Firearms and Extortions in Mexico, 2012 to 2021.

The study of firearm violence in Mexico has primarily focused on homicides and trafficking. Less attention has been given to understanding how firearms affect other crimes and facilitate criminal activity beyond drug markets. By analyzing two questions, this study explores the role of firearms in extortions perpetrated in Mexico from 2012 to 2021. Questions are: What is the likelihood of reporting extortions to the police if offenders exhibited firearms? What is the likelihood of compliance with demands when offenders are armed with firearms? We obtained data from Mexico's National Crime Victimization Surveys and analyzed 2,619 extortions reported from 2012 to 2021. To explore our research questions, we ran two binary logistic regressions. Our dependent variables were dichotomous (reported to police = 1, complied with demands = 1). The independent variables were weapon types (extortions involving firearms as the reference group). We controlled for victim demographics as well as crime characteristics. Our results indicate that 40% of these extortions (n = 1,058) were perpetrated with a firearm. Fifty-two percent of extortions were perpetrated by unarmed offenders (n = 1,348) and 8% (n = 213) were perpetrated with other weapons (no firearms). Models suggest that, when compared to extortions perpetrated by unarmed offenders or those exhibiting other weapons (no firearms), victims of extortions involving firearms are less likely to report these crimes to police, mainly because of fear of reprisal. Similarly, victims are more likely to comply with demands if offenders exhibit firearms. Findings highlight the role of firearms in criminal enterprises and support the need for a comprehensive policy agenda to address firearm violence in Mexico.

Sociodemografía de pacientes con trastorno del estado de ánimo 2012-2021, Córdoba-Colombia / Sociodemographics of patients with mood disorders 2012-2021, córdoba, colombia

Resumen Objetivo: caracterizar sociodemográficamente pacientes que padecen trastornos del estado de ánimo en Institución Prestadora de Servicios (IPS) de salud mental en Montería, departamento de Córdoba - Colombia, correlacionando este diagnóstico con variables de interés. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo-longitudinal, que correlacionó variables sociodemográficas con trastornos del estado de ánimo en 729 pacientes hospitalizados en una IPS, procedentes de municipios del departamento de Córdoba, en el período 2012- 2021-I. Resultados: hombres con edad promedio de 23 años presentaron mayor frecuencia de trastornos del estado de ánimo n=689 que mujeres n= 40; en su mayoría procedentes de municipios como Montería, Puerto Libertador, Valencia, Tierralta y Canalete; siendo Montería el municipio con mayor población y menor prevalencia; factores como lugar de procedencia, falta de apoyo familiar y estrés fueron quienes incidieron en recaídas, registrándose disminución en hospitalización de estos pacientes durante la pandemia COVID-19. Conclusión: existe correlación entre variables sociodemográficas como lugar de procedencia del departamento de Córdoba, falta de apoyo familiar y estrés como determinantes para la ocurrencia del diagnóstico de trastornos del estado de ánimo, en pacientes que proceden de municipios caracterizados por niveles de violencia alto y medio, baja cobertura educativa y pobreza multifuncional en población vulnerable.

ABSTRACT Objective : To sociodemographically characterize patients with Mood Disorders in a Mental Health Institution in Montería, Córdoba - Colombia, and correlate this diagnosis with variables of interest. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, retrospective-longitudinal study correlated sociodemographic variables with Mood Disorders in 729 hospitalized patients in an Institution of Mental Health, originating from municipalities in the department of Córdoba, during the period 2012-2021. Results: Men with an average age of 23 years presented a higher frequency of Mood Disorders (n=689) compared to women (n=40). The majority of patients originated from municipalities such as Montería, Puerto Libertador, Valencia, Tierralta, and Canalete. Montería, being the municipality with the largest population, showed a lower prevalence. Factors such as place of origin, lack of family support, and stress influenced relapses, with a decrease in hospitalizations of these patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: There is a correlation between sociodemographic variables such as the place of origin in the department of Córdoba, lack of family support, and stress as determinants for the occurrence of Mood Disorders diagnosis in patients from municipalities characterized by high and medium levels of violence, low educational coverage, and multifunctional poverty in vulnerable populations.

Dating Violence in University Students: Validation of the DVQ-VP Scale In Bolivia.

Background: Dating violence is an increasingly studied subject as it is related to the initial stages of what could later become intimate partner violence and even intrafamily violence. It is believed that love can cause behavioral patterns that will eventually become habits. The objective: of this study is to have valid and reliable instruments, adapted to different contexts, to accurately and promptly evaluate victims and aggressors and guide an appropriate intervention. Method: we worked with 2216 volunteer university students from Bolivia who had at least one relationship in the past twelve months. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to adapt the Dating Violence Questionnaire for Victimization and Perpetration (DVQ-VP) for the Bolivian context. Results: the appropriate psychometric characteristics were confirmed for evaluating violence in dating relationships using a reduced version of 18 items in a five-factor model for victims and a single-factor scale for the evaluation of aggressors, which were found to be invariant for sex. Conclusions: a significant variability was found among the studies, making them less comparable. The implications and limitations of the study are noted.

Antecedentes: La violencia en el noviazgo es un tema que se estudia cada vez más, ya que se relaciona con las etapas iniciales de lo que más tarde podría convertirse en violencia de pareja e incluso violencia intrafamiliar. Se cree que el amor puede causar patrones de comportamiento que eventual mente se convertirán en hábitos. El objetivo: de este estudio es contar con instrumentos válidos y fiables, adaptados a diferentes contextos, para evaluar con precisión y prontitud a las víctimas y agresores, además de orientar una intervención adecuada. Método: Trabajamos con 2216 estudiantes universitarios voluntarios de Bolivia que tuvieron al menos una relación de pareja en los últimos doce meses. Se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio para adaptar el DVQ-VP al contexto boliviano. Resultados: Se confirmaron las características psicométricas adecuadas para evaluar la violencia en las relaciones de noviazgo utilizando una versión reducida de 18 ítems en un modelo de cinco factores para las víctimas y una escala de un solo factor para la evaluación de los agresores, que se encontraron invariantes para el sexo. Conclusiones: Se señalan las implicaciones y limitaciones del estudio.

Intimate Partner Violence Attitudes: Who Tolerates the Most?

Aim: to identify whether demographic variables, the type and length of romantic relationships, and alcohol consumption were risk factors related to attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV). Method: 723 adults filled the IPVAS and a demographic survey. Results: women were less likely to accept control; participants with technical education were more likely to tolerate control and abuse; those with secondary education were at higher risk to accept physical violence, while participants aged 26-35 were at lower risk; people who were dating someone were at higher risk to tolerate control, but were at a lower risk to accept physical violence; and those who consume alcohol were more likely to accept abuse. Conclusion: As attitudes toward IPV may predict its future occurrence, research on variables modulating the association between attitudes and IPV execution can strengthen evidence to implement preventive actions, in which shaping attitudes towards IPV are the primary target.

Objetivo: Identificar si las variables sociodemográficas, el tipo, la duración de las relaciones y el consumo de alcohol son factores de riesgo asociados con las actitudes hacia la violencia de pareja (VP). Método: 723 adultos completaron las IPVAS y una encuesta sociodemográfica. Resultados: las mujeres tuvieron menor probabilidad de aceptar el control; los participantes con educación técnica toleraron más control y abuso; las personas con educación secundaria presentaron mayor riesgo de aceptar violencia física, mientras que las personas entre 26 y 35 años mostraron un riesgo menor; quienes tenían una relación tuvieron riesgo mayor para tolerar control, pero menor riesgo para aceptar violencia física; aquellos que reportaron consumir alcohol tuvieron mayor probabilidad de aceptar abuso. Conclusión: Las actitudes hacia la IPV pueden predecir la ejecución de esta conducta en el futuro. Por lo tanto, estudios que indaguen sobre variables que modulen esta asociación incrementarán la evidencia para implementar acciones preventivas, en las que la formación de actitudes hacia la VP sean el objetivo principal de cambio.

Gaslighting Exposure During Emerging Adulthood: Personality Traits and Vulnerability Paths.

Among the many forms of psychological violence, gaslighting is a particularly insidious manipulative behaviour that includes acts aimed at controlling and altering one's own partner's sensations, thoughts, actions, affective state, self-perception, and reality-testing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the experience of gaslighting and dysfunctional aspects of the partner's personality. Gaslighter personality facets were assessed using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Informant Form-Adult (PID-5-IRF), while gaslighting behaviours were assessed using a 25-item questionnaire, based on the three categories of glamour, good-guy, and intimidator (Stern, 2007). The sample was made up of a group of 177 Italian emerging adults aged between 19 and 26 (49.2% male, 50.8% female; M = 21.88, SD = 1.75), enrolled at University, who participated voluntarily in the research. In fact, none of them received any form of direct or indirect incentive. In our study, we applied a beta regression model mapping the Likert scale into the open interval (0,1). The main results show (a) good-guy gaslighting is positively associated with manipulativeness and negatively associated with deceitfulness; (b) glamour gaslighting has a negative association with separation insecurity and manipulativeness, but it is positively associated with irresponsibility; (c) intimidator gaslighting has a positive association with separation insecurity and distractibility and a negative association with eccentricity and perceptual dysregulation; (d) all three gaslighting categories are negatively associated with anhedonia and impulsivity. Based on what emerged from the data, aspects such as separation insecurity, irresponsibility, and distractibility can be seen as serious risk factors for gaslighting. For this reason, with regard to clinical implications, an early recognition of dysfunctional traits in potential abusers should be fostered in order to protect both potential abusers and their partner from aggressive conduct within an intimate relationship.

Entre las muchas formas de violencia psicológica, el gaslighting es un comportamiento manipulador particularmente insidioso que incluye actos destinados a controlar y alterar sensaciones, pensamientos, acciones, estado afectivo, autopercepción y estado de realidad de la pareja. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre la experiencia del gaslighting y los aspectos disfuncionales de la personalidad de la pareja. Los aspectos de la personalidad de gaslighting se evaluaron utilizando el Inventario de Personalidad para DSM-5-Formulario de Informante-Adulto (PID-5-IRF), mientras que los comportamientos de gaslighting se evaluaron usando un cuestionario de 25 ítems, basado en las tres categorías de glamoroso, buen tipo e intimidante (Stern, 2007). La muestra estuvo compuesta por un grupo de 177 adultos jóvenes italianos de entre 19 y 26 años (49.2% hombres, 50.8% mujeres; M = 21.88, SD = 1.75), quienes estaban matriculados en la universidad y participaron voluntariamente en la investigación. De hecho, ninguno de ellos recibió algún tipo de incentivo, ya fuera directo o indirecto. En nuestro estudio aplicamos un modelo de regresión beta que mapea la escala Likert en el rango abierto (0,1). Los principales hallazgos muestran (a) que el buen tipo de gaslighting está positivamente asociado con la manipulación y negativamente asociado con el engaño; (b) el gaslighting glamoroso tiene una asociación negativa con la separación, la inseguridad y la manipulación, pero está positivamente asociado con la irresponsabilidad; (c) la iluminación del intimidador tiene una asociación positiva con la inseguridad de la separación y la distracción y una asociación negativa con la excentricidad y la desregulación perceptiva; (d) las tres categorías de gaslighting están asociadas negativamente con la anhedonia y la impulsividad. Según lo que surgió de los datos, aspectos como la inseguridad en la separación, la irresponsabilidad y la distracción pueden considerarse factores de riesgo graves para el gaslighting. Por esta razón, en las implicaciones clínicas, se debe promover un reconocimiento temprano de los rasgos disfuncionales en los abusadores potenciales para proteger tanto a los abusadores potenciales como a su pareja del comportamiento agresivo dentro de una relación.

The impact of workplace violence on the mental health of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new set ofwork-related stressors for health care workers. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations between exposure to violence and common mental disorders among health care workers in emergency care settings during COVID-19 in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: We randomly selected two emergency care units. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used to assess common mental disorders among emergency health care workers (n = 100). We examined the relationships between common mental disorders and COVID-19 pandemic-related variables, including availability of personal protective equipment, exposure to violence, discrimination, harassment, and confidence in the workplace to handle the pandemic. We used multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios for common mental disorders. Results: Overall, 50% (95%CI 39.8-60.1) of participants had a common mental disorder. In addition, 71% reported being victims of at least one type of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher risks ofcommon mental disorders were found among those who reported lacking personal protective equipment, being victims of discrimination, violence, or harassment, and reporting less confidence in the workplace to handle the pandemic. Participants exposed to two types of violence and three types of violence had higher prevalence ratios, with prevalence ratios of 2.28 (95%CI 1.23-4.21) and 3.14 (95%CI 1.62-6.08), respectively. Conclusions: Promoting access to personal protective equipment, addressing mistreatment of health workers as well as promoting their well-being at work, and building confidence in the workplace to deal with the pandemic are critical.

Introdução: A pandemia de covid-19 trouxe uma nova gama de estressores relacionados ao trabalho para os profissionais de saúde. Objetivos: Este estudo examina as associações entre a exposição à violência e os transtornos mentais comuns entre os profissionais de saúde durante as situações de emergência na pandemia de covid-19 em São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Selecionamos aleatoriamente dois serviços de emergência. O Questionário Geral de Saúde 12 foi utilizado para avaliar os transtornos mentais comuns entre os trabalhadores de saúde de urgência (n = 100). Investigamos as relações entre transtornos mentais comuns e variáveis relacionadas com a pandemia: disponibilidade de equipamento de proteção pessoal, exposição à violência/discriminação/assédio e nível de confiança no local de trabalho para lidar com a pandemia. Realizamos uma regressão multivariada de Poisson com uma variação robusta para estimar as razões de prevalência para transtornos mentais comuns. Resultados: Entre os participantes, 50% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 39,8-60,1) apresentaram transtornos mentais comuns e 71% relataram ter sido vítimas de pelo menos um tipo de violência durante a pandemia de covid-19. Foi encontrado maior risco de transtornos mentais comuns entre aqueles que reportaram falta de equipamento de proteção pessoal, sendo vítimas de discriminação, violência ou assédio; e que reportaram menor confiança no local de trabalho para lidar com a pandemia. Os participantes expostos a dois tipos e a três tipos de violência apresentaram razão de prevalência 2,28 (IC95% 1,23-4,21) e razão de prevalência 3,14 (IC95% 1,62-6,08) mais elevados, respectivamente. Os resultados indicam domínios que podem ser cruciais para mitigar os transtornos mentais comuns entre os trabalhadores da saúde. Conclusões: É crucial promover o acesso a equipamento de proteção pessoal, combater os maus tratos e promover o bem-estar e confiança no local de trabalho para lidar com a pandemia.

Robbery and kidnapping xperiences among bank employees: narratives of exposure and the aftercare received.

Introduction: Increasing urban violence exposes bank workers to traumatic situations in the work environment. Objectives: This study investigated the perceptions of bank workers about their robbery and/or kidnapping experiences and the aftercare they received. Methods: This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 7 workers from a public banking institution in 4 states in the northeastern region of Brazil who victims of kidnappings or robberies. Results: Their experiences were classified into 2 thematic categories: the dynamics of the event and the perception of aftercare actions. Conclusions: The violent experiences caused significant and lingering suffering and trauma among the participants. They reported that the aftercare was limited and needs improvement. Caring for bank workers who have been victims of assault and kidnapping can prevent or minimize their resultant psychosocial suffering.

Introdução: O aumento da violência urbana expõe trabalhadores bancários a situações traumáticas no ambiente de trabalho. Objetivos: Neste trabalho, objetivamos conhecer as percepções de trabalhadores bancários sobre a experiência vivida em assaltos e/ou sequestros e sobre a assistência à saúde recebida após esta vivência. Métodos: Adotou-se a pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida com sete trabalhadores(as) bancários(as) de um banco público, em quatro estados do nordeste brasileiro, vítimas de sequestros ou assaltos. A técnica utilizada para a produção dos dados foi a de entrevistas em profundidade. Resultados: As experiências narradas organizaram-se em duas categorias temáticas: dinâmica do evento e percepção das ações de cuidado após o evento. Conclusões: Em síntese, o estudo permitiu compreender que a violência experimentada fez emergir entre os participantes sofrimentos e traumas significativos que vão além do momento do evento. Em função disso, as narrativas indicaram que a assistência recebida após o evento traumático é limitada e poderia ser aprimorada. Assim, acolher e assistir os trabalhadores bancários vítimas de assalto e sequestro pode prevenir ou minimizar sofrimentos psicossociais advindos da vivência de violência.

The transnational mental health burden of Haiti's alleged collapse: preliminary findings from The Haitian Well-Being Study.

Background: Transnational drug trafficking, political unrest, gang violence, and paramilitarism, which are pervasive in Haiti, have resulted in a mental health crisis for the broader Haitian community. This study explores the mental well-being of Haitians in Haiti and the United States by identifying barriers and facilitators to mental health through the lived experiences of men and women. Method: Four Focus group discussions conducted in April and November 2023 engaged 28 participants (20 women and eight men) aged between 23 and 60 years from locations in Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil, Cayes, Cap-Haitien, Saint-Marc) and the United States. Discussions revolved around the definition of mental health, stressors, coping mechanisms, risk and protective factors, and barriers to mental health care. Results: Six principal themes emerged: 1- Chronic Traumatic Stress: continued violence, political instability, unemployment, lack of social support, adverse childhood experiences, family separation, and forced displacement were significant sources of stress. 2- Increased Health Burden: Participants reported experiencing chronic physical and psychological symptoms [i.e., hypertension, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, substance abuse, suicidal ideations, characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)], which were attributed to Haiti's social, political, and infrastructure collapse. 3- Risk Factors: limited access to mental health services, pervasive hopelessness, scarcity of opportunities, and stigma were identified as significant risks. 4- Future Uncertainty: widespread concerns regarding the future predominated. 5- Multigenerational Concerns: Significant anxiety concerning the mental health and development of children, as well as the functionality of mental health practitioners, was noted. 6- Coping and Protective Factors: Effective coping strategies include mental stimulation, peer support, managing digital consumption, engaging in leisurely activities, such as listening to music, and faith/spirituality. Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the sociopolitical and economic crisis in Haiti, which has resulted in violence and a dismantle of political, educational, financial, and health infrastructures. These factors were identified as the primary source of chronic distress, contributing to widespread mental health issues, adverse physical symptoms, and disruption in daily life. The implications for practice, healing, research & policy are discussed.

"My Cross to Bear": Mothering in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women in Mexico.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy negatively affects both maternal and infant health, yet gaps remain in understanding factors that maintain violence and/or promote resilience within the context of mothering. Nine focus groups were conducted with pregnant and/or IPV-exposed women (n = 17) and service providers (n = 26) working with these women in Nuevo León, Mexico. Thematic analysis of the focus group data revealed the detrimental impact of cultural norms that prioritize the relationship with women's partners, marriage, and family above women's dignity. Participants also identified ways that values regarding motherhood function as motivation for women to pursue a life without violence.

The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Reports of Domestic Violence Against Women in the Context of a Middle-Income Country: The Case of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The city of Belo Horizonte is a state capital in Brazil with 2.7 million people. The city is remarkable for its stubbornly high and stable levels of domestic violence, and for having implemented very restrictive responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using 260 weeks of data between 2017 and 2021, we used an Interrupted Time Series model to estimate the effect of the restrictive orders and their subsequent relief on reports of domestic violence against women. Results show that restrictive orders had a large and negative immediate impact on reports of domestic violence against women, which was immediately followed by a gradual increase towards their original level. The subsequent relief had no impact, as the series had already resumed its earlier trend by the time restrictions ended. We engage with theory and extant research from middle-income countries to consider why reports declined and why this decline was momentary. Findings contrast with research in high-income countries, which generally found increases in reports of domestic violence after implementing pandemic-related restrictions. However, results align with a single other study in Mexico, a medium-income country similar to Brazil. In light of our data's context and literature, we considered that reports of domestic violence may have declined not necessarily because of a reduction in actual incidents, but because the restrictions may have exacerbated the isolation of women in vulnerable domestic arrangements, limiting their ability to report their victimization. A stable trend in reports of domestic violence against women, which resumed even after a global pandemic, suggests that current policies have been ineffective and that addressing domestic violence requires a better understanding of related issues and evidence-based strategies. Our study also highlights the importance of considering the consequences of hastily implemented policies during a crisis. While necessary, such policies can inadvertently exacerbate issues such as social isolation.

Successful strategies for preventing and controlling violence against people with intellectual disabilities: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Violence against people with intellectual disabilities is unfortunately a reality all over the world, as they are one of the populations most vulnerable to various forms of aggression. Assertive prevention and control measures are crucial to tackle and reduce this problem. The aim of this study was to map and summarize the main measures for preventing and controlling domestic violence against people with intellectual disabilities.  METHODS: This was a scoping review conducted in accordance with the JBI guidelines. The databases consulted were: National Library of Medicine (PubMed); Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science; Excerpta Medica DataBASE (EMBASE); Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and SCOPUS. Studies included in this review reported on strategies to address domestic violence against people with intellectual disabilities, published in  the last ten years, in Portuguese, Spanish or English. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included in this review. Six studies had high methodological quality and five had moderate. Cognitive-behavioral intervention programs, educational  technologies and/or auxiliary tools, along with the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in domestic violence prevention measures are appropriate strategies for dealing with this issue. CONCLUSION: Domestic violence against people with intellectual disabilities is relatively unexplored in the health-field scientific literature. Prevention and control measures should be developed with the active involvement of people with intellectual disabilities, generating engagement and knowledge. Preventive measures should be adapted to the personal context and conditions of individuals with special needs, such as those with persistent or chronic mental disorders.

A Qualitative Analysis of Coping Strategies Among People Assigned Female Birth Who Have Experienced Gynecological Violence in Chile.

Gynecological violence, a form of gender-based violence encountered by women, remains a significant but overlooked issue. It occurs within healthcare settings in the context of gynecological care, and despite its prevalence, there's a dearth of research exploring strategies to combat it. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the coping mechanisms adopted by women and individuals assigned female at birth (cisgender, gender nonconforming, and transgender) following experiences of violence in Chile. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore their coping strategies. The transcriptions were analyzed employing thematic analysis, which revealed that individuals primarily coped with gynecological violence by seeking interpersonal interactions that provided emotional and instrumental support. Additionally, we identified novel coping mechanisms such as self-protecting behaviors and self-affirming behaviors.

Prevalence and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women and Men in Mexico: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This article presents the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and correlates of different forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women and men in Mexico. To identify studies, a comprehensive search strategy was developed and executed across 11 databases (Academic Search Complete, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science). From the 1,746 studies screened, 155 full-text articles were reviewed, and this systematic review included 27 studies involving 249,557 participants to determine the prevalence of physical, psychological, sexual, threats, and other forms of IPV, according to gender and other sociodemographic characteristics. Overall IPV prevalence was 16.4%, with significant differences across pregnant and non-pregnant women. Physical IPV prevalence was 14.7%, revealing higher rates in men (29.5%) compared to women (14.2%). Psychological IPV prevalence was 27.3% and sexual IPV was at 6.6%, with differences across evaluation periods. Threats and other IPV forms showed a prevalence rate of 14.2% and 21.5%. Meta-regression analyses included gender, education, marital status, rural residency, pregnancy, age, and evaluation period. This study demonstrates that IPV is a critical public health concern in Mexico, impacting both women and men. It shows the vulnerability of rural residents, youth, and pregnant women. However, understanding IPV complexities in Mexico requires nuanced considerations of demographic and situational contexts. Urgent initiatives from municipal, state, and federal governments are needed to combat IPV, focusing on prevention and support for affected individuals.

Evidence of Internal Structure Validity, Measurement Invariance, Convergent Validity, Clinical Validity, and Reliability of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool in Peruvian Women.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common type of violence committed against women and results in serious personal, familial, social, and economic consequences; thus, there is a need to detect IPV early. One test for detecting IPV is the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). The objective of the study was to obtain evidence of the validity of the WAST in terms of its internal structure, measurement invariance, convergent validity, clinical validity, and reliability. A total of 670 women who have or have had a heterosexual relationship participated in the study. The first stage included 513 adult women who partook of health services (M age = 35.5 years, SD age = 10 years). The second stage included 160 women, 80 diagnosed with IPV (M age = 34.2 years, SD age = 11.8 years) and 80 who were not (M age = 31.8 years, SD age = 11.5 years). We used multivariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. We found evidence that the WAST demonstrates a one-dimensional structure; evidence of measurement invariance regarding cohabitation with the partner, length of the relationship, and age; evidence of convergent validity in terms of correlations with emotional dependence, self-compassion, expressive suppression, anxiety, and depression; and evidence of clinical validity in terms of the high probability of detecting positive cases of IPV. These properties support the use of the WAST for detecting possible cases of IPV, which will allow timely intervention. This instrument can also be used in larger studies on IPV in the Spanish-speaking population.

Association between history of interparental violence and alcohol abuse among reproductive-age women: Evidence from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to domestic violence by triggering repetitive distress and fear can affect neurodevelopmental and mental health in the short and long term. This, in turn, has been linked to an increased risk of substance abuse, such as alcohol abuse in adulthood. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to violence from the father toward the mother and alcohol abuse in Peruvian women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) of 2019. A total of 19,980 reproductive-aged women (15-49 years old) were surveyed using the Health Questionnaire during 2019. The dependent variable of the study was alcohol abuse, collected through self-report, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Intimate partner violence (IPV; violence perpetrated by the father against the mother) was considered as the exposure variable. To assess the association of interest, we only considered observations with complete data and used binary logistic regression models, calculating crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (aOR). For the multivariable model, we adjusted for confounding variables (age, marital status, education level, wealth index, ethnicity, residence, current smoker, depression, and IPV). RESULTS: We analyzed a final sample of 9953 women. The prevalence of interparental violence and alcohol abuse was 41.3% and 1.5%, respectively. We found that interparental violence was associated with higher odds of alcohol abuse (aOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.03-4.28) after adjusting for age, marital status, education level, wealth level, ethnicity, area of residence, current smoking, depression, and IPV. CONCLUSION: We identified that women of reproductive age who have been exposed to interparental violence were at higher odds of experiencing alcohol abuse issues.

Understanding the link between witnessing parental violence and alcohol abuse in Peruvian womenWitnessing violence between parents during childhood can leave deep emotional scars. This study explores whether such experiences are related to alcohol abuse among Peruvian women in their adult years. Using data from a national health survey in Peru, the experiences of nearly 20,000 women were analyzed to determine if witnessing violence between their parents during childhood was linked to alcohol problems later in life. Responses from the 2019 Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey were examined, focusing on women's reports of childhood exposure to violence between parents and current alcohol abuse, controlling for factors like age, education, and mental health. The study found that women who witnessed their parents engaging in violence were more likely to abuse alcohol as adults. About 41% of the women reported seeing such violence, and of these, a higher proportion struggled with alcohol compared to those who did not witness violence. Understanding the link between childhood experiences and adult behaviors can help develop targeted interventions to prevent alcohol abuse. This research highlights the need for support systems that help women cope with the emotional impacts of childhood trauma, potentially reducing alcohol-related problems in the future.

A critical perspective on institutional violence against hospitalized children: Testimonies by health professionals and family members.

The purpose of this study is to understand institutional violence (IV) in the relationships between health professionals, hospitalized children, and family members. This is a qualitative study developed at the pediatric inpatient unit of a university hospital in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The research participants consisted of 39 health professionals who specialized in pediatrics and 10 family members of hospitalized children. Semi-structured interviews were the method used for data collection. Using discourse analysis as a basis and taking a Foucauldian perspective, the researchers observed that the expressions of IV could be traced to abusive power relations within the system. We found four discursive forms within the data set: communication problems as IV, violence through inattention and neglect, violence as an action and consequent materialization on the body, and psychological violence as a submission mechanism. Based on these findings, we argue that professionals, managers, the scientific community, and users might be able to better guarantee the safety of children by recognizing IV and effectively intervening in it.

Adolescent pregnancy amongst displaced women in Bogota: playing between the barbs of structural violence-a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Colombia has high numbers of internally displaced people, forced to migrate due to the conflict. 1 in 3 displaced women undergo pregnancy during adolescence, compared to around 1 in 5 in the non-displaced population, alongside health and resource inequalities between these groups. There is limited qualitative information available from the perspectives of displaced women experiencing adolescent pregnancy. This research explores how structural violence may feature in their experiences. METHODS: Qualitative methods were used. Participants were recruited with purposive sampling, using key informants and snowball sampling technique. 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted in Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá, involving 11 displaced women who began childbearing age 15-19 in the past 10 years, and 4 participants' mothers. Data was analysed using the theoretical framework of structural violence, and emergent themes categorised using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Pregnancy was considered advantageous in many ways, but this was contradicted by resulting disadvantages that ensued. Structural violence was embedded in life stories, manifesting in poverty and difficulties accessing reliable income, poor access to healthcare and education following pregnancy. Institutional and interpersonal discrimination confounded these challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy during adolescence was a contradictory experience, representing both a safety net and a trap due to a complex interplay of structural and cultural violence in everyday survival. Policymakers must consider the importance of the context surrounding adolescent pregnancy and address systematic disadvantages affecting women in these positions.

The violent conflict in Colombia has left many people forced to leave their homes and become 'internally displaced'. Internally displaced women are more likely to become pregnant during their adolescence than non-displaced women. This work tries to understand more about the everyday lives of displaced women who experience adolescent pregnancy, through interviews. The interviews were analysed and results interpreted using the theory of 'structural violence'. Structural violence describes how social structures such as racism, sexism, war and poverty determine life choices, leading to suffering and inequality. The work found that pregnancy and motherhood in adolescence for displaced women was positive in many ways by bringing purpose, status and companionship. However, these women also experienced many challenges after pregnancy, such as exclusion from education and secure employment and difficulty accessing healthcare. This demonstrated that structural violence features in multiple interconnected forms in the daily lives of displaced adolescent mothers. The work urges policymakers to appreciate the complexity of context surrounding adolescent pregnancy and motherhood, and to address the structural disadvantages facing women in these situations.

The Resilience Factor: Examining its Potential to Alleviate Shame and Guilt in School Bullying.

School violence, in particular bullying by peers, has become a problem on the public agenda. In the context of bullying, children exposed report high levels of shame and guilt which increase victimization since involves a humiliating experience associated with the lack of acceptance by the peer group and can negatively affect mental health. Both emotions have been previously studied in peer violence context. Now we aim to examine resilience as a potential factor to alleviate shame and guilt in school bullying. We conducted a study to test if resilience mediates the feeling of shame and guilt effect of being exposed to bullying; that is, if resilience entails protective behaviors that favour the dissipation of the risk of feeling shame and guilt when exposed to direct violence in school. First, we adapted to Mexican Spanish the research instrument Short Version of the State Shame and Guilt Scale (SSGS-8, Cavalera et al., 2017)-; then we conducted a quantitative, explanatory, cross-sectional approach study; both were carried out in two different non-urban high schools near the city of Monterrey, Mexico, randomizing groups. We found through a moderated mediation analysis that resilience is a key piece to transform shame and practically alleviate negative school violence consequences the indirect effect of resilience on the relationship between direct violence in school and shame was moderated by gender, better for boys than for girls. As its presence restrain shame in those who have been exposed to direct violence in school, it is important to strengthen resilience in adolescents. Promoting the development of shame resilience in adolescents is crucial to prevent them from questioning whether something is wrong with them when exposed to violence. We must continue making efforts to eradicate violence in schools through prevention programs and public policies.

Development of Trinidad and Tobago's first National Clinical and Policy Guidelines on Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence.

This Special Report aims to outline the development process of the first National Clinical and Policy guidelines on Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence in Trinidad and Tobago and to support the implementation of quality standards for survivors. The study used an implementation science approach to identify key evidence-based practice recommendations from guidance documents on health care for women who are subjected to violence and from relevant national legislation, policy, and practices. The process engaged stakeholders in discussions on the appropriateness, implementation, and use of these recommendations in the context of local health care delivery. Multidisciplinary teams of frontline health workers were consulted in groups in each of the five Regional Health Authorities. Interviews were held with senior government stakeholders responsible for health policy and with representatives of four civil society agencies. Participants provided recommendations to integrate quality standards into routine practice. These were incorporated into the guidelines, which include human rights principles and pathways of care for identifying violence, providing psychosocial and clinical care, safety planning, referrals, care during emergencies, and prevention of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. The guidelines were approved by the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago on 15 August 2022. Training of trainers has been undertaken to support implementation.

El objetivo de este informe especial es describir el proceso de elaboración de las primeras directrices políticas y clínicas nacionales sobre violencia de pareja y violencia sexual en Trinidad y Tabago, así como brindar apoyo para la aplicación de normas de calidad dirigidas a las personas supervivientes. El estudio utilizó un enfoque de ciencia de implementación para hallar recomendaciones prácticas clave basadas en la evidencia a partir de documentos de orientación sobre atención de salud para mujeres víctimas de violencia, así como de las leyes, políticas y prácticas nacionales pertinentes. El proceso involucró a las partes interesadas en las deliberaciones sobre la idoneidad, la puesta en práctica y el uso de estas recomendaciones en el contexto de la prestación de servicios de salud locales. Se realizaron consultas grupales a equipos multidisciplinarios de trabajadores de salud de primera línea de cada una de las cinco autoridades regionales de salud. Se mantuvieron entrevistas con funcionarios gubernamentales con cargos de responsabilidad en materia de políticas de salud y con representantes de cuatro organizaciones de la sociedad civil. Los participantes proporcionaron recomendaciones para integrar las normas de calidad en la práctica habitual. Estas recomendaciones se incorporaron a las directrices, que incluyen principios de derechos humanos y protocolos asistenciales para detectar la violencia, prestación de atención psicosocial y clínica, diseño de planes de seguridad, derivación de los casos, atención durante emergencias y prevención de la violencia de pareja y la violencia sexual. Las directrices fueron aprobadas por el Ministerio de Salud de Trinidad y Tabago el 15 de agosto del 2022. Se ha llevado a cabo la capacitación de formadores a fin de brindar apoyo para su puesta en práctica.

O objetivo deste relatório especial é resumir o processo de elaboração das primeiras diretrizes clínicas e orientações sobre políticas de âmbito nacional para violência por parceiro íntimo e violência sexual de Trinidad e Tobago, bem como apoiar a implementação de padrões de qualidade para sobreviventes. O estudo utilizou uma abordagem científica de implementação para identificar as principais recomendações de práticas baseadas em evidências, derivadas de documentos de orientação sobre atenção à saúde para mulheres vítimas de violência e de leis, políticas e práticas nacionais pertinentes. O processo envolveu as partes interessadas em discussões sobre adequação, implementação e uso dessas recomendações no contexto da prestação de serviços de saúde em nível local. Em cada uma das cinco autoridades regionais de saúde, equipes multidisciplinares de profissionais de saúde na linha de frente foram consultadas em grupo. Foram entrevistadas partes interessadas da alta administração do governo que eram responsáveis pela política de saúde e representantes de quatro organizações da sociedade civil. Os participantes fizeram recomendações para integrar padrões de qualidade à prática de rotina. Tais recomendações foram incorporadas às diretrizes, que incluem princípios de direitos humanos e percursos assistenciais para identificação de violência, oferta de atenção psicossocial e clínica, planejamento da segurança, encaminhamentos, cuidados durante emergências e prevenção de violência por parceiro íntimo e violência sexual. As diretrizes foram aprovadas pelo Ministério da Saúde de Trinidad e Tobago em 15 de agosto de 2022. Realizou-se capacitação de instrutores para apoiar a implementação.

Armed conflict effects in intimate partner violence: Revealing pathways using the socioecological framework.

We explored women's narratives about their experiences as victim-survivors of multiple forms of armed conflict violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) in Colombia and examined pathways that clarify the relationships between these two types of violence. Thematic analysis of 47 interviews identified connections that explain how armed conflict influences IPV at all levels of the socio-ecology. At the societal level, armed conflict events amplified patriarchal notions and intensified men's expressions of hypermasculinity through violence. At the community level, rules imposed by armed groups excused IPV if women did not comply with their traditional gender roles as wives and caretakers. At the relationship level, husbands/partners blamed victim-survivors of sexual violence perpetrated by armed groups, which intensified IPV situations. At the individual level, the armed conflict generated high levels of stress that contributed to increasing IPV. Results highlight the need to recognise armed conflict as an IPV risk factor that penetrates multiple socio-ecological domains. Post-conflict societies should consider the effects of the armed conflict on family dynamics and intimate partner relationships. Interventions should be developed to deconstruct hyper-militarised masculinity identities and traditional gender roles as an integral part of peace efforts.