ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9182-2840
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Social and personality psychology | Social psychology | Counselling psychology | Community psychology
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Related Links
Publications
The impact of specialist training on professional identity, organisational membership, organisational commitment, and stress in correctional psychologists
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 10-05-2013
DOI: 10.1108/14636641311322313
Abstract: Recent years have seen some significant changes to the psychology profession in Australia that have prompted debate about the role of specialist areas of practice. This study aims to investigate those attitudes and values that might be associated with one particular specialism, that of forensic psychology. The influence of specialist forensic training on the professional identity of 30 correctional psychologists was examined in relation to their self‐reported level of stress, organisational membership, and organisational commitment. The results suggest that exposure to specialist training in forensic psychology may not be directly associated with organisational commitment, membership or stress, although some differences between forensic psychologists and those who held other professional practice qualifications were observed. The main limitations of the study include the small s le size and the use of a scale that has not been well‐validated. Replication and extension of the study is required. The study has implications for the recruitment and retention of psychologists in correctional settings and for the development of professional identity in post‐graduate training programmes. This study is the first to explore the differences in professional identity, organisational commitment, organisational membership and stress in a s le of psychologists who practice in the correctional setting.
Situational Characteristics Uniquely Associated With Children’s Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-10-2019
Abstract: Exposure to parental violence can have devastating consequences for children, including significant personal, social, and academic problems. The present study determined the situational factors that are associated with children’s exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents. To examine whether these factors were unique to child witnesses’ presence at IPV incidents, we also determined the factors that are associated with children’s exposure to family violence (FV) and other family member witnesses’ exposure to IPV incidents. Participants responded to an online panel survey investigating the role of alcohol and other drugs in family and domestic violence incidents in Australia. Nine hundred fifty-two respondents reported an IPV incident and 299 reported an FV incident they provided details about their most recent incident. Results showed that child witnesses were more likely to be present during IPV incidents if the incident took place at home (odds ratio [OR] = 3.10), if a similar incident had occurred previously (OR = 1.66), if drugs were involved (OR = 1.60), and if a police report was made (OR = 2.61). There was some overlap with the other witness and violence combinations: The presence of a police report also predicted child witnesses’ presence at FV incidents, and a home location also predicted other family member witnesses’ presence at IPV incidents. These results enhance our understanding of the situations in which children might witness IPV incidents future research is needed to determine whether these situational factors can be used to judge risk.
Patron Banning in the Nightlife Entertainment Districts: A Key Informant Perspective
Publisher: Alcohol Research Documentation, Inc.
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.15288/JSAD.2016.77.606
Abstract: Alcohol-related harm in and around licensed venues is associated with substantial costs. Many interventions have been introduced in an effort to combat these harms, and one such intervention is known as patron banning. Patron banning involves prohibiting patrons who have been violent or disorderly in a licensed venue in an attempt to reduce alcohol-related harm. It can be implemented by the venue, by members of police, or by liquor accords. This study aimed to obtain key informant perspectives on the benefits of patron banning as well as on the effectiveness of patron banning in reducing alcohol-related harm. Thirty-six key informants provided perspectives on patron banning through in-depth interviews that were part of a larger study. Key informants were supportive of patron banning for reducing alcohol-related harm, noting that it had many benefits including increased venue safety, general risk management, and deterrence of antisocial behavior. Although processes for banning were not always consistent, identification scanners were generally recognized as a way to ensure that patron banning was enforced. Key informants viewed patron banning as an effective measure for increasing patron safety and reducing alcohol-related harms.
Playing it safe: Patron safety strategies and experience of violence in night‐time entertainment districts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12570
Abstract: Incidences of violence are elevated in night-time entertainment districts. Research suggests that safety-related behavioural strategies adopted while drinking can reduce negative alcohol-related outcomes. The current study investigates the use of safety strategies and its association with experiences of violence among patrons from the general population. Patron interviews (N = 3949) were conducted in and around licenced venues in Newcastle (New South Wales) and Geelong (Victoria) during peak trading hours (Friday and Saturday, 21:00-01:00 h). Participants (mean age = 24.3, SD = 5.8 male 54.4%) were asked to report what measures, if any, they used to keep safe when drinking and whether they had been involved in a violent incident in the last 12 months. After controlling for patron demographics and location, the use of multiple (more than one) safety strategies was significantly associated with reduced odds of involvement in a violent incident (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.49-0.85, P = 0.002). Significant gender differences were observed in the number and type of safety strategies reported. Increasing the number of safety-related behaviours during drinking occasions is associated with a small but significant reduction in experiencing alcohol-related harms, such as violence. [Zhou J, Droste N, Curtis A, Zinkiewicz L, Miller P. Playing it safe: Patron safety strategies and experience of violence in night-time entertainment districts.
The characteristics and treatment needs of fire setters with intellectual disability: descriptive data and comparisons between offence type
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 28-11-2019
DOI: 10.1108/JIDOB-10-2016-0019
Abstract: Fire setters who have an intellectual disability (ID) are often identified as posing a particular danger to the community although relatively little is known about their characteristics, treatment and support needs. The paper aims to discuss this issue. This study describes the characteristics of 134 residents of low, medium and high security ID facilities in the UK who have either an index offence of arson, a violent index offence or a sexual index offence. Index arson offenders who had an ID had multiple prior convictions, a history of violent offending and a high likelihood of having a comorbid mental disorder. There were many shared characteristics across the three groups. The current study suggests that offenders who have ID who set fires have treatment needs that are similar to those of violent and sex offenders. It follows that fire setters who have an ID may also benefit from participating in more established offending behaviour treatment programs, such as cognitive behaviour therapy programs, developed for other types of offender. This study is one of the few which has investigated the characteristics and treatment needs of persons who have an ID who set fires. In particular, it is one of the first to compare the characteristics and treatment needs for persons with ID who set fires, to those who have committed violent and sexual offences.
Correction to: Patron banning policy and practice in Queensland, Australia: key informant perspectives (Crime Prevention and Community Safety, (2022), 24, 3, (239-254), 10.1057/s41300-022-00152-2)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-08-2022
Mandatory Networked ID Scanners in Nightlife Precincts Across Queensland, Australia: Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Policy and Practice
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 20-06-2023
DOI: 10.5204/IJCJSD.2674
Abstract: This study explored stakeholder experiences and attitudes regarding the use of ID scanners in licensed venues in Queensland, Australia. In July 2017, the Queensland Government introduced mandatory, networked ID scanners in licensed venues within designated nightlife districts (SNPs). After 10pm, people seeking to enter late-night licensed venues must provide identification, which is verified by the scanner. The scanner also checks whether the patron has any recorded banning notice/s that may preclude entry into the venue. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 66 key stakeholders and analysed using thematic analysis. Stakeholders reported that ID scanners support the enforcement of patron bans. Their mandated use within SNPs allows for accurate and timely identification of patrons, and may offer benefits with respect to reducing and solving crime, and improving patron behaviours. Some concerns were expressed regarding data privacy and the need to ensure procedural fairness and consistent use. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring and refining of ID scanner policy, particularly with respect to where and when scanners are used.
The value of identification scanner technology in monitoring and detecting banned patrons in entertainment precincts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13225
Abstract: Networked identification (ID) scanner technology is a novel approach to collecting licensed venue attendance data, and potentially reducing alcohol‐related violence by detecting banned patrons. Using ID scanner data from three Queensland entertainment precincts (Safe Night Precincts SNPs), we aim to: (i) examine patterns in patron attendance to licensed venues and (ii) examine patterns in the detection of banned patrons. We conducted descriptive analyses of licensed venue patron entries between 1 October 2017 and 30 June 2019. Scans during high alcohol hours (Friday and Saturday, 20:00–06:00) were stratified by patron sex and key age groups. We described scans associated with a detected banning notice issued by venues, courts or police across all Queensland SNPs and three key SNPs. ID scanner data showed similar attendance trends across SNPs. The peak licensed venue entry hour was 23:00–23:59, with Saturday being the peak day. Approximately two‐thirds of scanned patrons were male, and patrons had a mean age of 25.8 years (SD = 8.80). Scanners detected 48 657 attempted entries by banned patrons, with the majority of attempts made by males (85%) aged 18–24 years (61%). This study adds to the limited evidence on the use of ID scanners in the night‐time economy and highlights the feasibility of ID scanner use in this setting. Results demonstrate the value of scanners to passively collect data on patrons, identify banned patrons and assist in the enforcement of bans.
Alcohol-Involved Family and Domestic Violence Reported to Police in Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-06-2022
Abstract: Family and domestic violence (FDV) is a significant social issue that causes major harm across Australia. Alcohol has been identified as a contributing factor to FDV, and as such increased understanding of the role of alcohol in police-reported FDV incidents may provide the basis for developing specific clinical and forensic approaches. This study aims to identify the key correlates of alcohol-related FDV within police-reported FDV incidence. Data sourced from several states and territories across Australia were used to profile demographic and personal factors involved in police-reported FDV incidents, and to identify the types of incidents involving alcohol. For each state, three separate binary regressions were conducted for family violence, intimate partner violence, and FDV incidents in which alcohol was involved. Between 24% and 54% of FDV incidents reported to police were classified as alcohol-related. Although there appeared to be an association between relative socioeconomic disadvantage and an incident being alcohol-related, this association varied across states. Where victim and offender data were available, offenders were significantly more likely to be alcohol-affected than victims. Alcohol-related FDV incidents were also twice as likely to involve severe physical violence including injuries that were life threatening, as well as an increased likelihood of reci ism. This study demonstrates that alcohol plays a substantial role in police-reported FDV across Australia. It also demonstrates that other factors such as drug use, breach of orders, and repeat offending are associated with alcohol involvement across family violence and intimate partner violence.
Alcohol use in family, domestic and other violence: Findings from a cross‐sectional survey of the Australian population
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12925
Abstract: The link between alcohol and experience of violence is well-documented, but there is a paucity of empirical research on the role of alcohol specifically in family and domestic violence (FDV) in Australia. The aim of the current study was to describe the relationship between alcohol use and FDV in the Australian population, and to examine key differences between three different types of violence: family violence, intimate partner violence (IPV) and other violence. An online panel survey was conducted using a stratified random s ling design. In total, 5118 respondents were included, of whom 44.5% reported experiencing violence in their lifetime, and 6.0% reported recent (past year) experience of violence. Recent violent incidents were comprised of IPV (41.8%), family violence (13.1%) and other violence (45.1%). Approximately one-third of all violent incidents experienced (either as a victim or perpetrator) were alcohol-related, and 37.8% of respondents who experienced IPV and 27.8% of those who experienced family violence reported past year heavy-episodic drinking. Alcohol use was associated with higher rates of physical violence and injury at IPV incidents. Alcohol consumed at IPV incidents was most often purchased from a supermarket liquor store (37.0%) and consumed at the respondent's home, regardless of the distance between the purchase location and incident location. This study found that alcohol is frequently involved in FDV incidents, particularly IPV. Alcohol use was associated with a higher chance of physical violence and of injury at IPV incidents.
Off the rails—Evaluating the nightlife impact of Melbourne, Australia's 24-h public transport trial
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2018.10.006
Abstract: This paper evaluates the impact of the AU$83 million introduction of 24-h public transport (PT) in Melbourne, Australia on Friday and Saturday nights on a s le of nightlife venues and venue patrons. This s le was selected because a primary reason for the introduction of 24 h PT was to provide a safe means of travel home for nightlife attendees. Covert venue observations (pre-post) and a convenience s le of nightlife patron interviews (post-only) were conducted to measure the impact of 24-h PT on venues and venue patrons. Specifically, the impact of 24-h PT on the proportion of people observed within venues (as rated on a 0-100% scale of venue capacity), patrons in venues showing any sign of intoxication, those who were observed to be too intoxicated to remain in the venue, patron drinking or drug taking behavior, train use, and the time and money spent in the night time economy were assessed. After 24-h PT was introduced there were no significant differences overall in the proportion of people observed within venues, or significant associations with the proportion of patrons showing any sign of intoxication or proportions who were observed to be too intoxicated to remain in the venue. However, when accounting for seasonality (matching-months), observed patron intoxication increased significantly after the introduction of 24-h PT. The majority of nightlife patrons did not report a change in their pre-drinking or drug taking behavior after 24-public transport, but 44% indicated spending more time in the night time economy, 27% reported spending more money, and 56% reported increasing their train use. Patron reports suggest that 24-h public transport has increased the amount of time people spend in nightlife settings without obviously impacting on drinking behavior. However, supplying 24-h public transport has resulted in greater self-reported use of public transport.
Investigating and validating methods of monitoring foot-traffic in night-time entertainment precincts in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2019.01.009
Abstract: Assaults occur frequently in night-time entertainment precincts (NEPs), with rates typically reported using estimated resident population. However, this form of reporting does not accurately represent the number of people within the NEP at the time of an assault or potential fluctuations in density throughout the course of the night. As such, the aim of this study was to assess multiple methods of obtaining an accurate estimate of hourly foot-traffic within NEPs. The validity and reliability of three types of foot traffic counters were assessed. A passive-infrared sensor and two different types of smartphone sensor were installed at two sites in Australia from 2016 to 2018, ongoing (pilot phase: 2016-2017 validation phase: 2018). Researchers also manually counted the number of people walking past through the range of two of these sensors across the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights between 8 pm to 2am. Results show a similar trend between the smartphone counts, the sensor counts, and the manual counts however there was notable variability (43%-267% compared with manual counts). Analysis showed that all measures were significantly positively correlated. Reliable counting of the number of people attending nightlife precincts is an important element of ongoing studies into nightlife settings and associated rates of harm. There are multiple methods of estimating fluctuations in foot traffic within a NEP, however, determining the most appropriate method to use requires consideration of the proximity of pathways in the area, budget constraints, and project aims. Of the methods tested, laptop WiFi traffic monitoring programs functioned the least consistently. Specifically designed smartphone sensors overcame this issue however, they required dedicated power sources. The current study found infrared scanners appeared to be the most accurate across sites additionally they functioned consistently, and were the simplest method to setup and maintain.
‘The ones that turn up are the ones that are responsible’: Key stakeholders perspectives on liquor accords
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12407
Abstract: Liquor accords were introduced as an intervention to reduce alcohol-related harm in and around licensed venues. There have been very few evaluations of the accords, made all the more difficult given the multitude of measures that are often implemented under their banner. This study provides perspectives on the effectiveness of the liquor accords from key stakeholders who were involved in the strategy. In-depth interviews were conducted with 97 key stakeholders as part of a larger study, of which 46 spoke about the effectiveness of liquor accords. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Stakeholders reported the greatest benefit of liquor accords to be their ability to improve communication. Many stakeholders recognised the need for mandatory attendance and discussed whether the accords are a waste of time of resources. Stakeholders did not generally view liquor accords as effective means of reducing alcohol-related harm. There was a lack of positive feedback about liquor accords provided by stakeholders, indicating a clear need to better understand the role of liquor accords, and what they aim to achieve. Responsive regulation theory suggests that the dual roles of communication and intervention are confused, leading to some of the inherent problems with accords. The role and aims of liquor accords need to be clearly defined. The findings suggest that separating the communication and regulatory functions from accords will lead to a clearer role for accords, and interventions and regulation might be better placed in the hands of regulators and enforcement. [Curtis A, Miller P, Droste N, McFarlane E, Martino F, Palmer D. 'The ones that turn up are the ones that are responsible': Key stakeholders perspectives on liquor accords. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :273-279].
The association between an abusive father-son relationship, quantity of alcohol consumption, and male-to-male alcohol-related aggression
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12114
Abstract: While alcohol consumption and heavy episodic (binge) drinking are well-established predictors of male-to-male alcohol-related aggression (MMARA), the role of the father-son relationship in MMARA has yet to be explored. This study therefore examined whether fathering by the biological father rather than another father figure, negative fathering, and gender role modeled by the father figure were significant predictors of involvement in MMARA, once drinking frequency and quantity and heavy episodic drinking were controlled for. A total of 121 university students aged 18 to 25 years (M = 20.63, SD = 1.77 years) voluntarily completed the online questionnaire. The only significant predictors of perpetration of MMARA were a more abusive paternal relationship and drinking quantity (number of standard drinks usually consumed when drinking). Negative father-son relationships may play a role in fostering young men's perpetration of MMARA in the barroom context.
The steady proliferation of Australia’s discretionary police-imposed patron banning powers: An unsubstantiated cycle of assertion and presumption
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-09-2018
Abstract: Patron banning in Australia embodies a range of exclusionary measures in response to alcohol-related disorder. Patrons can be banned from licensed venues, entertainment precincts or wider public areas. Banning mechanisms remove and exclude troublesome in iduals and are presumed to deter them, and others, from engaging in further problematic behaviour. The use of exclusion reflects key assumptions in relation to alcohol-related disorderly behaviour and effective management of risks to which it may give rise. However, the rationale underpinning much of the banning-related legislative and operational policing developments reflects largely unsubstantiated assertions of need and effect. Despite the steady expansion of banning powers across Australian jurisdictions there is limited oversight of their use. This article examines the expansion of police-imposed banning powers. Their discretionary, on-the-spot and permissible pre-emptive imposition has potential consequences that extend beyond the management of alcohol-related issues. Yet their use and effect has been subject to little scrutiny.
Key stakeholder perspectives of drink restrictions in Newcastle, Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-11-2017
The Impact of Twenty Four-Hour Public Transport in Melbourne, Australia: An Evaluation of Alcohol-Related Harms
Publisher: Alcohol Research Documentation, Inc.
Date: 05-2019
Identified support needs for intimate partner violence engagement in an alcohol and other drug treatment sample
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2021
Reciprocal associations between early adolescent antisocial behavior and depressive symptoms: A longitudinal study in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Characterisation of presentations to a community‐based specialist addiction neuropsychology service: Cognitive profiles, diagnoses and comorbidities
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13135
Demographic risk factors for alcohol-related aggression in and around licensed venues
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-07-2015
Abstract: Few studies have examined the role of gender and both area-level and in idual socio-economic status (SES) as independent predictors of alcohol-related aggression (ARA) in and around licensed venues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between gender, area-level SES and in idual SES (operationalised as occupational category) and ARA in and around licensed venues. The s le comprised 697 men and 649 women aged 16–47, who completed a patron intercept survey as part of a larger study assessing trends in harm and stakeholders' views surrounding local community level interventions in dealing with alcohol-related problems in the night-time economy. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that age, gender, occupational category, area-level SES and level of intoxication at time of interview were all significant predictors of involvement in ARA. Being male doubled the odds of involvement in ARA, while age was a protective factor. Blue collar workers had more than double the odds of ARA involvement of professionals, while those living in the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas were over twice as likely to report experiencing ARA compared to those living in the most advantaged areas. However, assessment of the predictive model by gender revealed that effects of age, occupational category and area-level SES were restricted to male participants, with greater intoxication no longer predictive. ARA among patrons was significantly more likely to occur among men, those in blue collar occupations, and in iduals living in low SES areas, suggesting both in idual and area-level disadvantage may play a role in ARA.
Arson treatment programmes for offenders with disability: a systematic review of the literature
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 30-11-2012
DOI: 10.1108/20420921211327347
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate treatment for adult fire setters with an intellectual disability, given the specific risks they present, the complexities of criminal proceedings associated with their behaviour, and subsequent rehabilitation. However, the review also took into account programmes for fire setters in the wider population, including those for children and adolescents, given that such research might also inform the development of programmes for offenders with an intellectual disability. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Only four studies which evaluated treatment programmes specifically for arsonists with an intellectual disability were identified. Although each of these studies reported a reduction in fire‐setting behaviour following programme completion, all employed relatively weak research designs. An additional 12 studies investigating programmes for arsonists without intellectual disability were also identified. It is concluded that there is a lack of evidence regarding treatment programme outcomes for arsonists with an intellectual disability. The extent to which such programmes can be adapted to suit adult offenders with an intellectual disability is discussed, with recommendations made for the design and evaluation of arson treatment programmes for offenders with intellectual disabilities. Currently, minimal treatments programs exist for fire setting in offenders with intellectual disability. This review highlights the importance of further research into treatment programs for this specialised population.
Effectiveness of interventions for convicted DUI offenders in reducing recidivism: A systematic review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-10-2015
DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2014.966199
Abstract: Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major cause of death and disability. Although a broad array of programs designed to curb DUI incidents are currently offered to both first-time and reci ist DUI offenders, existing evaluations of the effectiveness of these programs have reported mixed results. To synthesize the results of DUI program evaluations and determine the strength of the available evidence for reducing reci ism for different types of programs. A systematic review of all EBSCO databases, EMBASE, PubMed, ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts and TRIS was conducted to identify evaluations of treatments/interventions to prevent DUI offenses. Additional articles were identified from reference lists of relevant articles. A total of 42 relevant studies were identified by the search strategy. Of these, 33 utilized non-experimental evaluation designs or reported insufficient data to allow effect sizes to be calculated, making meta-analysis unfeasible. Evaluations of several different program types reported evidence of some level of effectiveness. Because of the general lack of high quality evidence assessing the effectiveness of DUI prevention programs, it is not possible to make conclusive statements about the types of programs that are likely to be most effective. Nonetheless, there was some evidence to support the effectiveness of programs that utilize intensive supervision and education. There is a need for future evaluations to adopt more scientifically rigorous research designs to establish the effects of these programs.
Comparing levels of blood alcohol concentration and indicators of impairment in nightlife patrons
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-12-2017
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12639
Abstract: Breathalyser estimate of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is widely used as an objective intoxication measure, but is not always practical in nightlife contexts. This study uses in situ data collected in nightlife environments to explore how four measures of intoxication are related so as to inform the development of a more practical and reliable method of differentiating intoxication for people working in the night-time economy. Nightlife patron interviews were conducted in five Australian cities. Participants completed demographic questions and were asked about current session (past 12 h) alcohol use, and four different measures of intoxication were assessed: BAC, participant's self-reported intoxication (0-10), interviewer rating of the participant's intoxication (0-10) and interviewer-rated number of the participants' of physical signs of intoxication. A total of 7028 patrons were surveyed and n = 5273 included in analysis. Mean age was 23.9 years (SD = 6.36) 61.5% were male. There was a significant difference in occurrence of all observable intoxication symptoms across differing levels of BAC (P < 0.001). All visible symptoms became more common as intoxication increased, except for talking very quickly/talkative and giggly symptoms. As BAC levels increase, the extent of the disagreement between self-rated and interviewer-rated intoxication measures widens. Exhibiting four or more visible intoxication symptoms emerged as a reliable method for observers to identify intoxicated patrons. As BAC increases, people become worse at estimating their own intoxication, but sober observers remain relatively accurate. Findings provide support for efforts to strengthen and enforce responsible service of alcohol.
Queensland Alcohol-related violence and Night Time Economy Monitoring project (QUANTEM): A study protocol
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-10-2017
Size does matter: An exploration of the relationship between licensed venue capacity and on-premise assaults
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.14621
Abstract: Venue capacity has been proposed as a factor associated with increased number of violent incidents on‐premises, though no specific research has demonstrated this association, and instead has tended to focus on the relationship between crowding and aggression. The aim of current paper is to investigate the association between venue capacity and the number of violent incidents on‐premises. Venue capacity data (the maximum capacity listed on the liquor license) were obtained for all venues in central Melbourne from 2010 until 2016. These data were then matched with police‐recorded on‐premises assaults that occurred within high‐alcohol hours (Friday and Saturday 8 pm –6 am ) inside the venue. Analyses were conducted on 5729 venue‐years (yearly assault counts per venue, per year) across central Melbourne. Compared with venues that have a maximum capacity of between 0 and 100 patrons, venues with higher capacities have increasingly more recorded assaults. Venues with maximum capacities between 501 and 1000 are 6.1 times more likely to have an assault recorded compared with venues with a maximum capacity between 0 and 100. Further, each additional high‐alcohol hour that a venue can be open for is associated with a 72% increase in the number of recorded assaults. Greater venue capacity was found to be strongly associated with an increased risk of violent incidents for any given venue. This was further exacerbated by late‐night trading which substantially adds to the risk of assaults inside the venue.
Neurocognitive functioning among people accessing an addiction neuropsychology clinic with and without a history of offending behaviour
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-03-2021
Factors Associated with Unwanted Sexual Attention in Australian Nightlife Districts: An Exploratory Study of Nightlife Attendees
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-12-2022
Abstract: Background: Experiences of unwanted sexual attention (UWSA) are commonplace within nightlife environments. While typically associated with aggression perpetration, literature has suggested that a history of childhood corporal punishment (CCP) may also be related to experiences of victimisation in nightlife environments. The current exploratory study aims to examine the associations between experiences of UWSA victimisation and a history of CCP, trait aggression, and conformity to masculine norms (Playboy and Winning), for males and females separately. Method: Street intercept interviews in the Brisbane inner-city entertainment precincts were used to measure demographic details and participants’ breath alcohol concentration. Online follow-up surveys were used to record participants’ experiences of UWSA on the night of interview, history of CCP, and self-reported rates of trait aggression and conformity to masculine norms. The final s le consisted of 288 females, as there were not sufficient male UWSA experiences for analysis. Results: Approximately 20% of female nightlife patrons experienced some form of UWSA victimisation. Logistic regression analyses identified that after controlling for age and intoxication, a history of CCP, trait aggression and masculine norm conformity were unrelated to experiences of UWSA for female respondents. Conclusions: The current study found that in idual factors were unrelated to experiences of UWSA, indicating that simply being in the nightlife environment, especially as a female, increases the risk of UWSA victimisation. Understanding and exploring social and environmental risk factors, rather than in idual factors, is needed to prevent victimisation in nightlife environments.
Community Awareness of Patron Banning in Australia: a Brief Report
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-02-2018
Understanding risk-based licensing schemes for alcohol outlets: A key informant perspective
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-02-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13043
Demographic and substance use factors associated with non-violent alcohol-related injuries among patrons of Australian night-time entertainment districts
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-01-2017
Changes in injury-related hospital emergency department presentations associated with the imposition of regulatory versus voluntary licensing conditions on licensed venues in two cities
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12118
Abstract: Regulatory and collaborative intervention strategies have been developed to reduce the harms associated with alcohol consumption on licensed venues around the world, but there remains little research evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness. This paper describes concurrent changes in the number of night-time injury-related hospital emergency department presentations in two cities that implemented either a collaborative voluntary approach to reducing harms associated with licensed premises (Geelong) or a regulatory approach (Newcastle). This paper reports findings from Dealing with Alcohol-Related problems in the Night-Time Economy project. Data were drawn from injury-specific International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision codes for injuries (S and T codes) presenting during high-alcohol risk times (midnight--5.59 am, Saturday and Sunday mornings) at the emergency departments in Geelong Hospital and Newcastle (John Hunter Hospital and the Calvary Mater Hospital), before and after the introduction of licensing conditions between the years of 2005 and 2011. Time-series, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average analyses were conducted on the data obtained from patients' medical records. Significant reductions in injury-related presentations during high-alcohol risk times were found for Newcastle since the imposition of regulatory licensing conditions (344 attendances per year, P < 0.001). None of the interventions deployed in Geelong (e.g. identification scanners, police operations, radio networks or closed-circuit television) were associated with reductions in emergency department presentations. The data suggest that mandatory interventions based on trading hours restrictions were associated with reduced emergency department injury presentations in high-alcohol hours than voluntary interventions.
The impact of street service care on frontline service utilisation during high-alcohol use hours in one night-time entertainment precinct in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13009
Abstract: Street service care providers in Queensland, Australia are organisations tasked with assisting vulnerable in iduals and aiding intoxicated patrons that are at risk of harm in night-time entertainment precincts (NEP). Members of these organisations patrol NEPs and provide services, such as first aid, to in iduals in need. There has been no research conducted on their impact on crime, injuries and on the duties of Australian frontline service resources (e.g. police and ambulance services). This study evaluated the introduction of a single street service care in the Cairns NEP on police-recorded assaults, emergency department injury presentations and ambulance service utilisation during high-alcohol hours. Police-recorded assaults (common and serious), emergency department injury presentations and ambulance attendances for the Cairns suburbs were examined. Autoregressive integrated moving average time series analyses were used to determine the impact of street service care on monthly counts for each dataset. Serious assaults during high-alcohol hours significantly declined after the introduction of the support service in Cairns, with a one-month lagged impact (B = -1.66, 95% confidence interval -3.02, -0.30). No other significant impact on common assaults, emergency department injury presentations or ambulance attendances were found. This study provides preliminary evidence that street service care may help to decrease assaults within a single NEP. However, further research investigating the impact of street services in larger cities, and determining what other roles the service may be able to play in preventing alcohol-related harm, is needed.
Investigating the relationship between inaccurate blood alcohol concentration estimates, harm and other negative consequences
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-11-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13569
Abstract: Alcohol‐related harms place a significant burden on the Australian economy and health‐care system. The current study aims to: (i) explore the relationship between blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and self‐estimated blood alcohol concentration (EBAC) and (ii) determine whether BAC underestimation is related to an increased risk of experiencing physical aggression, verbal aggression, drink driving, ejection from a venue or refusal of service. Patron street surveys were conducted in four night‐time entertainment precincts (NEP) across Queensland, Australia, between June 2016 and November 2018. Participants ( N = 2144) reported on their EBAC and recent negative or harmful experiences in NEPs. BAC was measured via a breathalyser. Paired s les t tests were conducted to determine if patrons' BAC and EBAC were significantly different. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine whether BAC underestimation is a significant predictor of harm and negative outcomes. Analyses identified a small, significant difference between patron's BAC and EBAC. Patrons with a low BAC were more likely to overestimate their BAC, while patrons with higher BACs were more likely to underestimate their BAC. Moderately intoxicated patrons had the most precise BAC estimations. Patrons with a high BAC and who underestimated their intoxication level were more likely to have been recently ejected from licensed venues, compared to accurate estimators or over‐estimators. Overall, patrons are poor evaluators of their own intoxication level, which may have implications for their experiences in NEPs. The findings highlight the need for improved BAC education for patrons.
Alcohol, masculinity, honour and male barroom aggression in an Australian sample
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-01-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12114
Abstract: The link between alcohol and men's aggression is well established, although growing evidence also points to in idual and learned social factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between male alcohol-related aggression (MARA) among young Australian men and heavy episodic drinking, trait aggression, masculinity, concerns about social honour and expected positive consequences of MARA. The total s le comprised 170 men aged 18-25 years who completed an online questionnaire exploring beliefs and attitudes towards MARA. Those who reported heavy episodic drinking were more likely to be involved in an incident of MARA. In addition, those who were involved in MARA had higher levels of trait aggression, concern for social honour and expected positive consequences of aggression in bars than did those without such involvement. The relationship between socially constructed masculinity factors (a combined variable reflecting masculinity, social honour and expected positive consequences) and MARA was mediated by heavy episodic drinking. Social honour accounted for almost all of the predictive power of masculinity factors. Heavy episodic drinking and trait aggression remained significant predictors of MARA in a multivariate model. The findings from the current study may assist in developing preventative techniques for young men which target masculinity concerns and the consequences of participating in MARA.
Drug use in Australian nightlife settings: Estimation of prevalence and validity of self-report
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13060
Abstract: This study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of illicit drug use in night-time entertainment districts across five major cities in Australia and (2) validate self-reported drug use using biochemical marker oral swabs. Street intercept surveys and oral drug swabs conducted over a 7-month period during 2011-12. The night-time entertainment districts of three metropolitan cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) and two regional cities (Wollongong and Geelong) in Australia, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. A total of 7581 in iduals agreed to participate in the survey (93% response rate). More than half (62%) the s le was male, with a median age of 22 years (range 18-73). Patrons were approached in thoroughfares and while entering and leaving licensed venues. Data collected included demographics and current session alcohol and other substance use. Drug swabs (n = 401) were performed with a subs le of participants. Approximately 9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 7-12%] of participants self-reported consumption of illicit or non-prescribed pharmaceutical drugs prior to interview of those, 81% identified psychostimulants as the drug used. One in five drug swabs returned a positive result, with psychostimulants the most commonly detected drugs (15% 95% CI = 12-19%). Kappa statistics indicate agreement between self-report of any illicit drug and a positive drug swab is in the slight range [κ = 0.12 (95% CI = 0.05-0.20) P = 0.000]. Self-report findings suggest drug use in Australian nightlife is common, although still very much a minority past-time. Drug swabs indicate a higher prevalence of use (20%) than self-report (9%), which suggests that self-reported drug use may not be reliable in this context.
Key informant perspectives on 3 am last drinks legislation in Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-10-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13564
Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore key informant attitudes towards the ‘Last Drinks at 3am’ legislation in Safe Night Precincts in Queensland, Australia. Sixty‐six interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders including licensees, law enforcement and frontline health professionals. Interviews were semi‐structured and analysed using thematic analysis. Key informants responded to questions regarding their experiences of, and opinions about, the last drinks legislation. Key informants reported a range of experiences around the impact of last drinks restrictions, including reduced staffing costs and patron‐related problems within licensed venues. While some venues reported that their businesses lost money, others reported no change in income or that they changed their business model to compensate. Law enforcement and health professionals reported a range of benefits including reduced alcohol‐related anti‐social behaviour, drunkenness and injury. The majority of key informants reported that the last drinks legislation reduced harm, while having minimal detrimental impact on business.
Correlates of verbal and physical aggression among patrons of licensed venues in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12552
Abstract: The current study aimed to examine the association between patron demographics and substance use, and experiences of verbal and physical aggressive incidents within the last 3 months among patrons of night-time entertainment precincts (NEP) in Australia. Patron interviews (n = 4216) were conducted around licensed venues in the NEPs of five Australian cities. Seven correlates of verbal and physical aggressive incidents were examined: gender, age, occupation, blood alcohol concentration, pre-drinking, energy drink use and illicit drug use in the current session. A total of 7.5% and 8.2% of respondents reported involvement in a verbally and physically aggressive incident in the past 3 months, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models indicated men and people <25 years old were significantly more likely to report both verbal and physical aggressive incidents. A significant occupation effect showed lower levels of both verbal and physical aggression in managers rofessionals compared with non-office workers. The likelihood of being involved in a verbally aggressive incident significantly increased with energy drink consumption, while the likelihood of being involved in a physically aggressive incident significantly increased with blood alcohol concentration, energy drink consumption and illicit drug use. This study highlights the different correlates of verbal and physical aggression within NEPs, suggesting they should be viewed as distinct types of violence, rather than points on a continuum. Major modifiable correlates with verbal and physical aggression included intoxication, energy drink consumption, and illicit drug use, suggesting the need for further interventions and policy development to address these key issues. [Hyder S, Coomber K, Pennay A, Droste N, Curtis A, Mayshak R, Lam T, Gilmore W, Chikritzhs T, Miller PG. Correlates of verbal and physical aggression among patrons of licensed venues in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018 :6-13].
Diabetes in people with an intellectual disability: A systematic review of prevalence, incidence and impact
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-07-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DME.12494
Abstract: To establish the prevalence and incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in people with an intellectual and developmental disability and determine their impact on health and well-being and to appraise the evidence available to inform good practice in diabetes management for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We conducted separate searches of multiple databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PUBMED and Cochrane Library) to find relevant articles. A total of 13 studies were identified: 13 addressed the prevalence of diabetes in people with intellectual and developmental disability, three addressed the impact of diabetes on their health and well-being and three addressed the management of diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes in people with intellectual and developmental disability remains uncertain, and the incidence of diabetes in this group of people is unknown. There is some evidence to support the assertion that people with intellectual and developmental disability might be at greater risk of diabetes than the general population. Overall, the quality of the evidence on which to base prevention and management strategies is variable. There is a paucity of research focusing on the prevalence, incidence and impact of diabetes among people with intellectual and developmental disability. Further research is needed to inform policy and practice in this area and, in particular, work is needed to develop methodologies, evaluation tools, educational resources and diabetes care support services appropriate to the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disability.
Child-to-Parent Violence: Examining Cumulative Associations with Corporal Punishment and Physical Abuse
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-09-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10896-022-00437-Y
Abstract: Corporal punishment (CP) and physical abuse (PA) in childhood are associated with increased risk of child-to-parent violence (CPV). Without context of discipline (i.e., the intention of behavior change, and use of reasonable force), both CP and PA represent the use of physical force against a child. It is still unclear if their associations with CPV are similar when they co-occur, or when they occur in isolation. The current study examined the differential and cumulative association of different types of physical force in childhood with rates of CPV. The s le consisted of 1,132 participants, between 18 to 87-years-old ( M = 50.95, SD = 14.24) and included 59.5% female and 39.2% male participants who completed an online survey measuring CP, PA and CPV. Participants formed three groups: low CP or PA (group low ), high CP only (group HCP ), or high PA and CP (group PA + CP ). Two one-way ANOVAs with planned contrasts were conducted separately for CPV against mothers and fathers. The group HCP reported significantly higher CPV against both the mother and the father than group low and there was no significant difference between group HCP and group PA + CP. Higher rates of CP are associated with higher rates of CPV however, this rate does not increase further when there is concurrent PA. This suggests that there may be a low sensitivity for retaliation from a young person, or coercive training (through high parent–child conflict), in environments where there is physical force from a parent.
Prevalence and correlates of drink driving within patrons of Australian night-time entertainment precincts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AAP.2016.07.018
Abstract: Drink driving is a significant public health concern, and contributes to many road fatalities worldwide. The current study is the first to examine the prevalence and correlates of drink driving behavior in a s le of night-time entertainment precinct attendees in Australia. Interviews were conducted with 4214 night-time entertainment precinct attendees in two metropolitan and three regional cities in Australia. Seven correlates of self-reported drink driving were examined: gender, age, occupation, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), alcohol consumed prior to attending a licensed venue, energy drink consumption, and other drug consumption. Fourteen percent of night-time entertainment precinct attendees reported drink driving in the past three months. Bivariate logistic regression models indicated that males were significantly more likely than females to report drink driving in the past three months. Blue-collar workers and sales/clerical/administrative workers were significantly more likely to report drink driving behavior in the past three months than white-collar workers. The likelihood of reporting drink driving during the three months prior to interview significantly increased as BAC on the current night out increased, and when patrons reported engaging in pre-drinking or other drug use. The multivariate model presented a similar pattern of results, however BAC and pre-drinking on the night of the interview were no longer independent significant predictors. Males, blue collar/sales/clerical/administrative workers, and illicit drug consumers were more likely to report engaging in drink driving behavior than their counterparts. Interventions should focus on addressing the considerable proportion night-time entertainment precinct attendees who report engaging in drink driving behavior.
Drug testing, accuracy and harm reduction: A response to Barratt & Ezard
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13215
Swift, certain and fair justice: Insights from behavioural learning and neurocognitive research
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12628
Abstract: Increasingly, persons entering the criminal justice system are reporting substance-related concerns. It is therefore essential that interventions appropriately target the needs of substance-using offenders to ensure the rate of reoffending can be reduced. In this context, there is now a substantial literature demonstrating specific neurocognitive deficits among substance-using and offender populations, including, but not limited to, problems with executive function, rational decision making, consequential thinking and prospective memory. Such research is providing important insights into why current intervention approaches may not be as effective for substance-using offenders, and why emerging programs, such as 'swift, certain and fair' justice programs, which focus on guaranteed, immediate but proportionate sanctions, might be more successful in reducing both substance use and offending behaviour. In this paper, we argue that the potential success of this intervention can be understood from a behavioural learning and neurocognitive perspective, and may point the way forward for other approaches that seek to change behaviour.
Addressing child-to-parent violence: developmental and intervention considerations
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-10-2019
The Child-to-Parent Violence Functions Scale (CPV-F): Development and Validation
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10896-022-00425-2
Abstract: The function (i.e., the motivation) of child-to-parent violence (CPV) is an important consideration for intervention but under researched, primarily due to a lack of appropriate measurement tools. The current study aimed to develop and validate a caregiver-report measure of the function of CPV (the Child-to-Parent Violence Functions Scale [CPV-F]). One-hundred-and-twenty-one caregivers (94% female) ranging from 27 to 68 years of age ( M = 45.36, SD = 8.35) completed an online survey reporting on experiences of CPV from a young person, who were mostly male (63%) and aged between 5 and 24 years ( M = 12.71, SD = 4.77). The current study shows that the motivation for CPV varies across three related but distinct functions: Reactive (i.e., in response to perceived or actual threat, transgression, or intrusion), Affective (i.e., driven by internal frustration, fear, or emotional conflict), and Proactive (i.e., instrumental, callous, and planned). The CPV-F demonstrated predictive and concurrent validity, as well as adequate reliability across subscales. Future research should consider the function of CPV, as it may impact the relevance of risk factors. Moving forward, the CPV-F could be used for comprehensive investigative profiling, with a focus on parent and dyadic factors, to resolve heterogeneity in the field. Such factors are crucial to intervention yet under explored. As a caregiver-report measure, the CPV-F is well-positioned to aid in these investigations.
Short-term changes in nightlife attendance and patron intoxication following alcohol restrictions in Queensland, Australia 11 Medical and Health Sciences 1117 Public Health and Health Services
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-11-2018
Aggression and violence at ambulance attendances where alcohol, illicit and/or pharmaceutical drugs were recorded: A 5-year study of ambulance records in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGALCDEP.2019.107685
Abstract: This study describes the frequency and characteristics of aggression and/or violence in ambulance attendances involving alcohol, illicit and/or pharmaceutical drug use in Victoria, Australia between January 2012 and January 2017. Patient characteristics, context, and substance use involvement in ambulance attendances were examined to determine associations with attendances where aggression and/or violence was recorded. There were 205,178 ambulance attendances where use of alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs or illicit substances contributed to the reason for the attendance. Paramedics recorded acts of aggression and/or violence in 11,813 (5.76 %) of these attendances. Aggression/violence was more likely to be recorded in certain contexts. Compared with attendances where aggression/violence was not recorded, attendances where aggression/violence was recorded were significantly more likely to involve younger and male patients, and occur on Friday and Saturday nights. Alcohol intoxication was involved in more than half of attendances where aggression/violence was recorded, and was almost twice as prevalent as those involving illicit drug use where aggression/violence was recorded. This pattern was consistent across all hours, high-alcohol hours only, by metropolitan/regional location, and by police co-attendance. Aggression and violence are frequently recorded in ambulance attendances involving alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs or illicit substances, and, most often involve alcohol. This violence poses a recurring threat to the health and safety of paramedics, bystanders, and patients. Greater priority should be given to reducing alcohol-related violence through evidence-based policy measures targeting high-risk groups (e.g. young adult males) and contexts (e.g. weekends, late at night) where harm is most likely to occur.
Predictors of cognitive functioning in presentations to a community-based specialist addiction neuropsychology service
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 14-02-2023
Abstract: Cognitive impairment is common in in iduals presenting to alcohol and other drug (AOD) settings and the presence of biopsychosocial complexity and health inequities can complicate the experience of symptoms and access to treatment services. A challenge for neuropsychologists in these settings is to evaluate the likely in idual contribution of these factors to cognition when providing an opinion regarding diagnoses such as acquired brain injury (ABI). This study therefore aimed to identify predictors of cognitive functioning in AOD clients attending for neuropsychological assessment. Clinical data from 200 clients with AOD histories who attended for assessment between 2014 and 2018 were analysed and a series of multiple regressions were conducted to explore predictors of cognitive impairment including demographic, diagnostic, substance use, medication, and mental health variables. Regression modelling identified age, gender, years of education, age of first use, days of abstinence, sedative load, emotional distress and diagnoses of ABI and developmental disorders as contributing to aspects of neuropsychological functioning. Significant models were obtained for verbal intellectual functioning (Adj R 2 = 0.19), nonverbal intellectual functioning (Adj R 2 = 0.10), information processing speed (Adj R 2 = 0.20), working memory (Adj R 2 = 0.05), verbal recall (Adj R 2 = 0.08), visual recall (Adj R 2 = 0.22), ided attention (Adj R 2 = 0.14), and cognitive inhibition (Adj R 2 = 0.07). These findings highlight the importance of careful provision of diagnoses in clients with AOD histories who have high levels of unmet clinical needs. They demonstrate the interaction of premorbid and potentially modifiable comorbid factors such as emotional distress and prescription medication on cognition. Ensuring that modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment are managed may reduce experiences of cognitive impairment and improve diagnostic clarity.
Targeting at-risk samples through brief face-to-face interviews in night-time entertainment precincts
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-12-2018
Looking for a Needle in the Haystack: Arsonists with Intellectual Disability in Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-11-2015
Father trait anger: Associations with father–infant bonding and subsequent parenting stress
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 10-03-2023
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYG.2023.1114084
Abstract: Parent anger presents a risk to family safety and child development. Father trait anger may also compromise the early relational context of fathers and offspring, yet evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to examine effects of father trait anger on parenting stress in the toddler years, and the mediational role of father–infant bonding. Data were from 177 Australian fathers of 205 children. Trait anger (total, angry temperament, and angry reaction), father–infant bonding subscales (patience and tolerance, affection and pride, and pleasure in interaction), and subsequent parenting stress (parental distress, difficult child, and parent–child dysfunctional interaction) were assessed. At each of the subscale levels, mediational path models examined whether father–infant bonding explained the relationship between trait anger and parenting stress. Models were presented where there was at least a small association between the mediator and both the predictor and outcome. Patience and tolerance was the only domain of father–infant bonding correlated with both trait anger and all parenting stress outcomes. Patience and tolerance partially mediated the effect of total trait anger on parental distress and fully mediated effects on difficult child and parent–child dysfunctional interaction. Patience and tolerance fully mediated relationships between angry temperament and all domains of parenting stress. Angry reactions only had a direct effect on parental distress. Father trait anger both directly and indirectly (through patience and tolerance in the father–infant bond) impacts their experiences of parenting stress in the toddler years. Early interventions to manage father trait anger and improve father–infant bonding may benefit fathers and children.
Summarising the impacts of the Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐Time Economy (QUANTEM) project
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13272
Abstract: This closing commentary to the special section presents an overview of the Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐Time Economy Monitoring evaluation findings in comparison to those from other jurisdictions where similar interventions have been implemented (such as Sydney and Newcastle), and especially with previous studies that have used similar evaluation methodologies, such as the Dealing with Alcohol and the Night‐Time Economy study. Overall, the articles documented promising reductions in alcohol‐related harm, building on the existing evidence base for multi‐pronged interventions in entertainment districts. Importantly, this is the first comprehensive investigation to also look at impacts on nightlife‐related business and findings demonstrated, that there were improvements for many businesses. There are substantial policy implications for Queensland and other jurisdictions (nationally and globally) wanting to reduce late night alcohol‐related harm in entertainment districts.
Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐time Economy Monitoring (QUANTEM): Rationale and overview
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13270
Abstract: This commentary introduces the special section on the outcomes of the Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐time Economy Monitoring project and outlines the political and policy context of the interventions put in place under the Queensland government's Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence strategy. The development of the strategy was informed by alcohol policy initiatives trialled in other major Australian cities over the past two decades. The articles in this special section examine the impact of the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence policy stages on alcohol‐related harms and local economies across selected entertainment precincts (Safe Night Precincts). A rich array of data were utilised, including administrative health and justice data, data reflective of nightlife trading (i.e. foot traffic data, ID scanner data and live music performances) and street surveys. Findings have implications for research, policy and practice and demonstrate the need for comprehensive evaluations that can accommodate the complexities of modern alcohol policy in Australia.
Effectiveness of community-based interventions for reducing alcohol-related harm in two metropolitan and two regional sites in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-04-2017
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12501
Abstract: The relationship between alcohol intoxication and harm is well known, and many community-based interventions have been introduced in an attempt to reduce the rates of alcohol-related harm. The current paper uses two metropolitan and two regional Australian cities as sites to investigate the impact of community-based interventions on the reduction of alcohol-related harms. Data for injury-related emergency department (ED) presentations and police attended assaults during high-alcohol hours (i.e. 20:00-06:00 h, Friday and Saturday nights) were obtained for each site from 2000 to 2015 for ED presentations and from 2000 to 2016 for police assaults. Autoregressive integrated moving average time series analyses were conducted to determine the impact of the community-based interventions introduced at each site for reducing these rates of ED injury presentations and police attended assaults. None of the community-level interventions that were introduced across the four sites resulted in a reduction in ED presentation rates or assault rates. The majority of interventions introduced across the four sites were proposed and implemented by local liquor accords. Given none of the interventions demonstrated a reduction in ED injury presentation rates or police attended assault rates, it is argued that local liquor accords may not be best placed to propose alcohol-related harm reduction measures, and instead, there should be a focus on the implementation of evidence-based regulatory strategies, such as restricted trading hours. [Curtis A, Coomber K, Droste N, Hyder S, Palmer D, Miller PG. Effectiveness of community-based interventions for reducing alcohol-related harm in two metropolitan and two regional sites in Victoria, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017 :359-368].
Do patron bans act as a deterrent to future anti-social offending? An analysis of banning and offending data from Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-03-2022
Longitudinal predictors of domestic violence perpetration and victimization: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
Maybe It's Not the Meth: Considering Biopsychosocial Contributors to Cognitive Impairment in Methamphetamine Polydrug Use
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 14-02-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYT.2022.795400
Abstract: In considering the cognitive harms of meth hetamine (MA) use, there is currently a limited appreciation of the profile of pre-existing, comorbid, or modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment in in iduals with MA-polydrug use who present to clinical services. This is in contrast to the well-recognized evidence in alcohol use groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the biopsychosocial and neuropsychological profiles of MA-polysubstance using in iduals reporting cognitive impairment in comparison to an alcohol-using group. A retrospective file audit was undertaken of in iduals who presented for assessment to a specialist addiction neuropsychology service and reported either more than 1 year of heavy MA use as part of a polydrug use history ( n = 40) or having only used alcohol ( n = 27). Clinical histories including demographic, medical, mental health, substance use, and neuropsychological assessment results were extracted from medical records. Between group comparisons were conducted to explore differences in the MA-polydrug vs. the alcohol group. In iduals in the MA-polydrug group were significantly younger, commenced substance use at an earlier age, were more likely to have an offending history, and experienced an overdose than those in the alcohol group. No differences in comorbid neurodevelopmental, psychiatric or acquired brain injury diagnoses were observed between groups. For neuropsychological functioning, significant group differences were observed in overall IQ, semantic verbal fluency, and psychomotor tracking, where in iduals in the alcohol group performed significantly worse. Neuropsychological profiles were largely equivalent between groups across cognitive domains, with minor differences in favor of the MA-polydrug group. Relative to the general population, cognitive functioning was reduced for both groups across a range of domains. High rates of comorbid mental health concerns were common across both groups, however, in iduals in the MA-polydrug group presented with a higher risk of overall harm from substance use at a significantly younger age which is a unique concern for this group. These findings highlight the importance of considering the biopsychosocial factors, such as age of first use, emotional distress, indirect substance related harms including overdose and blood born virus infection that may be relevant to experiences of cognitive difficulty in MA-polydrug users.
The Role of Illicit Drug Use in Family and Domestic Violence in Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-04-2019
Abstract: Drug use has been shown to interact in complex ways with the occurrence and prevalence of family and domestic violence (FDV), with illicit drug use being associated with an increased risk for FDV. The current study aims to extend upon the literature by investigating the role of illicit drugs in intimate partner violence (IPV), family violence (FV), and other violence (violence between people other than partners or family) within a representative Australian s le ( n = 5,118). Participants were recruited through an online survey panel and completed an online self-report survey assessing the role of alcohol and other drugs on violence, with a specific focus on FDV. Binary logistic regression showed that respondents who reported having used any illicit drug in the past 12 months (with or without alcohol use) had over three times the odds of experiencing any violence in the past 12 months (OR = 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [2.25, 4.48]) compared with those not using illicit drugs. Furthermore, drug involvement in FDV (IPV or FV) was significantly more likely than other violent incident types (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = [1.25, 2.19]). For the most recent FDV incident, age group was the only significant demographic predictor of drug involvement at this incident younger age groups were over twice as likely to report drug involvement than those over 65 years of age. Drug involvement at the most recent FDV incident was also associated with over twice the odds of injury (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = [1.67, 3.38]) and significantly greater negative life impact. The findings that drug use increases both the risk for and impact of FDV indicate the need for policy that advocates for interventions addressing both drug use and violence in combination.
Sentencing offenders with mental impairment: The case of arsonists with intellectual disability
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-06-2014
DOI: 10.1108/JIDOB-05-2014-0005
Abstract: – Offenders with intellectual disability (ID) who commit arson and other acts of fire setting are over-represented in the criminal justice system in Australia, as in many other jurisdictions. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the judicial considerations that influence sentencing in these cases. – Case law was utilised to locate and analyse judges’ sentencing remarks for offenders with ID found guilty of an offence of arson. These data were subject to Inductive Content Analysis to establish the major judicial considerations in sentencing. – Seven common issues emerged: general deterrence, seriousness of arson, rehabilitation, sentencing options, moral culpability, protection of the community, and punishment. Judges noted that they handed down reduced sentences to persons with ID relative to the severity of their offending, that they considered people with ID to have low levels of moral culpability, and that these offenders did not provide good ex les for community deterrence. – The current study highlights the need for judges to have available a range of sentencing options, including ersion and treatment/rehabilitation programmes for persons with ID, particularly for those involved in more serious offences such as arson.
Patron banning policy and practice in Queensland, Australia: key informant perspectives
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-06-2022
DOI: 10.1057/S41300-022-00152-2
Abstract: This paper explores attitudes to and experiences of patron banning policy (which prohibits an in idual from entering a nightlife area or venue after engaging in anti-social behaviour) in Queensland, Australia. Key informant interviews were conducted with 66 participants from health, justice, industry, and government sectors across the state. Interviews were semi-structured, and transcripts were examined using thematic analysis. Overall, key informants reported that patron banning provisions helped to keep out customers who cause problems in venues and that ID scanners helped to enforce bans. There was some concern about displacement of banned patrons to other nightlife areas, the discretionary nature of venue bans, the potential for banning notices to be misused, and a general perception that police-imposed bans should be longer than the current 10 days. The majority of interviewees were supportive of patron banning and felt that it could (positively) affect patron behaviours. A number of recommendations were suggested to refine the framing and operation of Queensland’s banning policy.
Coercive Controlling Behaviors and Reporting Physical Intimate Partner Violence in Australian Women: An Exploration
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-01-2021
Abstract: This study explores two approaches to measuring coercive controlling behaviors (CCBs)—counting how many different CCB types and examining the frequency of each CCB experienced—to examine their utility in explaining the relationship between CCBs and physical intimate partner violence (IPV). Australian women aged 18–68 years ( n = 739 M age = 31.58, SD age = 11.76) completed an online survey. Count and frequency CCB approaches yielded similar significant associations with increased physical IPV. Both approaches suggest that frightening behaviors in particular are significantly indicative of also experiencing physical IPV however, when you count CCB types, public name-calling becomes important, whereas when you examine the frequency of each CCB type, jealousy ossessiveness becomes important. These findings suggest differential utility between measures of CCBs, which examine the frequency of specific CCB types and which count CCB types, and that both approaches are useful in understanding how coercion and control relate to physical violence within intimate relationships.
Risk-based licensing of alcohol venues and emergency department injury presentations in two Australian states
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2019.06.014
Abstract: Risk-based licensing (RBL) is among the more recent policy interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm in and around licensed venues. RBL sets licence fees to reflect the venue's propensity to cause harm as a means of encouraging operators to improve their practices. We assessed whether the introduction of RBL in the Australian states of Queensland and Victoria was associated with a reduction in the incidence of emergency department (ED) injury presentations. We employed an interrupted time series design using Prais-Winsten and Cochrane-Orcutt regression modelling to estimate step and slope parameters in injury incidence rates in each state. We defined the population as residents of the state, aged 15-54 years, the age group we considered most likely to be exposed to the night-time economy. To reduce noise, we confined cases to presentations during times previously identified as correlated with a high probability of alcohol involvement, namely 'high alcohol hours' (HAH). We adjusted our models for the alcopops tax, implemented shortly before RBL, and for assaults during low alcohol hours (LAH) as a proxy for other risk factors for assault. RBL was not associated with an overall reduction in the incidence of ED injury presentations during HAH in Queensland (β = 0.003 95% CI: -0.010, 0.003, p = 0.318) or Victoria (β=-0.010 95% CI: -0.021, 0.001, p = 0.087). Post-hoc subgroup analyses showed a reduction in ED injury presentations among men aged 20-39 years in Victoria (β=-0.026 95% CI:-0.012, -0.040, p-0.0003) but this was not replicated in Queensland. There was little evidence that RBL affected the incidence of ED presentations for injury. This may be due to weak financial penalties being applied to venues assessed as high-risk.
Key stakeholder views of venue lockouts in Newcastle and Geelong
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-01-2014
DOI: 10.1057/CPCS.2013.12
Awareness and correlates of short-term and long-term consequences of alcohol use among Australian drinkers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Abstract: To investigate awareness of short-term and long-term consequences of alcohol use among a s le of Australian adult drinkers. Demographic correlates of the awareness of each consequence were also explored. Participants aged 18-45 years (n=1,061 mean age=33.2 years) drawn from an online panel completed a web-based survey assessing demographics, awareness of alcohol warning labels, and awareness of seven short-term and 12 long-term consequences of alcohol use. The level of awareness of short- and long-term consequences ranged from 16% (breast cancer) to 69% (low coordination and slower reflexes). The study found consistent differences in awareness of consequences by gender, with some differences for specific consequences by age, education, SES, rurality and awareness of alcohol warning labels. Most consumers lack a sufficient understanding of the potential consequences of alcohol use. Particular subgroups of drinkers may not equate drinking with negative consequences. Implications for public health: Front-of-label alcohol warnings on all products and public health and education c aigns presenting messages targeting subgroups of drinkers could increase awareness of short- and long-term negative health and social effects of alcohol use.
Childhood Predictors of Adult Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-11-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S10896-022-00451-0
Abstract: This systematic review is a 5-year update of a previously conducted review on the longitudinal predictors of domestic violence perpetration and victimization. This review adopted the term ‘Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)’ to align with current literature and addressed two aims: to identify any novel longitudinal risk factors since the previous review, and to determine if a distinction could be drawn between risk factors for perpetration and victimization (a limitation identified by the previous review). Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria of prospectively investigating childhood/adolescent predictors (prior to age 18) for adulthood IPV perpetration and victimization. Peer-reviewed papers were identified via the following databases in November 2020: MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, SocINDEX, EMBASE, and Scopus. Study quality was assessed using the Cambridge Quality Checklists. Consistent with the previous review, child and adolescent abuse, family of origin risks, child and adolescent behavioral problems, and adolescent peer risks were identified as significant predictors of IPV perpetration and victimization. The current review, however, adds nuance to these findings, identifying potential moderating and/or mediating factors and additional risk factors, including mental health and cultural and attitudinal risks. This review re-emphasizes the importance of developmental risk factors for adulthood IPV perpetration and victimization, and their role in prevention and intervention efforts.
Funder interference in addiction research: An international survey of authors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2017.03.026
Abstract: Scientific research is essential to the development of effective addiction treatment and drug policy. Actions that compromise the integrity of addiction science need to be understood. The aim of this study is to investigate funder (e.g. industry, government or charity) interference in addiction science internationally. Corresponding authors of all 941 papers published in an international specialist journal July 2004 to June 2009 were invited to complete a web questionnaire. A sensitivity analysis with extreme assumptions about non-respondents was undertaken. The questionnaire was completed by 322 authors (response fraction 34%), 36% (n=117) of whom had encountered at least one episode (median=3, Interquartile range=4) of funder interference in their research: 56% in Australasia, 33% in Europe, and 30% in North America. Censorship of research outputs was the most common form of interference. The wording or writing of reports and articles, as well as where, when and how findings were released were the areas in which influence was most often reported. Funder interference in addiction science appears to be common internationally. Strategies to increase transparency in the addiction science literature, including mandatory author declarations concerning the role of the funder, are necessary.
Related Organisations
Related Funding Activities
Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP220200915
Start Date: 07-2023
End Date: 06-2026
Amount: $475,770.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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