The hazing death of Florida A&M (FAMU) drum major Robert Champion and the long-concealed child sexual abuse by Jerry Sandusky at Penn State University have prompted an intense focus within higher education on how campus leaders should respond in times of crisis, particularly one involving suspected criminal activity. Experts say college…

This inquiry describes the role of mentoring for undergraduate women survivors of trauma. It employed a comparative case approach. Interviews elicited stories from participants reflecting the role mentors have played in their life course and educational experiences. Four major themes emerged: Fantasy mentors, mentor as mirror, mentor as nurturer…

Examines the role of social support in the discrimination of physical child abusers and nonabusers, both with a childhood history of physical child abuse. In contrast to expectations, none of the social support factors distinguished between the abusers and nonabusers. (JPS)

A 1992 U.S. survey found the rates of reported and substantiated cases of child maltreatment, as well as child deaths due to abuse or neglect, steadily increased from 1985 to 1992. Most cases involve neglect, and the youngest children face the greatest risk of dying from maltreatment. Provides a breakdown of child abuse fatalities by state, and…

Reviews the literature about predictors of severe and fatal physical child abuse. Of various factors relating to the victim, the perpetrator, and the report of child abuse, the only one found to consistently relate to severity of injury is the age of the child. All other questions concerning prediction of injury severity have yet to be answered…

A considerable literature has developed on the tendency to ascribe the "blame" for unfortunate life events on the victims of the misfortune. Previous research has not explored fully the victim blame tendency in the case of child physical abuse. This study investigated the relationship between the experience of physically abusive…

Analyzes communication behaviors of 10 abusive and 10 nonabusive couples discussing their daily routines. Identifies seven communication-based differences: vague versus precise language, opposition versus collaboration, relational versus content talk, despair versus optimism, interfering versus facilitating interdependence, complaints versus…

Reviews the statutory and case law regarding release of client information in three life endangering situations: child abuse, protection of third parties, and suicide. Describes the general principles of confidentiality and some specific legal issues for each of these three areas. (LLL)

A study of 486 undergraduates found students who reported both severe sexual and severe physical abuse reported more lifetime suicidality than participants who reported mild sexual and/or physical abuse. Those who reported sexual abuse involving invasive sexual acts, and physical abuse resulting in physical injury, were more suicidal. (Author/CR)

A probability sample of nurses (n=1,038) responded to vignettes where case characteristic variables were systematically manipulated. Analysis showed that case characteristics involving type and level of abuse seriousness, perpetrator status, and perpetrator psychology had the greatest effects on recognition and reporting scores. Nurse…

A 1999 survey of 408 nursing programs followed up on a 1995 survey (n=298). Most current respondents included content on abuse of women, children, and the elderly; 63% reported no faculty development on violence issues; 67% had not evaluated violence-related curriculum since 1995; only 39% felt that the curriculum adequately addressed violence,…

Many behavioral characteristics found in the terrorist/hostage literature appear to have a parallel in the behavior of the abuser, including personality characteristics, circumstances around the violence, beliefs held, and similar defensive behavior adopted by the hostage and the abused child. These parallels indicate the need for different…

Addresses the therapist's reactions to clinical work with sex offenders. Focuses on the particular experiences of one case, and discusses the female therapist's responses to the male client that may be the result of other experiences. Explores some reactions and difficulties that professionals may encounter in work with sex offenders. (JPS)

The idea is widely supported that abuse is far more common among acquaintances than among strangers and is most common within the family. The dating relationship is another intimate relationship in which abuse occurs. In this study the association between abuse in the family of origin and sexual abuse in dating was analyzed by determining the…

Nonoffending mothers' (n=99) self-reported symptom distress was measured across 3 groups of sexual abuse types: incest, relative, and nonrelative. A multiple regression analysis of psychosocial characteristics indicated that a mother's perceived aloneness in facing the crisis and a personal history of adult sexual assault were positively related…