of children and adolescents and the importance of family guidance in the prevention of this abominable evil that strikes with great force a vulnerable population of society. It includes an analysis of historical data on the origins of this practice up to the incidence of cases that are currently revealed in the Ecuadorian reality, above all. It reflects on the worrying increase of cases that come to public light, as well as those that are not exposed and that are part of a hidden statistic, but that constitute a latent reality that urgently needs to be addressed. At present, in a high index of families, there is very little dialogue about prevention of sexual violence against children and adolescents, largely due to taboos, fears and cultural idiosyncrasies and lack of training, so it is concluded that, after a greater intervention Through technical processes, family counseling could be a key process to reduce this abominable social practice. KEYWORDS: Family orientation; sexual abuse; violation; vulnerable population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Aparecida da Silva ◽  
Maria do Horto Tiellet ◽  
Vivian Lara Cáceres Dan

O presente estudo tem como objetivo tipificar a violência contra a criança em âmbito familiar e saber de que forma a escola trabalha com o problema. Utilizamos como suporte teórico-metodológico a abordagem fenomenológica, e como instrumento de pesquisa a entrevista. Nove foram os sujeitos escolhidos pela técnica da “cadeia de informantes”, iniciada pelo/a diretor/a da escola. A violência doméstica contra a criança, analisada a partir do olhar dos sujeitos significativos, manifesta-se pela negligência, pela violência física, pelos maus tratos, pelo abuso sexual e o estupro relatados por mães e agressores/as identificados/as, mas não são denunciados/as, quer seja pela escola ou pelos/as responsáveis pela criança. Em relação ao que foi constatado, é possível afirmar que, no âmbito escolar pesquisado, as ações para o enfrentamento do problema da violência contra crianças e adolescentes são ineficazes, inúteis, e não surtem efeito.Palavras-Chave: Professor. Violência doméstica contra a criança. Violência intrafamiliar.SCHOOL AS A REVEALING SPACE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN: a case studyAbstractThis piece of study aims to define violence against children within the family, and to understand how school copes with the problem. As a theoretical-methodological input, we used a phenomenological approach. Our research tool was the interview. Nine subjects were chosen by applying the "chain of informants" technique, starting with the school principal. Domestic violence against children, as analyzed from the point of view of significant subjects, is portrayed by neglect, physical violence, maltreatment, sexual abuse and rape reported by both mothers and identified perpetrators. However, they are not reported either by the school nor by those who are responsible for the children. Regarding to what has been found out in the researched school setting, one can affirm that actions to cope with the problem of violence against children and adolescents are ineffective, worthless and do not work.Keywords: Phenomenology. Teacher. Domestic violence against children. Intrafamily violence.LA ESCUELA COMO ESPACIO REVELADOR DE LA VIOLENCIA DOMÉSTICA CONTRA LA INFANCIA: un estudio de casoResumenEl presente estudio tiene como objetivo tipificar la violencia contra la infancia en el ámbito familiar y saber de qué forma la escuela aborda el problema. Utilizamos como soporte teórico-metodológico la perspectiva fenomenológica, y como instrumento de investigación, la entrevista. Fueron entrevistados 9 sujetos seleccionados a partir de la “cadena de informantes”, iniciada por el/la director/a de la escuela. La violencia doméstica contra los niños según análisis desde la mirada de los sujetos significativos se manifiesta por la negligencia, la violencia física, los malos tratos, el abuso sexual y la violación reportados por madres y por agresores/as identificados/as. Sin embargo, no son denunciados/as por la escuela tampoco por los/as responsables de los niños. En relación con lo constatado, se puede afirmar que, en el ámbito escolar investigado, las acciones al enfrentamiento del problema de la violencia contra los niños y adolescentes son ineficaces, inútiles y no surten efecto.Palabras-clave: Fenomenología. Profesor. Violencia doméstica contra la infancia. Violencia intrafamiliar


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diene Monique Carlos ◽  
Ana Beatriz Campeiz ◽  
Wanderlei Abadio de Oliveira ◽  
Jorge Luiz da Silva ◽  
Monika Wernet ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives: to characterize and analyze the experiences of families involved in domestic violence against children and adolescents, based on the Paradigm of Complexity. Methods: qualitative research, in which data of 15 families was collected through documentary research, open interviews and field diary. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: two categories “I don’t have it” and “I didn’t have it” emerged, revealing the historicity that marks the violence experienced in the present. They include social vulnerability, maternal burden, associated with urban violence to which families are exposed. At the same time, stories of violence by the intimate partner, as well as intergenerational violence and drug abuse have impacted the current moment. Final Considerations: nursing can contribute to attribute new meaning to violent stories woven by families, as well as to the interdisciplinary construction of perspectives and interventions that consider the multiple violence and adversities to which such a population is exposed.


2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 889-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Soccio Martins ◽  
Maria das Graças Carvalho Ferriani ◽  
Marta Angélica Iossi Silva ◽  
Nide Regina Zahr ◽  
Kátia Michelli Bertoldi Arone ◽  
...  

We sought, in this investigation, to understand the family dynamics in the view of parents and children involved in Domestic Violence against children and adolescents institutionalized in the Center of Assistance to the Victimized Child and Adolescent (CACAV), in Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil. This is a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews applied to parents and children from six families involved in domestic violence. The data were analyzed through content analysis. Ecology of human development was used as theoretical reference. Domestic violence was reported, though it is understood as common practice for the families. We identified that the parents' view favors the denial of the violence perpetrated. The children, on the other hand, point that love ties and affection are more significant for their development than blood relations. We believe that the knowledge acquired as how violence is experienced, can contribute with intervention strategies capable of breaking the perverse cycle of violent family relationships.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-14
Author(s):  
Anna Gadomska-Radel

Violence in the family is an important social issue and one of the most dangerous pathological problems leading to victimisation. It can take various forms, namely physical, psychological, economic and sexual abuse, and each time it causes multi-level consequences for all family members. The extent of domestic violence and its consequences show that the binding regulations of the Act on Counteracting Domestic Violence, as well as of the Code of Criminal Procedure, referring among others to the order for the perpetrator of domestic violence to leave the place of residence, have often proved insufficient in practice. It was therefore necessary to introduce more effective instruments of the legal protection of a person subjected to violence into the Polish legal system, allowing, inter alia, to order the offender to leave the place of residence with immediate effect. It was additionally improved by allowing the court, as a form of safeguarding measures under the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, to extend the validity of an order or a ban issued by the Police or Military Police for a further period of more than 14 days, as well as by speeding up the proceedings related to obliging a violent person to leave a shared dwelling and its immediate vicinity or bar him or her from the dwelling and its immediate vicinity. This was expressed in the Act of 30 April 2020 on amending the Act - the Code of Civil Procedure that came into force on 30 November 2020 and in some other acts. The introduced regulations will make it possible to ensure the safety of a person affected by violence who will not have to leave the dwelling to seek shelter for themselves and their children, and should also contribute to the improvement of victims’ situation and measures taken to counteract violence in the family.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Pinheiro Said ◽  
Liana Fortunato Costa

Abstract The family represents a privileged place for the detection of signs and symptoms of violence against children and adolescents, especially against boys, phenomenon underreported. The purpose of this paper was to broaden the understanding about issues related to family dynamics in sexual violence against boys by the use of qualitative method; in order to do so, it was made a documentary research of three cases of boys attended at a health service. Three main axes were highlighted in this article: the importance of family in the disclosure of sexual abuse, stigmas and prejudices, and the proximity of the offenders to the boys. It was observed that family dynamics actively influenced the abusive processes because of its possibility to favor protective or unprotected settings and also for the presence of issues such as transgenerationality and confusion in the family role plays. Thus, it is essential that interventions are also directed to the families, so that they are instructed to better protect the boys.


Author(s):  
Manuela López Ramírez

Toni Morrison revisits one of the main thematic concerns, child abuse and trauma, of her premier novel, The Bluest Eye, in her latest book God Help the Child. She has actually dealt profusely with all sorts of child maltreatment in her oeuvre. In her recent narrative, Morrison weaves a tangled web of childhood trauma stories, in which all of the characters have suffered some kind of abuse: neglect, witnessing domestic violence, emotional and psychological abuse, molestation, sexual abuse, etc. She shows how the child’s exposure to traumatic experiences has dramatic far-reaching effects into adulthood, such as psychological, emotional, behavioral and social problems. Morrison explores the curse of the past, the legacy of slavery and its aftermath, and its hold on the present, through the phenomenon of colorism. Racism and intra-racial discrimination based on the skin color result in childhood trauma. Children may adopt coping strategies to resist maltreatment or they may internalize oppression and accept self-loathing. Violence generates violence, a vicious cycle which will eventually make the victims future victimizers. Nonetheless, God Help the Child is not only about childhood abuse and trauma, but it is also about transformation and healing. Morrison describes the characters’ restorative journeys towards redemption.


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