ORCID Profile
0000-0003-0268-8243
Current Organisation
Australian Catholic 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)
Sociology of education | Social policy | Counselling, Welfare And Community Services | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student engagement and teaching | Social Work | Policy and administration | Social Policy
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Related Links
Publications
Policies are Needed to Increase the Reach and Impact of Evidence-Based Parenting Supports: A Call for a Population-Based Approach to Supporting Parents, Children, and Families
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2022
How COVID-19 Is Placing Vulnerable Children at Risk and Why We Need a Different Approach to Child Welfare
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-10-2020
Abstract: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brings new worries about the welfare of children, particularly those of families living in poverty and impacted other risk factors. These children will struggle more during the pandemic because of financial pressures and stress placed on parents, as well as their limited access to services and systems of support. In this commentary, we explain how current circumstances reinforce the need for systemic change within statutory child welfare systems and the benefits that would accrue by implementing a continuum of services that combine universal supports with early intervention strategies. We also focus on promising approaches consistent with goals for public health prevention and draw out ideas related workforce development and cross-sector collaboration.
Youth-Serving Organization Safety Risks and the Situational Prevention Approach
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
The “HEALTH” model – Part 2: case study of a guideline-based treatment program for Complex PTSD relating to childhood sexual abuse
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2008
Sexual and relational wellbeing: Diversity and commonality
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2008
A Case Study of Child Sexual Abuse Within a Church Community
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-02-2002
Sexual equity is more than avoiding homophobia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2007
Experiences of people with mental ill-health involved in family court or child protection processes : A rapid evidence review
Publisher: Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.24268/ACU.8W64Y
Abstract: The National Mental Health Commission requested the Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS) at Australian Catholic University to undertake a rapid high-level review of the issues relating to the experiences of people with mental ill-health who are involved in family court and/or child protection processes. The purpose of the review is to identify issues and implications for areas where work can be done to address stigma in three domains: self-stigma, public stigma, and structural stigma/discrimination.
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS): protocol for a national survey of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect, associated mental disorders and physical health problems, and burden of disease
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-047074
Abstract: Child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and exposure to domestic violence) is widely understood to be associated with multiple mental health disorders, physical health problems and health risk behaviours throughout life. However, Australia lacks fundamental evidence about the prevalence and characteristics of child maltreatment, its associations with mental disorders and physical health, and the associated burden of disease. These evidence gaps impede the development of public health strategies to better prevent and respond to child maltreatment. The aims of this research are to generate the first comprehensive population-based national data on the prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia, identify associations with mental disorders and physical health conditions and other adverse consequences, estimate attributable burden of disease and indicate targeted areas for future optimal public health prevention strategies. The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) is a nationwide, cross-sectional study of Australia’s population aged 16 years and over. A survey of approximately 10 000 Australians will capture retrospective self-reported data on the experience in childhood of all five types of maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and exposure to domestic violence). A customised, multimodule survey instrument has been designed to obtain information including: the prevalence and characteristics of these experiences diagnostic screening of common mental health disorders physical health health risk behaviours and health service utilisation. The survey will be administered in March–November 2021 to a random s le of the nationwide population, recruited through mobile phone numbers. Participants will be surveyed using computer-assisted telephone interviews, conducted by trained interviewers from the Social Research Centre, an agency with extensive experience in studies of health and adversity. Rigorous protocols protect the safety of both participants and interviewers, and comply with all ethical and legal requirements. Analysis will include descriptive statistics reporting the prevalence of in idual and multitype child maltreatment, multiple logistic and linear regression analyses to determine associations with mental disorders and physical health problems. We will calculate the population attributable fractions of these putative outcomes to enable an estimation of the disease burden attributable to child maltreatment. The study has been approved by the Queensland University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee (#1900000477, 16 August 2019). Results will be published to the scientific community in peer-reviewed journals, scientific meetings and through targeted networks. Findings and recommendations will be shared with government policymakers and community and organisational stakeholders through erse engagement activities, a dedicated Advisory Board and a systematic knowledge translation strategy. Results will be communicated to the public through an organised media strategy and the ACMS website.
Gay Men from Heterosexual Marriages
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 31-07-2002
Recent Australian child protection and out-of-home care research: What’s been done – and what needs to be done?
Publisher: The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1017/S103507720001107X
Abstract: A research-led reform strategy is urgently required in the field of child protection in Australia. While international research can be a valuable resource, a strong research base which is relevant to this country’s needs, legislation and service systems is essential. Two recent audits of Australian research completed over the past decade – one on out-of-home care and the other on child protection more broadly – have highlighted significant gaps in existing research. There is a number of important topics that have not been addressed – as well as an over-reliance on small-scale, qualitative studies and a very low level of funding for research. This paper explores these gaps and identifies crucial areas for development, encompassing: the development of a national child protection and out-of-home care research agenda adequate funding for research, especially for multi-site, cross-jurisdictional studies and closer collaboration between researchers, policymakers and practitioners to close the gap between what we know and what we do.
The ethics of child maltreatment surveys in relation to participant distress: Implications of social science evidence, ethical guidelines, and law
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHIABU.2021.105424
Abstract: Epidemiological surveys measuring the prevalence of child maltreatment generate essential knowledge that is required to enhance human rights, promote gender equality, and reduce child abuse and neglect and its effects. Yet, evidence suggests Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) may assess the risk of these studies using higher than normal thresholds, based on a perception they may cause high distress to participants. It is essential for IRBs and researchers to have an accurate understanding of the nature and extent of participant distress associated with these studies, and of the duties of researchers towards survey participants, so that meritorious research is endorsed and duties to participants discharged. Assessment by IRBs of the ethics of such research must be appropriately informed by scientific evidence, ethical principles, and legal requirements. This article adds to knowledge by considering participant distress in child maltreatment surveys and its appropriate ethical and operational treatment. We provide an updated overview of scientific evidence of the frequency and severity of distress in studies of child maltreatment, a review of ethical requirements including a focus on beneficence and participant welfare, and a new analysis of researchers' legal duties towards participants. Our analyses demonstrate that participant distress is infrequent and transitory, that researchers can satisfy ethical requirements towards participants, and that legal liability does not extend to emotional distress. Informed by these bodies of knowledge, we distil key principles of good epidemiological practice to provide solutions to operational requirements in these surveys, which both fulfil ethical requirements to participants, and demonstrate trauma-informed practice.
Handbook of Family Policies Across the Globe
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JFTR.12062
Same-sex attraction in heterosexually partnered men: Reasons, rationales and reflections
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2006
The relationship of child sexual abuse and family violence to adult adjustment: Toward an integrated risk‐sequelae model
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1994
Differences Between Previously Married and Never Married ‘Gay’ Men
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-12-2004
Multi-type maltreatment and the long-term adjustment of adults
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2000
DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-0852(200001/02)9:1<6::AID-CAR579>3.0.CO;2-W
Reconstructing the workforce within public health protective systems: Improving resilience, retention, service responsiveness and outcomes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHIABU.2019.104191
Abstract: Unacceptably high staff turnover has plagued traditional approaches to child protection, seemingly forever. Around the globe, numerous studies, reports and inquiries have highlighted how statutory agencies, focusing on risk-oriented investigations of suspected maltreatment, experience significant issues with worker stress and its occupational and organisational consequences. Yet, promoting staff resilience within child protection agencies' workforces has proved to be quite elusive at a systems level. While concern about child protection services often centers on the children and families agencies they intend to assist, the experiences of workers within the system provide further evidence that the system is itself failing. As a result, governments around the world are increasingly embracing system reforms that promote public health approaches focusing on early intervention and prevention to build child, family and neighbourhood support capacity and resilience and thereby reduce child maltreatment. We review the workforce issues affecting traditional child protection approaches and its impacts. In light of this, we examine the knowledge to be applied in the development of public health approaches that embrace integrated and coordinated systems of community care. Such reforms, with altered organisational remits that are far broader than narrow tertiary responses of investigation and removal, utilize evidence-based interventions targeted at differentiated risk and service user needs to provide effective supports and reduce maltreatment. This article unpacks the strategies needed to build and properly prepare a re-tooled workforce capable of implementing a public health model of preventive interventions. Not applicable. Current public health reforms are examined through the lens of their potential impacts upon contemporary workforce issues. Focusing upon building a stable, resilient and appropriately skilled workforce for a public health model, we examine the implications for key stakeholders including workers, program and organisational leaders, educators, researchers, academics and community members, especially children and vulnerable families. Public health approaches to protecting children seek to provide effective supports and services in timely ways in order to prevent unnecessary statutory interventions, which affect those from cultural and poor communities disproportionately. But remodelling systems to embrace these approaches entails complex practice, program, policy and legislative changes, using evidence to intervene in ways that are primarily voluntary rather than coercive. In doing so they provide potential to recast the basis of the helping relationship to attend better to the relational aspects of changed behaviour. Embedding workforce resilience strategies in reformed systems is necessary to address retention and ensure service effectiveness and responsiveness to the ersity of needs of struggling families and impoverished communities. Thereby, public health approaches are well placed to achieve their true potential.
Parent Perceptions of Maltreatment and Adjustment in Children
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-1998
DOI: 10.5172/JFS.4.1.53
Child maltreatment and health service use: findings of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51892
Abstract: To examine associations between child maltreatment and health service use, both overall, by type and by the number of types of maltreatment reported. Cross‐sectional, retrospective survey using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire‐R2: Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study) computer‐assisted mobile telephone interviews using random digit dialling, Australia, 9 April – 11 October 2021. Australians aged 16 years or more. The target s le size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people aged 16–24 years and 1000 respondents each from the five age groups (25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65 years or more). Self‐reported health service use during the past twelve months: hospital admissions, length of stay, and reasons for admission and numbers of consultations with health care professionals, overall and by type. Associations between maltreatment and health service use are reported as odds ratios adjusted for age group, gender, socio‐economic status, financial hardship (childhood and current), and geographic remoteness. A total of 8503 participants completed the survey. Respondents who had experienced child maltreatment were significantly more likely than those who had not to report a hospital admission during the preceding twelve months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.39 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.66), particularly admission with a mental disorder (aOR, 2.4 95% CI, 1.03–5.6). The likelihood of six or more visits to general practitioners (aOR, 2.37 95% CI, 1.87–3.02) or of a consultation with a mental health nurse (aOR, 2.67 95% CI, 1.75–4.06), psychologist (aOR, 2.40 95% CI, 2.00–2.88), or psychiatrist (aOR, 3.02 95% CI, 2.25–4.04) were each higher for people who reported maltreatment during childhood. People who reported three or more maltreatment types were generally most likely to report greater health service use. Child maltreatment has a major impact on health service use. Early, targeted interventions are vital, not only for supporting children directly, but also for their longer term wellbeing and reducing their health system use throughout life.
Reform, (R)evolution and lingering effects: Family policies in Australia
Publisher: Springer New York
Date: 07-05-2014
Positioning a public health framework at the intersection of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence: Primary prevention requires working outside existing systems
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
The Development of the Comprehensive Child Maltreatment Scale
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2001
DOI: 10.5172/JFS.7.1.7
Vulnerable yet forgotten? A systematic review identifying the lack of evidence for effective suicide interventions for young people in contact with child protection systems.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1037/ORT0000555
Multiple forms of child abuse and neglect: adult retrospective reports
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2001
Re-Visioning Public Health Approaches for Protecting Children
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
Relationship recognition: To marry… or not to marry
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2007
Risk factors for child maltreatment in an Australian population-based birth cohort
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHIABU.2016.12.002
Abstract: Child maltreatment and other adverse childhood experiences adversely influence population health and socioeconomic outcomes. Knowledge of the risk factors for child maltreatment can be used to identify children at risk and may represent opportunities for prevention. We examined a range of possible child, parent and family risk factors for child maltreatment in a prospective 27-year population-based birth cohort of 2443 Australians. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and witnessing of domestic violence were recorded retrospectively in early adulthood. Potential risk factors were collected prospectively during childhood or reported retrospectively. Associations were estimated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions and combined into cumulative risk scores. Higher levels of economic disadvantage, poor parental mental health and substance use, and social instability were strongly associated with increased risk of child maltreatment. Indicators of child health displayed mixed associations and infant temperament was uncorrelated to maltreatment. Some differences were observed across types of maltreatment but risk profiles were generally similar. In multivariate analyses, nine independent risk factors were identified, including some that are potentially modifiable: economic disadvantage and parental substance use problems. Risk of maltreatment increased exponentially with the number of risk factors experienced, with prevalence of maltreatment in the highest risk groups exceeding 80%. A cumulative risk score based on the independent risk factors allowed identification of in iduals at very high risk of maltreatment, while a score that incorporated all significant risk and protective factors provided better identification of low-risk in iduals.
Economic predictors of child maltreatment in an Australian population-based birth cohort
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
The planets aligned: Is child protection policy reform good luck or good management?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-05-2010
Adverse childhood experiences, non-response and loss to follow-up: Findings from a prospective birth cohort and recommendations for addressing missing data
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Date: 26-10-2017
Gendered Outcasts and Sexual Outlaws
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 06-12-2012
The Importance of Degree Versus Type of Maltreatment: A Cluster Analysis of Child Abuse Types
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2004
The limitations of using statutory child protection data for research into child maltreatment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2004
Public Health Models for Preventing Child Maltreatment: Applications From the Field of Injury Prevention.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 31-08-2016
Abstract: Contemporary approaches to child protection are dominated by in idualized forensically focused interventions that provide limited scope for more holistic preventative responses to children at risk and the provision of support to struggling families and communities. However, in many jurisdictions, it is frequently shown, often through public inquiries and program reviews, that investigatory and removal approaches are failing in critically important ways, particularly regarding reducing the inequities that underpin neglect and abuse. Consequently, there have been increasing calls for a public health model for the protection of children, although there is often a lack of clarity as to what exactly this should entail. Yet, there are opportunities to learn from public health approaches successfully used in the field of injury prevention. Specifically, we advocate for the use of Haddon's Matrix, which provides a detailed theoretical and practical framework for the application of a comprehensive and integrated public health model to guide intervention program design and responses to child protection risk factors. A broad overview of the application of Haddon's Matrix's principles and methods is provided with ex les of program and intervention design. It is argued that this framework provides the range of interventions necessary to address the complex social and structural factors contributing to inequity and the maltreatment of children. It also provides the foundation for a holistic and integrated system of prevention and intervention to contribute to system-level change and address child maltreatment.
Change in design of intra‐aortic balloon catheter
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-02-2007
The association between child maltreatment and health risk behaviours and conditions throughout life in the Australian Child Maltreatment Study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51877
Abstract: To estimate associations between all five types of child maltreatment (emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and exposure to domestic violence) and health risk behaviours and conditions. Nationally representative survey of Australian residents aged 16 years and older conducted by computer‐assisted telephone interviewing. Associations between child maltreatment and the following health risk behaviours and conditions: current smoker, binge drinking (at least weekly in past 12 months), cannabis dependence (according to the Cannabis Severity of Dependence Scale), obesity (based on body mass index), self‐harm in past 12 months, and suicide attempt in past 12 months. A total of 8503 participants completed the survey. All five types of child maltreatment were associated with increased rates of all of the health risk behaviours and conditions that we considered. The strongest associations were in the youngest age group (16–24‐year‐olds). Sexual abuse and emotional abuse were associated with the highest odds of health risk behaviours and conditions. Cannabis dependence, self‐harm and suicide attempts were most strongly associated with child maltreatment. Experiencing more than one type of child maltreatment was associated with higher rates of health risk behaviours and conditions than experiencing one type of child maltreatment. Child maltreatment is associated with substantially increased rates of health risk behaviours and conditions. Prevention and intervention efforts should be informed by trauma histories, and holistic psychosocial care should be incorporated into programs focusing on behaviour change.
Education for Family Life in Australia
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2018
Factors associated with functioning style and coping strategies of families with a child with an autism spectrum disorder
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2005
Abstract: A survey of parents/caregivers of a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was conducted to examine the relationship between ASD characteristics, family functioning and coping strategies. Having a child with ASD places considerable stress on the family. Primary caregivers of a child with ASD from a regional and rural area in Victoria, Australia ( N = 53) were surveyed concerning their child with ASD, family functioning (adaptability and cohesion), marital satisfaction, self-esteem and coping strategies. Results suggest that these caregivers had healthy self-esteem, although they reported somewhat lower marital happiness, family cohesion and family adaptability than did norm groups. Coping strategies were not significant predictors of these outcome variables. Results highlight the need for support programmes to target family and relationship variables as well as ASD children and their behaviours, in order to sustain the family unit and improve quality of life for parents and caregivers as well as those children.
A review of Australian Government funding of parenting intervention research
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
Abstract: Parenting is central to children's optimal development and accounts for a substantial proportion of the variance in child outcomes, including up to 40% of child mental health. Parenting is also one of the most modifiable, proximal, and direct factors for preventing and treating a range of children's problems and enhancing wellbeing. To determine the effectiveness of new approaches to parenting intervention, and to evaluate how to optimise reach and uptake, sufficient funding must be allocated for high quality research. We reviewed funding awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Australian Research Council (ARC) for parenting intervention research during 2011-2020. Parenting intervention research received 0.25% of the NHMRC and ARC research budgets. There is a substantial mismatch between the funding of parenting intervention research and the impact of improved parenting on short- and long-term child outcomes. To rectify this, it is critical that Australian Government funding schemes include parenting interventions as priority areas for funding. Changes in allocation of funding to parenting research will support the establishment of evidence for the effective development, implementation and dissemination of parenting interventions to maximise health outcomes for children and their families.
Preventing child sexual abuse: A systematic review of interventions and their efficacy in developing countries
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Safeguarding in Church: Children and Young People’s Perceptions of Safety in Religious and Other Faith-Based Settings
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-08-2023
DOI: 10.1177/08862605221117548
Abstract: Organizations that interact with children and young people have a duty of care to ensure the safety of those children and young people from any manner of abuse, particularly from child sexual abuse. Faith-based ("religious") organizations are of particular interest due to the number of victims/survivors speaking out about their experiences of grooming, child sexual abuse, and other forms of harm in religious organizations. Focusing on addressing the risks and improving safeguarding efforts, prevention activities benefit from giving children agency and a voice. We conducted a study using two focus groups with children and young people involved with two different Christian denominations. We conducted activities and led discussions regarding their views about safety in the context of the faith-based organization with which they engage. Children and young people described different potentially unsafe situations, their likely frequency, and the level of impact such situations would have from their own point of view. They also described how they thought adults in their faith-based organization would see them. Thematic analysis of the data supported four themes related to young people's sense of safety: concerning behavior of adults and other young people, fear of judgment by others (adults and peers), sense of or lack of empowerment due to power dynamics, and the importance of a sense of "familiarity." Visual comparisons of the data on scatterplots suggested differences not only in the level of impact and frequency of potentially unsafe situations between young people and adults but also between the two denominations. Children and young people can provide a wealth of information regarding their safety concerns when involved in programs and services at faith-based organizations. Clergy and other faith-based organizational leaders should consider how the context in which young people are involved (including interdenominational and interfaith difference, as well as the erse types of activities young people are involved with) can affect their safety concerns.
The “HEALTH” model – Part 1: treatment program guidelines for Complex PTSD
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2008
Nurturing children's development through healthy eating and active living: Time for policies to support effective interventions in the context of responsive emotional support and early learning
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.14106
Abstract: Fostering the growth, development, health, and wellbeing of children is a global priority. The early childhood period presents a critical window to influence lifelong trajectories, however urgent multisectoral action is needed to ensure that families are adequately supported to nurture their children's growth and development. With a shared vision to give every child the best start in life, thus helping them reach their full developmental potential, we have formed the International Healthy Eating Active Living Matters (HEALing Matters) Alliance. Together, we form a global network of academics and practitioners working across child health and development, and who are dedicated to improving health equity for children and their families. Our goal is to ensure that all families are free from structural inequality and oppression and are empowered to nurture their children's growth and development through healthy eating and physical activity within the context of responsive emotional support, safety and security, and opportunities for early learning. To date, there have been disparate approaches to promoting these objectives across the health, community service, and education sectors. The crucial importance of our collective work is to bring these priorities for early childhood together through multisectoral interventions, and in so doing tackle head on siloed approaches. In this Policy paper, we draw upon extensive research and call for collective action to promote equity and foster positive developmental trajectories for all children. We call for the delivery of evidence-based programs, policies, and services that are co-designed to meet the needs of all children and families and address structural and systemic inequalities. Moving beyond the "what" is needed to foster the best start to life for all children, we provide recommendations of "how" we can do this. Such collective impact will facilitate intergenerational progression that builds human capital in future generations.
Adaptation and validation of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire-R2 for a national study of child maltreatment in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
The influence of risk and protective factors on burnout experienced by those who work with maltreated children
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2002
DOI: 10.1002/CAR.754
Is caring a health hazard? The mental health and vitality of carers of a person with a disability in Australia
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 04-2009
DOI: 10.5694/J.1326-5377.2009.TB02472.X
Abstract: To compare the mental health and vitality of people caring for a family member with a disability with those of the general population. Second, to identify factors experienced by carers that put them at risk of poor mental health and vitality. Cross-sectional design where logistic and multiple regression analyses were used to compare rates of mental health problems and vitality between carers and the general population while controlling for demographic characteristics. In addition, logistic and multiple regression using data from the survey of carers were used to identify risk factors for poor mental health and vitality that were particular to caregiving. A randomly selected representative survey of 1002 carers from the Australian Centrelink administrative database (June 2006) who received government payments to care for a person with a disability or severe medical condition, or a person who was frail aged. A s le of 10,223 non-carers was drawn from the fourth wave of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, a nationally representative household panel survey (August 2004 to February 2005). Mental health and vitality as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Compared with the general population, carers were at significantly greater risk of having a mental health problem and lower levels of vitality, even after controlling for demographic characteristics. For carers, the risk factors for poor mental health and lower levels of vitality were caring for a person with a disability with higher care needs, experiencing greater levels of financial stress, lower levels of support and worse family functioning. Carers are at greater risk of mental health problems and lower energy levels than the general population.
The Public Health Model of Child Maltreatment Prevention
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 31-08-2016
Impact of Past Adoption Practices: Summary of Key Issues from Australian Research: Final Report
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2010
Friends and safeguarding: Young people's views about safety and to whom they would share safety concerns
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-05-2023
DOI: 10.1002/CAR.2825
Abstract: Child sexual abuse prevention strategies typically focus on teaching children ‘protective behaviours’, including telling a ‘trusted adult’. However, disclosure rates are low, and we know little about who they tell. We analysed data from over 3400 young people aged 10–18. After viewing hypothetical unsafe scenarios involving either an adult or peer, participants were asked whether – and whom – they would tell someone if such a situation occurred. Most (83.9 per cent) said they would tell someone about concerns involving an adult fewer (79.3 per cent) would tell if they encountered an unsafe situation with a peer. Across adult and peer scenarios, participants were most likely to say they would approach their mother (about concerning behaviour of an adult, 68.7 per cent or a peer, 63.1 per cent), a friend (64.4 57.9 per cent) or their father (52.2 48.9 per cent). Those most likely to tell a friend were girls and older children. Children in out‐of‐home care and community welfare organisations were less likely to tell someone about concerning behaviour from a peer/friend than in other organisational contexts. Although organisations must train staff in supporting young people who raise concerns or make disclosures, it is vital to consider the role of parents and other young people in hearing about concerns and building their capacity to respond appropriately.
The relationship of childhood family characteristics and current attachment styles to depression and depressive vulnerability
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2003
The prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia: findings from a national survey
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51873
Abstract: To estimate the prevalence in Australia of each type of child maltreatment to identify gender‐ and age group‐related differences in prevalence. Cross‐sectional national survey mobile telephone interviews using random digit dialling (computer‐generated), Australia, 9 April – 11 October 2021. Retrospective self‐report data using validated questionnaire (Juvenile Victimisation Questionnaire‐R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study). People aged 16 years or more. The target s le size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people aged 16–24 years and 1000 respondents each from five further age groups (25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65 years or more). Proportions of respondents reporting physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence to age 18 years, assessed with the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire‐R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study), overall and by gender and age group, and weighted to reflect characteristics of the Australian population aged 16 years or more in 2016. Complete survey data were available for 8503 eligible participants (14% response rate). Physical abuse was reported by 32.0% of respondents (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.7–33.3%), sexual abuse by 28.5% (95% CI, 27.3–29.8%), emotional abuse by 30.9% (95% CI, 29.7–32.2%), neglect by 8.9% (95% CI, 8.1–9.7%), and exposure to domestic violence by 39.6% (95% CI, 38.3–40.9%). The proportions of respondents who reported sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect were each statistically significantly larger for women than men. The reported prevalence of physical abuse by respondents aged 16–24 years was lower than for those aged 25–34 years, and that of sexual abuse was lower than for those aged 35–44 years, suggesting recent declines in the prevalence of these maltreatment types. Child maltreatment is common in Australia, and larger proportions of women than men report having experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect during childhood. As physical and sexual abuse may have declined recently, public health policy and practice may have positive effects, justifying continued monitoring and prevention activities.
New Directions for Public Health Approaches: Key Themes and Issues
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
The Successes and Limitations of Contemporary Approaches to Child Protection
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
Rarely an Isolated Incident: Acknowledging the Interrelatedness of Child Maltreatment, Victimisation and Trauma
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2013
Gender diversity and safety climate perceptions in schools and other youth-serving organisations
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Queer resources on a searchable website: www.glhv.org.au
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2006
The association between child maltreatment and mental disorders in the Australian Child Maltreatment Study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51870
Abstract: To examine the associations between experiences of child maltreatment and mental disorders in the Australian population. Population‐representative survey conducted by computer‐assisted telephone interviewing. Australian residents aged 16 years and older. Mental disorder diagnoses of lifetime major depressive disorder, current alcohol use disorder (mild, moderate and severe), current generalised anxiety disorder and current post‐traumatic stress disorder. More than one in three Australians (3606/8503 surveyed participants 38.0% 95% CI, 36.7–39.3%) met the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder. The prevalence of mental disorders in non‐maltreated participants was 21.6% (95% CI, 19.9–23.3% n = 851). This increased to 36.2% (95% CI, 33.5–38.9% n = 764) for those who experienced a single type of maltreatment and 54.8% (95% CI, 52.6–56.9% n = 1991) for participants who experienced multi‐type maltreatment. Compared with non‐maltreated Australians, maltreated participants had about three times the odds of any mental disorder (odds ratio [OR], 2.82 95% CI, 2.47–3.22), generalised anxiety disorder (OR, 3.14 95% CI, 2.48–3.97), major depressive disorder (OR, 3.19 95% CI, 2.68–3.80) and severe alcohol use disorder (OR, 2.62 95% CI, 1.83–3.76), and almost five times the odds of post‐traumatic stress disorder (OR, 4.60 95% CI, 3.00–7.07). Associations between experiences of child maltreatment and mental disorders were strongest for sexual abuse, emotional abuse and multi‐type maltreatment. The strength of the associations did not differ by gender. Adjustment for childhood and current financial hardship and for current socio‐economic status did not significantly attenuate the associations. Mental disorders are significantly more likely to occur in in iduals who experience child maltreatment, particularly multi‐type maltreatment. Prevention of child maltreatment provides an opportunity to substantially reduce the prevalence of mental illness and improve the health of the Australian population.
Safeguarding Capabilities in Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Scale Measuring Safeguarding Capabilities in Youth-Serving Organizations Workers
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 20-08-2020
Abstract: Media reports and government enquiries have shone a spotlight on institutional child sexual abuse (CSA) globally. With youth-serving organizations seeking to identify how to improve policies and procedures developed to protect children, a gap exists in research and organizational quality assurance procedures. A new tool is needed to measure the capability of workers to implement and support effective child-safeguarding policies and practices. To address this, our aim was to develop the Safeguarding Capabilities in Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Scale. Participants (
Maltreatment and Family Dysfunction in Childhood and the Subsequent Adjustment of Children and Adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2003
Families - Private and Sacred: How to Raise the Curtain and Implement Family Support from a Public Health Perspective
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
The prevalence and nature of multi‐type child maltreatment in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51868
Abstract: To determine the prevalence in Australia of multi‐type child maltreatment, defined as two or more maltreatment types (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence) and to examine its nature, family risk factors, and gender and age cohort differences. Retrospective cross‐sectional survey using a validated questionnaire. Mobile phone random digit‐dial s le of the Australian population aged 16 years and older. National estimates of multi‐type child maltreatment up to age 18 years using the Juvenile Victimisation Questionnaire‐R2: Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study). Of 8503 participants, 62.2% (95% CI, 60.9–63.6%) experienced one or more types of child maltreatment. Prevalence of single‐type maltreatment was 22.8% (95% CI, 21.7–24.0%), whereas 39.4% (95% CI, 38.1–40.7%) of participants reported multi‐type maltreatment and 3.5% (95% CI, 3.0–4.0%) reported all five types. Multi‐type maltreatment was more common for gender erse participants (66.1% [95% CI, 53.7–78.7%]) and women (43.2% [95% CI, 41.3–45.1%]) than for men (34.9% [95% CI, 33.0–36.7%]). Multi‐type maltreatment prevalence was highest for those aged 25–44 years. Family‐related adverse childhood experiences — especially mental illness and alcohol or substance misuse — increased risk. Exposure to domestic violence was the maltreatment type most often present in multi‐type maltreatment patterns. Multi‐type child maltreatment is prevalent in Australia and more common in women and gender erse in iduals. Child protection services, health practitioners, and prevention and intervention services must assess and manage multi‐type maltreatment in children and address its health consequences across the lifespan. Public health policy should consider prevention services or strategies that target multi‐type child maltreatment.
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study, a national survey of the prevalence of child maltreatment and its correlates: methodology
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51869
Abstract: To describe the aims, design, methodology, and respondent s le representativeness of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS). Cross‐sectional, retrospective survey computer‐assisted mobile telephone interviewing using random digit dialling (computer‐generated), Australia, 9 April – 11 October 2021. People aged 16 years or more. The target s le size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people aged 16–24 years and 1000 respondents each from five further age groups (25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65 years or more). Primary outcomes: Emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exposure to domestic violence during childhood, assessed with the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire‐R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study). Secondary outcomes: selected mental disorder diagnoses (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, MINI), selected physical health conditions, health risk behaviours, health service use. The demographic characteristics of the ACMS s le were similar to those of the Australian population in 2016 with respect to gender, Indigenous status, region and remoteness category of residence, and marital status, but larger proportions of participants were born in Australia, lived in areas of higher socio‐economic status, had tertiary qualifications, and had income greater than $1250 per week. Population weights were derived to adjust for these differences. Associations between the number of calls required to recruit participants and maltreatment rates and health outcomes were not statistically significant. The ACMS provides the first reliable estimates of the prevalence of each type of child maltreatment in Australia. These estimates, and those of associated mental health and health risk behaviours reported in this supplement can inform policy and practice initiatives for reducing the prevalence of child maltreatment and its consequences. Our benchmark study also provides baseline data for repeated waves of the ACMS that will assess the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Is domestic violence learned? The contribution of five forms of child maltreatment to men's violence and adjustment
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2002
Sexuality, human rights and safety for people with disabilities: the challenge of intersecting identities
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2010
The relationship between child sexual abuse and academic achievement in a sample of adolescent psychiatric inpatients
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHIABU.2004.12.013
Abstract: To examine the relationship between sexual abuse and academic achievement in an adolescent inpatient psychiatric population. In idual factors expected to influence this relationship were measured to explore the way they each interacted with sexual abuse and its relationship to academic achievement. Eighty-one adolescent psychiatric inpatients participated in the study (aged 12--18 years: M=16.0). Participants were administered tests of academic achievement (dependent variable) and intelligence, and completed a number of self-report measures of their experience of different types of maltreatment, their perception of the parenting they received, socio-economic status, substance abuse, and psychopathology. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that intelligence was the main predictor of academic achievement (uniquely explaining 26% of the variance). A number of interaction effects were also significant indicating that intelligence, substance abuse, internalizing behavior problems, externalizing behavior problems all influenced the relationship between sexual abuse and academic achievement. Examining the impact of sexual abuse is complex because it is typically an experience embedded in a range of other risk factors, such as poverty, family dysfunction, and other types of maltreatment. This study demonstrated coexistence between sexual abuse and a number of other variables, including other maltreatment types and parental overprotection, underscoring the requirement for complex models of research that more accurately reflect the experience of abused children.
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