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Open Access 18-09-2023 | COVID-19

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Violence Against Children: A Narrative Review

Authors: Amera Mojahed, Judith T. Mack, Lina Specht, Vania Sandoz, Susan Garthus-Niegel

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this paper was to explore the different ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected violence against children (VAC).

Recent Findings

Recent research of peer-reviewed articles using operational or survey data revealed the pandemic’s impact in terms of institutional responses, risk and mediating factors, changes in VAC dynamics, and a likely increase in child marriage.

Summary

Findings include a decrease in institutional responses, activities, and prevention case openings; an increased incidence of interparental intimate partner violence (IPV) witnessing cases, hospital admissions for suspected Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), other pediatric injuries, and sexual violence; a change in family conflict dynamics; and an estimated increase in child marriages. It also revealed mediating factors between the relationship of the pandemic and VAC (such as parental stress and mental health symptoms), as well as risk factors observed by service providers, which include the risk of mental health symptoms of both parents and children. Post-pandemic VAC research can be improved by utilizing operational or survey data in a meaningful way to be able to derive sound intervention approaches to diminish the pandemic’s impact on VAC and child marriage. We also propose for researchers to integrate child marriage into the definition of VAC.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Violence Against Children: A Narrative Review
Authors: Amera Mojahed
Judith T. Mack
Lina Specht
Vania Sandoz
Susan Garthus-Niegel
Publication date: 18-09-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: COVID-19
Abusive Head Injury
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-023-01449-1

ERS International Congress 2023

Springer Medicine

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Violence Against Children: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

ERS International Congress 2023

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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