Violence Against Women

This study examines the association between violence exposure and psychological distress among women experiencing homelessness (n = 41). Using a cross-sectional survey design, we assessed emotional, physical, and sexual violence perpetrated by both close (e.g., intimate partners, family members) and non-close (e.g., acquaintances, strangers) individuals and their impact on mental well-being. Findings indicate high levels of violence, with greater exposure linked to increased distress. Each form of violence in close relationships was independently associated with distress, highlighting its broad health consequences. Addressing the significant burden of violence among women experiencing homelessness requires both healthcare recognition and structural interventions. Comprehensive, trauma-informed approaches are essential to mitigate the impact of violence on psychological well-being.

This study examines Instagram responses to the TV series Fadia, which highlights femicide in the Arab society under the guise of “family honor.” The series and the subsequent Instagram discussions reveal emerging views on women's rights, education, and traditional roles, providing a unique insight into the clash between patriarchal norms and modern values. By analyzing spontaneous comments, the study captures new grassroots opinions, including internal critiques of the Arab society and calls for social change. This protected online discourse allows Arab women and men to explore sensitive issues like femicide and honor-based violence without fear of personal exposure.

While sports research has begun to focus on gendered violence in different disciplines, a need exists for deeper analysis of sexual harassment and abuse in sports. Based on responses to a large online survey, our study adds valuable insights to the examination of harassment in martial arts and to the development of solutions against it. Our investigation reveals a prevalence of gendered harassment in martial arts, a tendency to minimize the possibility of harassment being fostered in training spaces, and an inclination to individualize harassment as an issue of ego instead of perceiving it as a systemic form of oppression.

This study sought to investigate event centrality and posttraumatic growth (PTG) as mediators between retrospectively reported trauma symptoms (RTS) shortly after the sexual assault occurred and self-reported trauma symptoms at the current time (CTS). College students who experienced sexual assault completed an online questionnaire. Results found that event centrality, and not PTG, mediated the relationship between RTS and CTS. This suggests that sexual assault survivors who viewed the traumatic event as central to their life and identity tended to have current trauma symptoms more closely corresponding to their trauma symptoms (rated retrospectively) at the time of the assault.

Research investigating associations among targets of disgust, emotion regulation (ER) difficulties, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and mental contamination (MC) is limited. This study explored main and interactive effects of self-disgust, disgust with others, disgust with the world, and ER difficulties in predicting PTSD symptoms and MC among women with sexual violence histories (N = 90). Higher disgust with the world predicted more severe PTSD symptoms and disgust with others predicted more severe MC among those low in ER difficulties. Targets of disgust may be differentially associated with posttraumatic outcomes. Future research should investigate mechanisms linking targets of disgust to such outcomes.

This article explores what safety means to women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). From a feminist relational lens, we explore data from in-depth, narrative interviews with women who experienced severe IPV and perspectives of family and friends of those who were killed, to identify experiences that feel safe and those that do not. Other research focuses on ways and factors that enhance safety, whereas ours allows the exploration of differences in what makes someone feel safe. We argue that criminal justice interventions are perceived negatively due to their transactional nature, whereas shelters and informal supports are relational.

This study examines women's perceptions of safety in a high-risk area undergoing urban redesign. Using a mixed-method approach—systematic observation, surveys, and safety walks before and after the intervention—it explores how the built environment influences feelings of insecurity. Grounded in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, the research integrates quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of safety. It highlights the often-overlooked issue of women's safety in public spaces and offers insights to guide urban planners and policymakers in creating inclusive, safety-focused design strategies that enhance well-being in public environments.

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore how survivors’ perceptions of social reactions received upon disclosure of sexual assault varied by type of disclosure recipient. Survivors (n = 37) reported disclosing experiences of sexual violence in-person or online and in-person. The research team used applied thematic analysis to investigate how survivors’ perceptions of social reactions varied by the type of disclosure recipient. Participants shared social reactions received from family, friends, partners, providers, law enforcement, educators, and general acquaintances. Participants described the reactions they received as helpful, harmful, or ambivalent. Future research studies and clinical recommendations are discussed.

Sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs) are forensic tools used in emergency departments to collect evidence of an assault from the survivor's body. We sought to determine the perceived barriers to providing sexual assault care in rural and Northwestern Ontario, as reflected through the perspectives of Northern healthcare providers. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with healthcare providers in Northwestern Ontario, and three themes depicting sociocultural barriers were developed: (a) substance use; (b) police involvement; and (c) being Indigenous. These factors were found to influence both survivor credibility and the decision to complete the SAEK. We suggest that emergency departments are an inappropriate site for SAEK use.

The sociopolitical crisis in Haiti has resulted in stark increases in gender-based violence (GBV). Our qualitative descriptive study explored GBV experienced by Haitian women along a continuum based on the setting in which GBV occurred: prior to the Haitian humanitarian crisis, during the humanitarian crisis, and upon migration to the USA. Our results highlight gendered sociocultural norms among Haitian women, and how the humanitarian crisis aggravated gendered vulnerability, leading to increased GBV and sexual and reproductive health risks. The culmination of these factors propelled migration of women to settings with institutional protections against GBV.

This study investigates whether Rednote use increases unmarried young women's perception of intimate partner violence (IPV) risk in marriage. Based on 448 responses, structural equation modeling shows media use predicts media trust and IPV risk perception. Media trust also predicts risk perception and mediates the effect of media use. Social comparison has no direct effect but influences risk perception indirectly through media trust. These findings reveal that media exposure and trust together heighten IPV risk perception and offer insight into how social media shapes awareness of domestic violence through psychological mechanisms.

This study investigated the impact of non-physical intimate partner violence (IPV), including emotional and verbal abuse, and coercive/controlling behaviors, on Ontario Health Insurance Plan costs, the universal healthcare provider in the province of Ontario, Canada. Women exposed to non-physical IPV alone had 17% higher healthcare costs over 10 years compared to those not exposed, translating to CA$686 million in additional annual costs, challenging the perception that non-physical IPV is less harmful than physical forms. We argue that prevention of non-physical IPV and culturally informed screening in healthcare settings is vital to mitigate its long-term impacts on individuals and healthcare systems.

While police are gatekeepers to the criminal justice system for intimate partner violence (IPV), women are often divided about their helpfulness. The current secondary, mixed-methods analysis examined 575 Canadian women's impressions regarding police intervention (50.3% Indigenous, 43.4% White, and 6.4% visible minority). In more than half of the cases (53.3%), the police arrested/removed their partner/ex-partner, 53% said the police “just talked to them,” and 8% were also arrested. While 40% were satisfied with the police response, 21.5% thought police did not take them seriously, and 10.9% were explicit about the police not treating them well. Practice and policy implications are provided.

This study examined how female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Denmark experience access to support services within the social and healthcare systems. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 women. Although women faced significant barriers to assistance, they were aided by their social networks. Societal perceptions on IPV, especially psychological violence, and frontline personnel's lack of expertise impeded their help-seeking behavior. We propose an adapted version of the Levesque et al.’s (2013) framework of access to this context. Addressing the barriers requires upskilling frontline personnel, delineation of responsibilities, and improved cross-sector collaboration.

The present study used mixed methods to advance understanding of positive life changes and perceived growth following intimate partner abuse (IPA), focusing on coercive controlling violence. Women completed open-ended interview questions about positive changes and growth following divorce. Seven domains of positive changes and twelve domains of perceived growth were coded. Quantitative IPA measures assessed prior exposure to direct assault and dominance/isolation abuse. Positive changes in self-improvement, relationships, and internal self were common, as was growth in self-concept and independence. Improved financial situation was an unanticipated positive change. No statistically significant associations between IPA measures and overall counts of positive changes or growth were observed. Methodological considerations for studies of IPA-related growth are discussed.

Intimate partner violence offenders may have a history of committing other offenses within and outside of the relationship context. This study used a police dataset of male and female offenders (N = 1,189), and their offenses recorded as solved between 2009 and 2019. Hierarchical cluster analyses and K-means focused on diversity in offending through a person-centered approach, establishing six cluster solutions for males and four cluster solutions for females. Male typologies included “low-level offenders,” “escalating intimate partner violence offenders,” “anti-social offenders,” “increasingly prolific violent offenders,” “escalating prolific generalist offenders,” and lastly, “de-escalating prolific offenders.” Similar typologies were evident across the female cohort with a “low-level female offender” typology, a “low-level escalating anti-social” female offender typology, an “intimate partner violence and regulatory offense female offender,” and lastly, “prolific violent and anti-social female offender” typology. Male and female offender typologies varied significantly across several variables. Similarities were identified across gender and typologies, alongside similarities and differences based on the time period of offending (either pre-2013, 2013, or post-2013). The implications of this study involve increased understanding of how police administrative data can be used to identify differences across offending based on sex and offense types and tailor responses accordingly.

The effectiveness of the intervention of healthcare professionals in combating intimate partner violence (IPV) depends on their preparation, knowledge, and training. We assessed the impact of an educational intervention on healthcare professionals in dealing with IPV victims. We conducted a quasi-experimental study involving healthcare professionals. The tool used was a validated self-administered questionnaire: PERMIS. Results showed that a total of 26 professionals were included. Evaluation at T1 showed an improvement in the intervention group for the subscales perceived preparation, perceived knowledge, the objective knowledge scale, the self-efficacy score, and the professional practice score.

Despite the continuous efforts of different generations to eradicate violence against women, statistics reveal that the problem has not been solved. The aim was to identify convergences and divergences in the perceptions of young people and adults and highlight possible future solutions. This mixed study used questionnaires (N = 628) and involved focus groups with both youth and adults (N = 19). The study contributes to understanding the age-differentiated victimization of those who witness violent acts. Both groups agreed that the solution to violence is an individual responsibility with the victims even if it affects interpersonal relationships with the perpetrators.

This study evaluates the potential effectiveness of an online course concerning gender-based violence prevention, which combines the bystander intervention approach and the myths-based approach. The sample consists of 67 students who participated in three measurements—before the course, immediately after the course, and 3 months later. Gender-based violence myth acceptance decreased, and bystander efficacy increased after the course. The effects were the strongest among people with high ambivalent sexism and gender essentialism. The results suggest that the course was effective; however, a replication on a bigger and more diverse sample is needed.

Most sexual violence prevention programs on college campuses apply a monolithic approach to addressing sexual violence among highly varied student populations. The current study explores ways prevention programs can be tailored to the unique needs of marginalized communities, namely the Latine community. Utilizing a Chicana feminist framework and focus group methodology, findings suggest that sexual violence prevention programs would benefit from centering familismo, collective prevention, and balancing generational shifts around gender and sexuality into programming on sexual violence prevention for Latine students to better address the unique experiences and intersecting identities within diverse communities.

The engagement of people with lived experience as co-researchers is gaining momentum across areas of physical and mental health and community services research. Reporting of co-designed research often espouses the benefits and successes, without critical reflections on how the process was experienced by people with lived experience. This paper explores the experiences of victim survivor co-researchers on a research team at an Australian university, with a focus on tensions. Four themes were identified: Boundaries: clarity about how we use our space; Representation: the weight of our voice; Reform: the pace of change; and Recognition: converting lived expertise into academic currency.

Catcalling is a type of street harassment which occurs almost daily for most women since their teenage years. The present study aimed to investigate the developmental mechanisms of street harassment in perpetrators. We tested a mediation model in which negative parental attachment experiences are linked to the manifestation of callous-unemotional (CU) Traits which may relate to catcalling. Our model revealed that positive maternal attachment experience is negatively associated with the manifestation of CU Traits, that are further associated with catcalling. Negative paternal attachment experience was directly associated with catcalling. This effect, however, was not modulated via CU Traits. Our findings suggest an inclined position of the maternal relationship quality in the developmental aspects of CU Traits and, in further consequence, street harassment.

The purpose of this study was to examine perspectives of individuals who graduated (N = 14) from a domestic violence court (DVC) operating in a rural county in a Midwestern state. The graduates spent an average of 16.6 months in the DVC, with an average of 55.93 hearings, 84.57 surveillance checks, and 12.29 violations. Graduates shared positive accounts of their interactions with DVC personnel and described several positive changes during the time they were in the DVC. Evaluation efforts of DVCs are critical as advocates, law enforcement, and court administration, and intervention service providers work together to coordinate comprehensive responses to violence.