Child Abuse & Neglect最新文献

Background: Immigrant adolescents seem to be at risk for victimization and being victimized in adolescence is related to risk factors regarding mental health.

Objective: This study compared the frequency and type of victimization experiences among immigrant and native Finnish adolescents and tested whether these experiences mediate the relationship between immigration status and psychosocial well-being. Additionally, willingness to disclose victimization experiences in anonymous questionnaires was compared between the groups.

Participants and setting: In this computer-based study a population-based sample of 5607 Finnish adolescents was used (M_age = 15.23, SD_age = 0.42, Range 15 to 16 years; 49.8 % girls, 48.5 % boys), of which 11.7 % were immigrants. Twelve lifetime victimization experiences were assessed, and psychosocial well-being was measured with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Methods: Descriptive statistics, crosstabulation and t-tests were used to report victimization experiences and participants' willingness to share them in an anonymous questionnaire. The relationship between immigration status and psychosocial well-being was investigated with mediation analysis, victimization experiences as mediator.

Results: Findings revealed that immigrant adolescents experienced more victimization, particularly in the form of property crimes, hate crimes, and physical and sexual abuse, than native adolescents. Victimization experiences were found to mediate the impact of immigration status on psychosocial well-being. Moreover, immigrant adolescents were less likely to disclose victimization experiences.

Conclusions: The results suggest a potential underestimation of the prevalence of victimization experiences in immigrant adolescents, which warrants further investigation. As these experiences play an important role in the relationship between immigrant status and psychosocial well-being, the findings endorse assessing adverse experiences, as well as safe disclosure when planning psychosocial support and treatment for immigrant adolescents.

Background: Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is the most common form of intra-familial child sexual abuse yet is largely understudied.

Objective: To systematically review the literature on risk and protective factors, disclosure patterns and responses to disclosure, and therapeutic or other responses to cases of sibling sexual abuse.

Methods: In line with PRISMA guidelines, six key databases were searched along with a systematic search of key grey literature sources. Studies were then screened with 39 included for review.

Results: SSA behavior was most commonly demonstrated by male siblings with histories of abuse, learning disabilities, and exposure to family conflict, violence, and disadvantage. Rates of disclosure to parents were low, with many victims (most commonly female) not disclosing until adulthood. Parents were also found to often respond poorly by minimising and disbelieving victimized children.

Conclusions: Early detection and prevention are paramount to improve outcomes for children and young people, and their families. Professionals working in sectors such as social work, education, health, and mental health need to be aware of the risk and protective factors, disclosure patterns, and appropriate responses to SSA behavior to provide effective support. Our review highlights the need for more awareness-raising and education for parents to address the issue of SSA in families, reduce stigma and barriers to disclosure for victims, and facilitate access to treatment and intervention when harmful sexual behaviors are demonstrated. There is a need for more rigorous research on SSA behavior to support practice development.

Background: Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is considered to occur more frequently than other types of intrafamilial sexual abuse and is related to numerous detrimental outcomes. Despite this, the literature on SSA is limited, which results in a knowledge gap on the effects of this type of abuse and specifically on survivors' experiences of therapy and challenges for interventions.

Objective: This study extends current knowledge by qualitatively investigating experiences of therapy of adults who experienced childhood SSA, to identify specific challenges and considerations for therapeutic interventions.

Methods: Four small-scale online focus-group meetings were conducted. In total, 12 participants shared and discussed their experiences of therapy for SSA.

Results: Qualitative thematic analyses revealed three central themes and several subthemes that provided important insights. First, many SSA survivors experience difficulties disclosing the abuse and fully engaging in therapy. Second, SSA is embedded within the family and is associated with changes in all family relationships, which needs to be addressed in therapy. Third, trust in and acceptance of the client's narrative are important to provide a secure base. In addition, therapists should acknowledge clients' strengths. Finally, because recovery from trauma is a long process, therapy should be tailored to the specific client and the specific point in their journey of recovery, as several types of therapy are only beneficial under certain conditions.

Conclusions: The findings inform therapists about challenges SSA survivors may experience during therapy, allowing therapists to better finetune their focus in supporting SSA survivors.