integrativepsy

Domestic violence: the "shadow pandemic"

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 15:54:13 GMT

Domestic violence is a threat to physical, sexual, maternal, psychological, and economic health

My recent article on domestic violence and physical health in Dr. Todd Shackelford's upcoming Encyclopedia of Domestic Violence has been published!

Here are some excerpts and information learned from my research for this project:

What is domestic violence?

According to the United Nations, domestic abuse "can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels." https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/what-is-domestic-abuse

Domestic violence can be perpetrated by a family member or intimate partner, and can include child abuse, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse.

DV is connected to health problems

Domestic violence (DV), (and intimate partner violence (IPV), a type of DV), are significantly associated with numerous physical health issues (Wuest et al. 2008; Campbell, 2002), that can persist for years after the abuse has ended (as cited in Dillon et al. 2013). DV causes health problems in both males and females (Campbell, 2002; Coker et al. 2002), however, women exposed to physical violence report poorer health outcomes (Sillito, 2012; Bosch et al. 2017). In fact, a longitudinal study of 16,761 Australian women found significant associations between women who experienced IPV and consistently poorer physical health reports across a span of 16 years (Loxton et al. 2017). Physical, emotional and sexual abuse, threats of violence, and risk of homicide have been significantly associated with increased reports of physical health problems and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women. Several systematic reviews have found health issues throughout areas of: gynecological, neurological, gastrointestinal, metabolic, respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, kidney, urinary tract or genitals, reproductive, cancer, chronic pain (Riedl et al. 2019), and endocrine or rheumatological issues (Loxton et al. 2006).

Who is at greatest risk?

DV-related physical health problems are most prevalent in women. Women of color, especially older women, women with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ populations are at highest risk for DV and health-related problems. Furthermore, systematic review of several studies has shown that women of color are at highest risk of domestic violence and health-related consequences due to increased adversity and limitations from racism and structural discrimination along with numerous inequities (as cited in Lacey et al. 2013, p.362). African American women, in particular, face the most significant racial disparities in health care in the United States including limited access to quality medical care (Haider et al. 2013), and being systematically undertreated for pain compared to Caucasians (Hoffman et al. 2016). Accordingly, in a study of 8,000 women through a National Violence Against Women survey, results found that psychologically abused Hispanic women and physically abused African American women reported poorer perceived health than Caucasian women who experienced abuse (Lacey et al. 2013).

Women who are immigrants, unemployed and/or experiencing financial problems (Dufort et al. 2014), or living with low or mid household-level income (Lacey et al. 2013), women living with children (Emandi et al. 2021), women that have low social supports (Sanz-Barbero et al. 2019), younger women (Lacey et al. 2013), women that have lower education and parity (Kaye et al. 2006), women living in rural areas (Peek-Asa et al. 2011), women with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing (Anderson et al., 2010; Crowe, 2013), and women of color above age 50 (Pathak et al. 2019) are especially at risk for DV or IPV and subsequent health-related problems. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals in the United States are at higher risk for DV and IPV as well, similar to rates for cisgender women (Peitzmeier et al. 2020; Huecker et al. 2022). Among this group, highest rates of IPV have been reported in bisexual women (Modi et al., 2014) and transgender individuals. Actually, one systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 articles on IPV in transgender populations across the world reported that transgender individuals were 1.66 times more likely to experience any form of IPV than the cisgender individuals in the studies (Peitzmeier et al. 2020).

The ultimate consequence: death

The most severe consequence of DV and IPV is mortality; women are at highest risk of death from DV or intimate partner homicide. In 2018, intimate partner or family-related homicide accounted for approximately 64% of female deaths worldwide; intimate partner homicide alone accounted for 82% of female deaths compared to 18% of males (UNODC, 2018). The United Nations study of 2020, which gathered data from various continents around the world, found that a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member every 11 minutes; 47,000 females were killed worldwide in 2020 (UNODC, 2021).

DV has worsened during the pandemic

Another important variable to address is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DV since it began in early 2020. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in multiple countries between 2020-2021 found that DV significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (Piquero et al. 2021). Consequently, a report by the United Nations (2021) referred to domestic violence as a “shadow pandemic.” At least 13 countries across the world reported significant increases in DV during the pandemic, while access to community resources and supports were significantly limited or halted for extended periods of time, exacerbating isolation, vulnerability, and reduced access to health care (Emandi et al. 2021).

References

Anderson, M.L., Leigh, I.W., & Samar, V.J. (2011). Intimate partner violence against Deaf women: A review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 16, 200-206. http://doi:10.1016/j.avb.2011.02.006

Bosch, J., Weaver, T.L., Arnold, L.D., & Clark, E.M. (2017). The impact of intimate partner violence on women's physical health: Findings from the Missouri behavioral risk factor surveillance system. Journal

of Interpersonal Violence, 32(22), 3402-3419.

Campbell, J.C. (2002). Health consequences of intimate partner violence. The Lancet, 359, 1331-1336.

Coker, A.L., Sanderson, M., Fadden, M.K., & Pirisi, L. (2000). Intimate partner violence and cervical neoplasia. Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based

Medicine, 9(9), 1015-1023. https://doi.10.1089/15246090050200051

Crowe, T.V. (2013). Intimate partner violence in the deaf community. Journal of American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, 46(2), 71-84.

Dillon, G., Hussain, R., Loxton, D., & Rahman, S. (2013). Mental and physical health and intimate partner violence against women: A review of the

literature. International Journal of Family Medicine, 2013, 1-15. https://doi: 10.1155/2013/313909

Emandi, R., Encarnacion, J., Seck, P., & Tabaco, R.J. (2021). Measuring the shadow pandemic: Violence against women during COVID-19. United Nations

(UN) Women.

Haider, A.H., Weygandt, P.L., Bentley, J.M., Monn, M.F., Rehman, K.A., Zarzaur, B.L., Crandall, M.L. Cornwell, E.E., & Cooper, L.A. (2013). Disparities in trauma care and outcomes in the United States: A

systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 74(5), 1195-1205. http://doi.10.1097/TA.0b013e31828c331d

Hoffman, K.M., Trawalter, S., Axt, J.R. & Oliver, M.N. (2016). Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about

differences between blacks and whites. PNAS, 113(16), 4296-4301. http://doi.10.1073.pnas.1516047113

Huecker, M., King, K.C., Jordan, G.A., & Smock, W. (2022, July 1). Domestic violence. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/

Lacey, K.K., McPherson, M.D., Samuel, P.S., Sears, K.P., & Head, D. (2013). The impact of different types of intimate partner violence on the mental and

physical health of women in different ethnic groups. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 28(2), 359-385.

Loxton, D., Schofield, M., Hussain, R., Mishra, G. (2006). History of domestic violence and physical health in midlife. Violence Against Women 12(8), 715-

731.

Loxton, D., Dolija-Gore, X., Anderson, A.E., & Townsend, N. (2017). Intimate partner violence adversely impacts health over 16 years and across generations: A longitudinal cohort study. PLOS One, 12(6).

https://doi.10.1371/journal.pone.0178138

Peek-Asa, C., Wallis, A., Harland, K., Beyer, K., Dickey, P., & Saftlas, A. (2011). Rural disparity in domestic violence prevalence and access to resources. Journal of Women's Health, 20(11), 1743-1749.

https://doi.10.1089/jwh.2011.2891

Sanz-Barbero, B., Barón, N., Vives-Cases, C. (2019). Prevalence, associated factors and health impact of intimate partner violence against women in different life stages. PLOS One, 14(10): e0221049.

https://doi.10.1371/journal.pone.0221049

Piquero, A.R., Jennings, W.G., Jemison, E., Kaukinen, C., & Knaul, F.M. (2021). Domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic- Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Criminal

Justice, 74, Article 101806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2021.101806

Riedl, D., Beck, T., Exenberger, S., Daniels, J., Dejaco, D., Unterberger, I., & Lampe, A. (2018). Violence from childhood to adulthood: The influence of child victimization and domestic violence on physical

health in later life. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, https://.doi.10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.11.019

Sillito, C.L. (2012). Physical health effects of intimate partner abuse. Journal of Family Issues, 33(11), 1520-1539.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2018). Global study on homicide: Gender-related killing of women and girls. Vienna, Austria.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2021). Killings of women and girls by their intimate partner or other family members: Global estimates 2020. Vienna, Austria.

Wuest, J., Merritt-Gray, M., Ford-Gilboe, M., Lent, B., Varcoe, C., & Campbell, J.C. (2008). Chronic Pain in Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. The Journal of Pain, 9(11), 1049-1057.

What is mental health?

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 20:44:00 GMT

Despite increases in mental health needs and severity throughout the pandemic, many people still struggle to understand what mental health is or to seek professional help when needed. Lack of knowledge, uncertainty, and old stigmas can create obstacles to getting help, along with other practical issues such as lack of availability, access/health insurance, or financial means.

Mental health is "a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish constructive relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life" (American Psychological Association).

Remember that it's never too late to start mental health treatment, and when you are ready for therapy, don't give up on trying to find the right provider for you. Many providers do have openings or will have openings eventually. Stick with it.

Check out this link to a great explanation of mental health with colorful graphics, from the Mental Design Institute:

https://mentaldesigninstitute.medium.com/what-is-mental-health-27e967a0aa2b

Mental health resources

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 19:33:19 GMT

Ideas for how to find a therapist:

If you have insurance (with mental health coverage), go through your insurance website
Psychologytoday.com > Find a therapist > (filter by your city or state telehealth services and what you are looking for)
Google "mental health therapist," "mental health clinic," "behavioral health therapist," or "psychotherapy" in your state, county, or city
No insurance? Low income? Contact community mental health services through your county

In Michigan

Free therapy resource at WSU clinic!!:

https://education.wayne.edu/mental-health-and-wellness-clinic

Podcast recommendation

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:19:30 GMT

Auditory learning

I love podcasts. Especially Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations. So rich, moving, and much to contemplate!

I wanted to share a link to one of my new favorites: https://omny.fm/shows/oprah-s-supersoul-conversations/dr-bruce-perry

In this particular episode, Oprah and Dr. Perry talk about trauma, development, behavior, resilience, and healing from a neurobiological perspective. They reframe the way to approach the topic of trauma and talk about these concepts from their new book: "What happened to you?"

There is so much to learn from this one episode. Check it out.

Why list your "pronouns"?

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:47:12 GMT

Pronouns

Have you been wondering why people are listing their "pronouns" in their email signatures? Or maybe you are wondering why I put it on my website?

Listing pronouns is a way of telling people how you like other people to refer to you. Listing pronouns is also an act of inclusivity to welcome people of all gender identities and to open these communication channels so that we know how to address each other with sensitivity and respect.

I am writing about this because I care about diversity, inclusivity, and equality. I am not an expert on this particular topic but there is a lot of information on the internet that can help us to learn more and create a positive, open space for discussion.

Check out these links:

https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/staff-resources/lgbtq-staff-faculty/gender-inclusive-pronouns

https://myusf.usfca.edu/caps/supporting-gender-identity

https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive

https://www.rutgers.international/what-we-do/sexual-and-gender-diversity

Exercise for overall wellness

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 14:09:04 GMT

Exercise has both physical and mental benefits!

Feeling better

A total of thirty minutes of moderate exercise (such as three 10-minute brisk walks) per day is enough for both physical and mental health benefits . Exercise helps us mentally by "reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function" (Sharma, Madaan, & Petty, 2006). This means that exercise not only helps to improve our mood and how we feel about ourselves, but it also helps our brain functioning!

One hour per week

Does 30 minutes a day sound like too much? Start with a goal that is achievable. The National Osteoarthritis Initiative research showed that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity such as brisk walking for a total of one hour per week prevented older adults with osteoarthritis from becoming disabled, allowing them to maintain more independence (Dunlop et. al, 2019). That could equate to less than 10 minutes a day!

Think outside the box

"Exercise" is not limited to only walking or running. Aerobic dance, biking, climbing stairs, gardening, and other physical activities count!

Do you want to age well and keep your brain healthy?

Numerous research studies of adults age 50+ show that exercise boosts both physical and cognitive functioning (Falck et. al, 2019). Studies show that engaging in moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity in mid and late life reduces decline in cognitive (and memory) functioning. Aerobic exercise also contributes to brain health in younger adults as well, from age 20-67 (Stern et. al, 2019).

References

Dunlop, D.D., Song, J., Hootman, J.M., Nevitt, M.C., Semanik, P.A., Lee, J.L., Sharma, L.,

Eaton, C.B., Hochberg, M.C., Jackson, R.D., Kwoh, C.K., & Change, R.W. (2019). One hour a week: Moving to prevent disability in adults with lower extremity joint symptoms. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 56(5), pp. 664-672. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.12.017

Falck RS, Davis JC, Best JR, Crockett RA, Liu-Ambrose T. Impact of exercise training on physical and cognitive function

among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurobiology of Aging. 2019 Jul;79:119-130. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.03.007.

Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Primary care companion to the Journal of

clinical psychiatry, 8(2), 106. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a

Stern, Y., MacKay-Brandt, A., Lee, S., McKinley, P., McIntyre, K., Razlighi, Q., Agarunov, E., Bartels, M., & Sloan, RP.

Effect of aerobic exercise on cognition in younger adults: A randomized clinical trial. Neurology. 2019 Feb 26;92(9):e905-e916. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000007003.

Managing pandemic fatigue

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:09:04 GMT

As the pandemic continues on past the one year mark, many of us are feeling 'pandemic fatigue,' among many other feelings and sensations related to these circumstances. Here are some quick suggestions for coping with the mental and emotional effects of the pandemic on our daily lives.

Acknowledge that your feelings are normal in response to this unprecedented type of stress.

People are struggling in various ways. That is because individuals react to prolonged stress differently.

Can you find humor in it?

Find healthy ways to soothe yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.