[Violence in contact and custody proceedings-A case of child endangerment in the family court-Where are efficient child protection measures?] / Intrafamiliäre Gewalt im Kontakt- und Sorgerechtsverfahren ­ Ein Fall von Kindeswohlgefährdung im Familiengericht ­ Wo greifen Maßnahmen zum Kinderschutz?

Against the background of 30 years of discussion in medicine and law about unfounded accusations and the existence of reasonable suspicion of intra-family violence in contact and custody proceedings, this article emphasises the importance of focusing on child protection by all professionals.Based on a case report in connection with the Federal Ministry of Justice's handout "Dealing with violence in custody and contact proceedings", the article describes the relevance of child protection in Austrian case law and the means by which it is undermined. In the name of science, ideological diagnoses are used instead of evidence-based treatment diagnoses [1]. "Professionals from the healthcare system, youth welfare, justice and education should cooperate in child protection with the aim of recognising, identifying and ending child abuse, maltreatment and/or neglect as such (cf. § 3 KKG) [2]."In legal practice, however, practitioners in the psychosocial, psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic fields are often not recognised as witnesses because of the assumption they are influenced by parents or patients themselves. In Austria, the evaluation of evidence is the responsibility of the judge and it is often assumed that practitioners cannot take an objective position towards their patients and their relatives. Specialist medical or psychological experts are therefore of crucial importance. When taking their oath, they have committed themselves to objectivity and impartiality in the recording of findings and orientation towards scientific principles and standards ("state of the art") and their application, as well as to continuous further training and education in the preparation of expert opinions [3].The specific case in question is a child with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder following suspected sexualised violence, enuresis and enkopresis in connection with the traumatic experiences.The connection between violent situations and child and adolescent psychiatric disorders and the course of the custody and contact proceedings are described. Relevant legal interests such as the will of the child, the best interests of the child, attachment tolerance and protection against violence are addressed and put up for discussion. Topics such as domestic, psychological, sexualised, institutional violence and intimate terror are presented.The case report is an example of how child psychiatrists deal with points relevant to the Federal Ministry of Justice's handbook "Dealing with violence in custody and contact proceedings", which was published in January 2024. It represents a guideline for the area of court proceedings, assessment and treatment.

Deaths in jail: a retrospective analysis of autopsies performed at the Legal Medicine Unit of Pavia (1999-2022).

Introduction: The high rate of incarceration, now exceeding 11.5 million people worldwide, has raised concerns about the conditions within penal institutions, such as the consequences of incarceration on the person. This retrospective study aims to investigate the issue of death in custody, exploring the relationship between incarceration, health vulnerabilities, and death from the forensic pathologist's point of view. Methods: We analyzed, from a forensic, clinical and toxicological perspective, 86 cases of deaths in detention facilities in North-Western Italy from 1999 to 2022. Results: The analysis has shown that suicide, mainly committed by hanging, plastic bag suffocation and butane intoxication, represents the leading type of violent death (52%), followed by accidental deaths (16%). On the other hand, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of natural deaths (42%), followed by infectious diseases (especially HIV-related). Discussion: The present study identifies the most frequent and critical situations and risk factors related to death in custody and the profile of the inmate who is at a higher risk of death, allowing to highlight the issues to be addressed from a public health point of view. On the whole, it calls for comprehensive reforms, aligned with international human rights standards, addressing mental and physical care gaps, improving correctional officers' education, and training, and focusing on rehabilitation with well-being and dignity.

Challenges to the real-world delivery of brief alcohol interventions in the custody suite: qualitative study.

AIMS AND METHOD: The aim was to evaluate an innovative pathway in police custody suites that aimed to specifically address alcohol-related health needs through screening and brief interventions by police custody staff. This paper presents a qualitative investigation of challenges involved in implementing the pathway. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 22 staff involved with commissioning and delivering the pathway; thematic analysis of interview data was then undertaken. RESULTS: An overarching theme highlights the challenges and uncertainties of delivering brief alcohol interventions in the custody suite. These include challenges related to the setting, the confidence and competence of the staff, identifying for whom a brief intervention would be of benefit and the nature of the brief intervention. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings show that there is a lack of clarity over how alcohol-related offending can be identified in police custody, whose role it is to do that and how to intervene.

A multi-center evaluation of a novel IVF cryostorage device in an active clinical setting.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the function, and usability of a novel automated software-guided cryostorage system in an active IVF laboratory setting. The investigational device (ID) was installed at 3 IVF laboratories (sites: α, ß, and γ). A total of 15 embryologists were trained to use the ID. Mock patient specimens containing mirrored live patient data were handled using the ID. Temperature readings were recorded every minute. Successful identification, storage, and retrieval of mock patient specimens by the ID were evaluated. To assess an LN2 pressure builder, the frequency of use and events of workflow interruption were logged. Student's t-test was used to determine statistical significance. The ID was in active use for 164 days total. During this time, 329 mock patient egg and embryo cohorts were handled by the ID. The mean ± SD temperatures during active use were: α, - 176.57 ± 1.83 °C; ß, - 178.21 ± 2.75 °C; γ, - 178.98 ± 1.74 and did not differ significantly. The highest recorded temperatures were: α, - 165.14 °C; ß, - 157.41 °C; γ, - 164.45 °C. A total of 1064 automation transactions on 409 specimen vessels were performed. Data was managed on 1501 eggs and embryos. The ID did not lose or misplace any specimen data or vessels, and no mock specimen was exposed to a detrimental (> - 150 °C) temperature excursion. Over the 25 LN2 pressure builder usages during 99 total days, there was 1 occurrence where usage interrupted workflow due to a lack of LN2 pressure. The ID has advantages over the current manual-based cryostorage systems, including radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking, automation of manual tasks, and software guidance to ensure accurate specimen storage and retrieval. The results of this study indicate that the ID can be integrated into active IVF laboratories.

Making sense out of uncertainty: cognitive strategies in the child custody decision-making process.

Child custody cases post-parental separation entail inherent complexities and uncertainties for legal experts and decision-makers, and are influenced by context factors. This study sheds light on how legal actors (i.e., judges, prosecutors, lawyers, psychologists, and social workers) navigate the uncertainties that arise in such context and, therefore, make their decisions. Based on a reflexive thematic analysis involving 73 participants from Brazil and England, this study reveals cognitive strategies employed by legal actors to comprehend uncertainty and operate in the decision-making context. These strategies encompass heuristics (i.e., selection, evaluation, degrees of freedom, and outsourcing decisions/ resolution) and metacognitive strategies (custodial arrangements, professional practices and 'best interests of the child' speech). These results provide a window into the decision-making processes in child custody cases; they offer a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted sensemaking strategies employed by legal professionals. The results carry substantial implications for informing and improving legal practice in handling complex child custody situations. Furthermore, this study charts new paths for future research by highlighting potential avenues for refining and advancing the strategies employed by legal experts in these cases, especially considering the child's best interests.

Predictors of Pain and Mood Disturbances Among Older People in Custody Using an interRAI Assessment.

The population of people in federal custody in Canada is aging. Those in custody report experiencing poorer health and high rates of chronic health conditions. Two health concerns that are disproportionately higher among those in custody are mood disorders and pain. This cross-sectional study examined health indicators associated with pain and depressive symptoms among older people (50 years and above) from multiple facilities and security levels in federal custody in Canada. Participants were assessed using the interRAI Emergency Department Contact Assessment, which captures key health indicators. Chi square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to describe the population and identify health indicators associated with mood- and pain-related outcomes, respectively. Of the 1,422 participants in this study, the majority (55%) experienced pain and at least 1 out of 5 experienced depressive symptoms. Health indicators associated with depressive symptoms and/or pain were functional measures, including mobility, managing medication(s), and dyspnea. Depressive symptoms and pain are highly prevalent among older adults in federal custody. The relationship between functional health, depressive symptoms, and pain highlights the importance of interprofessional health care and biopsychosocial intervention(s).

Seroepidemiological Investigation of Hepatitis B and C Prevalence and Associated Factors Among People in Custody at Zahedan Central Prison.

BACKGROUND: On a global scale, approximately 350 million are affected by hepatitis B, and 71 million by hepatitis C. People in custody face elevated risks for these infections. The prevalence and risk factors in Iranian prisons are insufficiently documented. The principal objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of hepatitis B and C, coupled with the identification of pertinent influencing factors, within the confines of Zahedan central prison, situated in the southeastern region of Iran. METHODS: In 2019, we conducted an analytical cross-sectional study involving 407 people in custody, using stratified random sampling. To definitively diagnose hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (P<0.05), a checklist developed by the researchers, along with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, were employed. RESULTS: This study comprised 406 participants (96.3% male) with a median age of 32 years (27-38). Approximately 62% were married, and a substantial proportion of the participants had low education levels (47%), unemployment (64%), and belonged to the Baloch ethnicity (64%). The overall prevalence of hepatitis C and B infections was 2.7% and 10.6%, respectively. Tattooing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.9-4.5) and marriage (AOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.05-3.04) were identified as risk factors for hepatitis B. Moreover, hepatitis C showed a statistically significant association with a family history of hepatitis B and C (AOR: 3.31, 95% CI: 3.93-24.64) and intravenous (IV) drug use (AOR: 7.01, 95% CI: 1.52-32.78) according to the multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hepatitis B and C was higher among people in custody in Zahedan central prison. Consequently, targeted interventions are vital to address and reduce viral hepatitis burden in custodial settings.

Onto the Next Generation: Exploring the Impact of Mother's Experiences of Child Abuse and Commercial Sex Industry Involvement on Child Custody Outcomes.

Women and girls remain substantially overrepresented in the commercial sex industry. While a number of outcomes have been linked to childhood abuse and involvement with the commercial sex industry, there exists a gap in understanding the unique impact of child abuse on child custody outcomes among adult women involved in the commercial sex industry. Drawing from data collected from 107 case files of adult women with a history of commercial sex industry involvement, the aim of the current study was to understand the link between child abuse history, commercial sex industry involvement, and child custody outcomes. Results indicated that among women who reported a history of child sex trafficking, 91.7% reported having endured child abuse. Further, 82.4% of women reported that their children were not under their custody. Dysfunctional family dynamics, substance abuse, and economic and structural barriers endured by these women are explored further, and intergenerational continuity of such traumagenic precarities is considered as a prolonged implication of such issues. Through a trauma-informed perspective, implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.

Post-separation abuse: A literature review connecting tactics to harm.

Post-separation abuse is a pervasive societal and public health problem. This literature review aims to critically synthesize the evidence on tactics and consequences of post-separation abuse. We examined 48 published articles in the US and Canada from 2011 through May 2022. Post-separation abuse encompasses a broad range of tactics perpetrated by a former intimate partner including patterns of psychological, legal, economic, and mesosystem abuse as well as weaponizing children. Functional consequences include risk of lethality and deprivation of fundamental human needs. Connecting tactics of post-separation abuse to harms experienced by survivors and their children is crucial for future research, policy, and intervention work to promote long-term safety, health, and well-being of children and adult survivors.

Factors associated with adherence to the principles of responsible companion animal guardianship in a municipality in southeastern Brazil.

Responsible companion animal guardianship (RCAG) covers aspects that are relevant to both animal and human health. Understanding the factors associated with adherence to RCAG principles can guide accountability, animal welfare and disease control. The present observational study describes the level of adherence to RCAG by guardians living in a medium-sized Brazilian municipality and identifies the factors associated with inadequate guardianship. Questionnaires were administered to randomly selected guardians of 704 dogs. The binary outcome of the study, namely more and less adequate compliers to RCAG principles, was analyzed using a score list comprising eight variables relating to the care provided to the dogs, namely provision of veterinary services, vaccination against rabies, deworming, no access to the streets without supervision, walking with guardian, dog freedom at home, registration (microchipping) and satisfactory food supply. Factors possibly associated with less adequate adherence to RCAG by the guardian, such as socioeconomic and cultural features of the guardians, characteristics of the dogs and attributes of the guardian-animal interactions, were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models. The RCAG actions least adopted by guardians were animal registration, provision of veterinary care, walking with the dog and preventing access of the dogs to the streets without supervision. Individuals who cared for a single dog, a mixed breed dog or had previously lost a dog were less likely to show adequate adherence to RCAG. Conversely, guardians who owned cars, acquired dogs as puppies, lived in households with a maximum of four residents, cared for a sterilized dog or thought that caring for a dog was easier than (or as) expected, had a higher chance of showing adequate adherence to RCAG. The results verify that the socioeconomic and behavioral characteristic of guardians must be taken into consideration for understanding the adherence to RCAG. In addition, it is important to facilitate access to veterinary services and to raise awareness about the significance of a safe and healthy environment for companion animals.

Suicide While Locked Up in Texas: Risk Factors for Death by Suicide in Custody.

In the United States, suicide is a leading cause of death in prisons and jails, with incarcerated individuals being nine times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Identifying vulnerabilities at each stage of custody (prebooking, jail, prison) and factors that increase suicide risk can improve prevention efforts. A hierarchical binary logistic regression was conducted on data from the Texas Justice Initiative's Deaths in Custody Report. Variables included race/ethnicity, sex, age at death, days in custody, classification of crime as violent or nonviolent, and custody type of prebooking, jail, or prison. Among main effects, when compared to suicide rates in prison, jail suicide deaths were over three and a half times more likely (OR = 3.61), and the period of prebooking emerged as a period of staggering risk of suicide death, with suicides being over 5,000% more likely than at other stages of custody (OR = 50.86). When interactions were entered, Latinx individuals were at a particularly increased risk of suicide death (OR = 10.46), likelihood of suicide death decreased with each year of age (OR = .89), nonviolent offenders were just under three and a half times more likely to die by suicide when compared to violent offenders (OR = 3.45), and each stage of custody was shown to affect the relationship between age-related rates of suicide in different ways. Results call for further investigation into suicide among understudied populations in corrections, such as Latinx individuals, juveniles in the prison system, and nonviolent offenders, to identify the groups at the highest risk of premature death in correctional systems.

Canadian Youth Correctional Officers' Views on Their Work and Relationships With Youth in Their Care.

This study explored the personal perspectives of youth correctional officers within secure and open custody facilities in Ontario. A multi-methods design allowed for quantitative data collection to assess demographics and scores on a relationship scale and qualitative open-ended survey responses to explore areas of interest regarding officer work. Despite a small sample size (N = 26), results indicated trends in officers' views of their work and relationships with youth. Youth officers report various job duties ranging from supervision/security to cleaning and preparing meals. Results indicate differences in endorsement for relationship development with youth for those who see treatment as part of their role in rehabilitation and those who do not. This exploratory study provides a starting point for understanding the unique experiences and duties of youth correctional officers in Ontario, Canada, and their views on relationship development with youth. Future research will include in-person interviews, facilitating more rich data collection.

Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch-houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors.

OBJECTIVE: People detained in short-term police custody often have complex health conditions that may necessitate emergency care, yet little is known about their management in EDs. The present study aimed to understand ED doctors' experiences and perceptions regarding the appropriateness and management of detainee transfers from police watch-houses to the EDs. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study, using semi-structured interviews undertaken with ED doctors working in five purposively sampled EDs across Queensland, Australia. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen ED specialists and trainees participated. Participants reported that their overarching approach was to provide equitable care for watch-house detainees, as they would for any patient. This equitable approach needed to be responsive to complicating factors common to this population, including presence of police guards; restraints; complexity (physical/mental/social) of presentation; reliance on police to transport; ED doctors' often limited understanding of the watch-house environment; justice processes and uncertain legal disposition; communication with the watch-house; and detainees misreporting symptoms. Thresholds for assessment and treatment of detainees were contextualised to the needs of the patient, ED environment, and imperatives of other relevant agencies (e.g. police). Participants often relied on existing strategies to deliver quality care despite challenges, but also identified a need for additional strategies, including education for ED staff; improved communication with watch-houses; standardised paperwork; extended models of watch-house healthcare; and integrated medical records. CONCLUSIONS: Providing equitable healthcare to patients transported from watch-houses to the EDs is challenging but essential. Numerous opportunities exist to enhance the delivery of optimal care for this underserved population.

[Depressive symptoms in older prisoners : Results of two studies]. / Depressive Symptome bei älteren Inhaftierten : Ergebnisse zweier Studien.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of prisoners aged 60 years and above is steadily rising both nationally and internationally. With advancing age the risk of developing physical and mental illnesses also increases. International studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of mental disorders among older prisoners compared to the general population; however, there are few data on this, at least for Germany. OBJECTIVE: Collation of empirical data on the presence of depressive symptoms among older prisoners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were two independent cross-sectional studies conducted in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Rhineland-Palatinate (RLP), which included prisoners aged 50 years and above. In NRW a purely quantitative survey of depressive symptoms was carried out using the German version of the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-D) and in RLP the quantitative measurements using the general depression scale short form (ADS-K) were supplemented by qualitative interviews. RESULTS: In total, data from 315 inmates were available for a joint analysis (222 from RLP, 93 from NRW). Among the prisoners in RLP 63.4% exhibited mild to clinically significant depressive symptoms, while in NRW this was the case for 46.2%. The treatment with antidepressants was carried out only in a small proportion in both federal states. DISCUSSION: Both surveys showed a clearly elevated prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to the non-prison population. The results also suggest a need for optimization in terms of treatment. Particularly concerning potential interactions with somatic illnesses, efforts should be made to improve the diagnostics and treatment of depressive symptoms.

Best practice guidelines for evaluating patients in custody in the emergency department.

Patients in custody due to arrest or incarceration are a vulnerable population that present a unique ethical and logistical challenge for emergency physicians (EPs). People incarcerated in the United States have a constitutional right to health care. When caring for these patients, EPs must balance their ethical obligations to the patient with security and safety concerns. They should refer to their institutional policy for guidance and their local, state, and federal laws, when applicable. Hospital legal counsel and risk management also can be helpful resources. EPs should communicate early and openly with law enforcement personnel to ensure security and emergency department staff safety is maintained while meeting the patient's medical needs. Physicians should consider the least restrictive restraints necessary to ensure security while allowing for medical evaluation and treatment. They should also protect patient privacy as much as possible within departmental constraints, promote the patient's autonomous medical decision-making, and be mindful of ways that medical information could interact with the legal system.

Solutions Trial: Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in 10-17-year-olds presenting at police custody: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Within England, children and young people (CYP) who come into police custody are referred to Liaison and Diversion (L&D) teams. L&D teams have responsibility for liaising with healthcare and other support services while working to divert CYP away from the criminal justice system but have traditionally not provided targeted psychological interventions to CYP. Considering evidence that Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) leads to a reduction in internalising and externalising behaviour problems in CYP, the aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to determine whether there is a difference between services as usual (SAU) plus SFBT offered by trained therapists working within a L&D team, and SAU alone, in reducing offending behaviours in 10-17-year-olds presenting at police custody. METHODS: Design: two-arm individually RCT with internal pilot and process evaluation. PARTICIPANTS: N = approximately 448 CYP aged 10-17 years presenting at one of three police custody suites in the area served by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) who are referred to the L&D team. Participants will be recruited and allocated to intervention:control on a 1:1 basis. Interviews will be performed with 30-40 CYP in the intervention arm, 15 CYP in the control arm, up to 20 parents/guardians across both arms, up to 15 practitioners, and up to 10 site staff responsible for screening CYP for the trial. Intervention and control: Those allocated to the intervention will be offered SAU plus SFBT, and control participants will receive SAU only. PRIMARY OUTCOME: CYP frequency of offending behaviours assessed through the Self-Report Delinquency Measure (SRDM) at 12 months post-randomisation. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: criminal offence data (national police database); emotional and behavioural difficulties (self-report and parent/guardian reported); gang affiliation (self-report). Process evaluation: evaluation of acceptability and experiences of the CYP, parents/guardians, site staff and practitioners; fidelity of SFBT delivery. DISCUSSION: This two-arm individually RCT will evaluate the effectiveness of SFBT in reducing offending behaviours in CYP presenting at police custody suites within the area served by LSCFT. Our process evaluation will assess the fidelity of delivery of SFBT, the factors affecting implementation, the acceptability of SFBT in CYP aged 10-17 years and recruitment and reach. We will also examine systems and structures for future delivery, therefore assessing overall scalability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov  ISRCTN14195235 . Registered on June 16, 2023.

Adolescent child custody loss and substance use treatment as predictors of young adult substance use trajectories among females with foster care and juvenile justice involvement.

This study aimed to identify trajectories of substance use from adolescence to young adulthood among 166 females with dual child welfare and juvenile justice system involvement, and to explore the influence of adolescent child custody status and substance use treatment on substance use trajectories. Results identified four substance use trajectory groups (stable moderate substance use, decreasing substance use, increasing substance use, stable high substance use). Custody loss during adolescence predicted membership in the stable high substance use trajectory group (log odds estimate = 2.99, p = < 0.01). No significant associations were found with adolescent substance use treatment. The findings can inform policymakers, foster care professionals, and law enforcement officers to promote the delivery of timely and appropriate substance use services that respond to the unique needs of females across the child welfare and juvenile justice system populations.

Experiences of quitting smoking in prisons: A qualitative study of people in custody.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking prevalence among people in custody (PIC) is extremely high, and prison-based smoking cessation interventions are needed. The study explored the quitting experiences of PIC who participated in the 'Quit to Win' contest (QTW). METHODS: This qualitative study, conducted from 2019 to 2021 in two Hong Kong prisons, included semi-structured individual interviews with 26 PIC (13 men and 13 women) who were participants in QTW and two correctional staff who coordinated QTW. A semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions was developed to examine multilevel factors that promote or impede smoking cessation in prisons. Maximum variation sampling was used to ensure a diverse range of social, demographic, and smoking profiles. Data were managed and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two themes were identified from the data: 1) quitting in prison: barriers and facilitators; and 2) QTW in prison: a trigger for behavior change. Barriers (i.e. stress, boredom, isolation, lack of self-autonomy, nicotine dependence and lack of cessation medication, barriers to moving to a different wing) and facilitators (i.e. concerns about health, money savings, and the smoke-free wing) that impeded or supported smoking cessation during incarceration were identified. QTW provided health education, quitting incentives, and social support that helped PIC overcome the barriers of quitting by serving as a trigger for behavior change. Notably, social visits with family were identified as key drivers of PIC's quitting success, whereas their suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic disincentivized their abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: This study introduced the QTW contest to prisons and provided qualitative evidence on the multilevel factors promoting or impeding smoking cessation in prison. QTW helped PIC overcome the barriers of quitting by serving as a trigger for behavior change. Future prison-based interventions should leverage social support, enhance stress-coping skills, facilitate access to pharmacotherapy, and collaborate with correctional services agencies.

"I Worry About My Kids' Safety When They Visit": Mothers' Perceptions of Father/Child Post-Separation Contact in the Context of IPV.

After separation because of intimate partner violence, fathers' contact with children can be problematic. This mixed methods secondary analysis focused on 280 Canadian separated/divorced mothers who were 48.4% White, 45.1% Indigenous, and 6.5% Visible Minority. Of 176 fathers, 105 (59.7%) had regular visits and, 71 (40.3%) visited sporadically; 104 had no contact. Comments from half the mothers (54.3%) with regular father-child visits indicated worry, and 41.9% of all mothers perceived their children as sad/upset and another 14.5% as angry/acting out in response to visitation. Recommendations to address mothers' and children's issues with respect to problematic father-child contact are provided.

Firearms and post-separation abuse: Providing context behind the data on firearms and intimate partner violence.

AIM: The aim of this study is to provide insight from maternal survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) describing their experiences with their ex-partners' firearm ownership, access, storage and behaviours in the context of co-parenting and separation. DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study informed by the IPV and Coparenting Model. METHODS: The analytic sample consists of self-identified maternal survivors (n = 14) who completed semi-structured qualitative interviews between January and May 2023 describing experiences of post-separation abuse. Participants were recruited through social media and domestic violence advocacy and legal aid organizations. In the interview guide, participants were asked one item about firearm exposure: Have you or your children had any experiences with guns and your ex-partner that made you or your children feel scared? Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interview transcripts were managed and coded in ATLAS.ti using a codebook. Codes were applied using descriptive content analysis, discrepancies reconciled and themes related to firearm exposure in the context of post-separation abuse identified. RESULTS: Six themes emerged related to firearm experiences and post-separation abuse: (1) gun ownership (2) gun access; (3) unsafe storage; (4) direct and symbolic threats; (5) involving the children; (6) survivors' protective actions. CONCLUSION: This manuscript provides context on how abusive ex-partners' firearm ownership, access and threats cause terror and pervasive fear for mothers and children following separation. Analysis of qualitative data provides important insights into opportunities to address firearm injury prevention. IMPACT: Findings add to the contextual understanding of how survivors of IPV experience non-fatal firearm abuse. Existing quantitative data may not capture the full extent of fear caused by perpetrators' gun ownership access and symbolic threats. Data from this study can help inform firearm injury prevention efforts. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the individuals who helped in cognitive testing of the interview guide prior to conducting interviews with participants, including (3) survivors of post-separation abuse. The authors would also like to acknowledge domestic violence advocates and those individuals who helped with recruitment and connected us with participants. Importantly, with deep gratitude, the authors would like to thank the participants who generously shared their time and stories with us.