ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4499-1139
Current Organisations
La Trobe University
,
La Trobe University Rural Health School
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Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-023653
Abstract: Intimate partner violence detrimentally affects the social and emotional well-being of children and mothers. These two populations are impacted both in idually and within the context of their relationship with one another. Child mental health, maternal mental health and the mother–child relationship may be impaired as a consequence. Early intervention to prevent or arrest impaired mother–child attachment and child development is needed. Dyadic or relational mental health interventions that include mothers with their children, such as child–parent psychotherapy, are effective in improving the mental health of both children and mothers and also strengthening their relationship. While child–parent psychotherapy has been trialled overseas in several populations, Australian research on relational interventions for children and women recovering from violence is limited. This study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of implementing child–parent psychotherapy in Australian families. Using a mixed methods, prepost design this feasibility study will examine the acceptability of the intervention to women with preschool aged children (3–5 years, n=15 dyads) and providers, and identify process issues including recruitment, retention and barriers to implementation and sustainability. In addition, intervention efficacy will be assessed using maternal and child health outcomes and functioning, and mother–child attachment measures. Young children’s mental health needs are underserviced in Australia. More research is needed to fully understand parenting in the context of intimate partner violence and what works to help women and children recover. If the intervention is found to be feasible, findings will inform future trials and expansion of child–parent psychotherapy in Australia. Ethics approval obtained from clinical sites and the La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee (ID: HEC17-108). Results will be disseminated through conference proceedings and academic publications.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-03-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-11-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.12851
Abstract: To investigate factors contributing to the sustained domestic violence screening and support practices of Maternal and Child Health nurses 2 years after a randomized controlled trial. Domestic violence screening by healthcare professionals has been implemented in many primary care settings. Barriers to screening exist and screening rates remain low. Evidence for longer term integration of nurse screening is minimal. Trial outcomes showed sustained safety planning behaviours by intervention group nurses. Process evaluation in 2-year follow-up of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Evaluation included a repeat online nurse survey and 14 interviews (July-September 2013). Survey analysis included comparison of proportionate group difference between arms and between trial baseline and 2 year follow-up surveys. Framework analysis was used to assess qualitative data. Normalization Process Theory informed evaluation design and interpretation of results. Survey response was 77% (n = 123/160). Sustainability of nurse identification of domestic violence appeared to be due to greater nurse discussion and domestic violence disclosure by women, facilitated by use of a maternal health and well-being checklist. Over time, intervention group nurses used the maternal checklist more at specific maternal health visits and found the checklist the most helpful resource assisting their domestic violence work. Nurses' spoke of a degree of 'normalization' to domestic violence screening that will need constant investment to maintain. Sustainable domestic violence screening and support outcomes can be achieved in an environment of comprehensive, nurse designed and theory driven implementation. Continuing training, discussion and monitoring of domestic violence work is needed to retain sustainable practices.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-07-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.13376
Abstract: This scoping review aims to identify the scope of current literature considering nurse/midwife educational practices in the areas of intimate partner violence to inform future nursing/midwifery educational policy and practice. Intimate partner violence is a global issue affecting a significant portion of the community. Healthcare professionals including nurses/midwives in hospital- and community-based environments are likely to encounter affected women and need educational strategies that support best practice and promote positive outcomes for abused women and their families. Scoping review of relevant literature from January 2000 to July 2015. Search of databases: CINHAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PROQUEST Central and COCHRANE Library. Reference lists from included articles were searched for relevant literature as were several grey literature sources. This review demonstrates low levels of undergraduate or postregistration intimate partner violence education for nursing/midwifery staff and students. Existing intimate partner violence education strategies are varied in implementation, method and content. Outcomes of these educational programmes are not always rigorously evaluated for staff or client-based outcomes. Further research is needed to evaluate existing intimate partner violence education programmes for nurses/midwives and identify the most effective strategies to promote improved clinical practice and outcomes for abused women and their families. Intimate partner violence has a significant social and public health impact. The World Health Organization has identified the need to ensure that healthcare professionals are adequately trained to meet the needs of abused women. Intimate partner violence education programmes, commencing at undergraduate studies for nurses/midwives, need to be implemented with rigorously evaluated programmes to ensure they meet identified objectives, promote best practice and improve care for abused women.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-08-2016
Abstract: Domestic violence is prevalent and harmful for abused women and children and damages women’s capacity to maintain wellbeing and parent effectively. As women’s health is likely to be poor, greater identification and support by nurses for abused women is needed. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of theory in nursing intervention research on domestic violence and how the application of implementation theory can be used to promote programme sustainability. In particular, we discuss the use of Normalization Process Theory (NPT) in the MOVE (improving maternal and child health care for vulnerable mothers) study, a randomised controlled trial which aimed to increase nurse inquiry, safety planning and referral of abused women. NPT was used in the participatory action research and design stage of the trial, in the implementation and process evaluation phases. In conclusion, the use of implementation theory in nursing research can enhance the uptake of complex interventions, address the knowledge–practice gap and potentially improve outcomes for women experiencing domestic violence.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-07-2023
DOI: 10.1177/08862605231186123
Abstract: Sexual violence is a public health issue that can be experienced across the life course. Public transport is a key site of sexual violence and harassment experienced by women and gender- erse people in Australia, although victim-survivor voices have rarely been sought in addressing this issue. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with 41 erse female and gender- erse victim-survivors who were staff or students at two Australian universities, we sought to understand their experiences of sexual violence and harassment on public transport. We found that women and gender- erse people, while often reporting on a significant experience of sexual violence or harassment on public transport, also had other, “everyday” experiences across their life course that impacted how they traveled and their confidence in the world. Overall, we argue that the significant impact of sexual violence and harassment on public transport should be addressed through targeting public transport as a key site for primary prevention of sexual violence and harassment.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-05-2023
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221094317
Abstract: Literature widely acknowledges that women who experience Child Sex Abuse (CSA) have a higher risk of experiencing sexual revictimisation later in life, yet less is known about experiences of revictimisation in non-urban areas. The aim of this review is to examine what is known internationally regarding revictimisation of non-urban women, and to provide future research, practice and policy recommendations. A total of 2414 articles were identified through a comprehensive search across five broad health sciences and humanities databases 11 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. This review found a general lack of qualitative revictimisation studies, and limited research focusing on non-urban women. While existing studies included non-urban research s les, few articles ( n = 3) explored how non-urban location contextualises revictimisation experiences. Most peer-reviewed articles identified within this paper ( n = 7) examined intimate partner violence (IPV) revictimisation, highlighting a significant lack of research on sexual revictimisation within non-urban settings. Findings from the review indicate that experiences of violence in childhood and adulthood are frequent among non-urban women, and that experiencing child abuse is associated with a heightened likelihood of poor mental health and IPV in adulthood. The review also found that non-urban women faced significant structural disadvantage including low levels of employment and income, limited-service sector resources, unsafe family environments and exposure to community violence. Additional qualitative research is needed to better understand the experiences and needs of non-urban revictimised women, particularly within an Australian context.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-10-2022
Abstract: Although many Indigenous peoples demonstrate resilience and strength despite the ongoing impact colonization has on their peoples, evidence suggests poor experiences and expectations of health care professionals and access to health care. Health care professionals play an essential role in responding to family violence (FV), yet there is a paucity of evidence detailing Indigenous people’s experiences and expectations of health care professionals in the context of FV. Using a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies, this article aims to address the following research question: What are Indigenous people’s experiences and expectations of health care professionals when experiencing FV? The inclusion criteria comprised a qualitative study design, Indigenous voices, and a focus on expectations and experiences of health care professionals when FV is experienced. Reviewers independently screened article abstracts, and the findings from included papers were subject to a thematic analysis. Six studies were included in the final meta-synthesis representing studies from Australia, the Americas, and New Zealand. Three themes were identified. Health care professionals need to center the Indigenous person in the care they provide and demonstrate cultural awareness of how history and culture influence an in idual’s care requirements. Health care professionals also need to ensure they are connecting for trust with the Indigenous person, by slowly developing a rapport, yarning, and investing in the relationship. Finally, Indigenous peoples want their health care professional to work on strengthening safety from culturally inappropriate care, institutional control, and potential lack of confidentiality associated with tight-knit communities.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/PY15096
Abstract: Women suffer significant morbidity following childbirth and there is a lack of focussed, primary maternal health care to support them. Victorian Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses are ideally suited to provide additional care for women when caring for the family with a new baby. With additional training and support, MCH nurses could better fill this health demand and practice gap. This discussion paper reviews what we know about maternal morbidity, current postnatal services for women and the maternal healthcare gap, and makes recommendations for enhancing MCH nursing practice to address this deficit.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-07-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2015
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-12-2022
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221137664
Abstract: Migrant and refugee women experiencing domestic violence (DV) may face compounding factors that impact their ability and experiences of seeking help. Health-care providers are in a unique position to identify and assist victims of DV, however, they often lack the confidence and training to do this well. Little is known of the health-care experiences of migrant and refugee women experiencing abuse when they access primary health care (PHC). Using scoping review methodology, we undertook a systematic search of seven databases (Medline, Scopus, ProQuest, CINAHL, Informit Complete, and Google Scholar). We sought peer-reviewed and grey literature, published in English between January 1980 and August 2021 that identified women (18+) who had experienced DV, from low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), seeking help or health care in a primary care setting of a high-income country (HIC). Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Findings identify sociocultural and sociopolitical barriers for migrant and refugee women seeking help for DV, which are contextualized within the ecological model. Migration-related factors and fear were major barriers for migrant and refugee women, while kindness, empathy and trust in health-care providers, and children’s well-being were the strongest motivators for help-seeking and disclosure. This review provides insight into an under-researched and marginalized group of victim-survivors and highlights the need for increased awareness, guidance, and continuing education for health-care providers and health-care systems to provide best practice DV care for migrant and refugee women.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 19-09-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13466
Abstract: To explore the experience of nurse managers managing maternal and child health nurses undertaking family violence work in Victoria, Australia. Health care practitioners' ability to address violence against women is strengthened by health service systems that include effective staff management and leadership. Maternal and child health nurses work with women experiencing abuse however, their support by the health system and their managers has not been examined. Semi-structured interviews with 12 nurse managers in 2019-2020 explored how they supervised and managed nurses. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We identified three themes-(a) managing the service: being resourceful (b) supporting nurses' emotional safety and (c) hitting the ground running: the demands on the manager. Inadequate support for nurse managers undermines workplace well-being and role satisfaction, impacting the safety and supervision of nurses doing family violence work. An integrated family violence systems approach must include improved training and support for nurse managers to enable reflective practice and ensure effective support for nurses working with women experiencing abuse.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 05-2020
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.12927
Abstract: New mothers may face substantial physical and mental health challenges during the postpartum period and are at a greater risk of intimate partner violence. Healthcare services provide support, however, acknowledging a problem and seeking help for it can be difficult. Research on where postpartum women seek help and how helpful they perceive it is limited. Additionally, little is known of how these help-seeking behaviours differ between abused and non-abused postpartum women. The aim of this study was to examine the help-seeking behaviour and perceived helpfulness of services in abused and non-abused postpartum women. Secondary analysis was undertaken of data collected during the MOVE (Improving Maternal and Child Health Care for Vulnerable Mothers) cluster randomised controlled trial of a nurse, intimate partner violence screening and supportive care intervention. MOVE was set in eight community-based nurse teams in Melbourne, Australia. The trial (2010-2013) included a survey of n = 2,621 postpartum Australian women who had given birth within the previous 8 months. Data were analysed using descriptive and interferential statistics. Findings indicate that abused women who had experienced partner violence sought informal family support less frequently (81.3% compared with 92.4%, p < .001) and were more frequent users of hospital emergency departments (p = .03), nurse home visiting programs (p = .02) and some breastfeeding services (p = .001), compared with non-abused women. They were also more frequent users of psychiatrists (p ≤ 0.001), early parenting centres (both day stay (p = .006) and residential (p = .008), child welfare services (p < .001), and were generally less satisfied with the help received. Postpartum women experiencing partner violence seek help from certain formal services more frequently and are less satisfied with the care received, compared with non-abused women. Access to potential protective supports from family and friends is limited. Further qualitative research is needed to gain a greater understanding of abused postpartum women's experiences and help-seeking behaviours.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-10-2021
DOI: 10.1177/15248380211046968
Abstract: Existing culturally competent models of care and guidelines are directing the responses of healthcare providers to culturally erse populations. However, there is a lack of research into how or if these models and guidelines can be translated into the primary care context of family violence. This systematic review aimed to synthesise published evidence to explore the components of culturally competent primary care response for women experiencing family violence. We define family violence as any form of abuse perpetrated against a woman either by her intimate partner or the partner's family member. We included English language peer-reviewed articles and grey literature items that explored interactions between culturally erse women experiencing family violence and their primary care clinicians. We refer women of migrant and refugee backgrounds, Indigenous women and women of ethnic minorities collectively as culturally erse women. We searched eight electronic databases and websites of Australia-based relevant organisations. Following a critical interpretive synthesis of 28 eligible peer-reviewed articles and 16 grey literature items, we generated 11 components of culturally competent family violence related primary care. In the discussion section, we interpreted our findings using an ecological framework to develop a model of care that provides insights into how components at the primary care practice level should coordinate with components at the primary care provider level to enable efficient support to these women experiencing family violence. The review findings are applicable beyond the family violence primary care context.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-07-2022
Abstract: Intimate partner abuse (IPA) affects women’s health, requiring accurate questions to identify the abuse. We investigated the accuracy of three questions about fear of an intimate partner in identifying exposure to IPA. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of these questions with the Composite Abuse Scale (CAS) using secondary data analysis of four existing studies. All studies recruited adult women from clinical settings, with s le sizes ranging from 1,257 to 5,871. We examined associations between demographic factors and fear through multivariate logistic regression, and analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the questions about fear and IPA (CAS), generating a receiver operating curve (ROC). The prevalence of lifetime fear of a partner ranged from 9.5% to 26.7% 14.0% of women reported fear in the past 12 months and current fear ranged from 1.3% to 3.3%. Comparing the three questions, the question “afraid of a partner in the past 12 months” was considered the best question to identify IPA. This question had the greatest area under the ROC (0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.78–0.81]) compared with “are you currently afraid” (range 0.57–0.61) or “have you ever been afraid” (range 0.66–0.77) and demonstrated better sensitivity (64.8%) and specificity (94.8%). Demographic factors associated with “fear of a partner in the past 12 months” included being orced/separated (odds ratio [OR] = 8.49, 95% CI = [6.70–10.76]) having a low income (OR = 4.21, 95% CI = [3.46–5.13]) and having less than 12 years of education (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = [2.04–3.02]). The question “In the last 12 months did you ever feel frightened by what your partner says or does?” has potential to identify a majority of women experiencing IPA, supporting its utilization where more comprehensive measures are not possible.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 22-06-2017
Abstract: Death in the fetal, perinatal, and early infant age-group has a multitude of causes, a proportion of which is presumed to be genetic. Defining a specific genetic aberration leading to the death is problematic at this young age, due to limited phenotype-genotype correlation inherent in the underdeveloped phenotype, the inability to assess certain phenotypic traits after death, and the problems of dealing with rare disorders. In this study, our aim was to increase the yield of identification of a defined genetic cause of an early death. Therefore, we employed whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic filtering techniques as a comprehensive, unbiased genetic investigation into 16 fetal, perinatal, and early infant deaths, which had undergone a full autopsy. A likely genetic cause was identified in two cases (in genes COL2A1 and RYR1) and a speculative genetic cause in a further six cases (in genes: ARHGAP35, BBS7, CASZ1, CRIM1, DHCR7, HADHB, HAPLN3, HSPG2, MYO18B, and SRGAP2). This investigation indicates that whole genome sequencing is a significantly enabling technology when determining genetic causes of early death.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-08-2019
Abstract: Violence against women is globally prevalent and harmful to women’s health and well-being. Younger women are at higher risk of abuse, especially those from non-urban areas who may face specific barriers to disclosure and support. The aim of this review was to map the breadth and nature of the “violence against women” literature particular to young non-urban Australian women and identify research gaps to inform future research with young people. A comprehensive scoping review methodology, as outlined by Arksey and O’Malley, was adopted. English language, peer-reviewed articles were identified from five databases between January 2000 and July 2015. Grey literature was also examined. Inclusion criteria for the review included young women (15–24 years) from non-urban areas of Australia. Twenty-four full-text articles were included in this review. Themes identified include prevalence and type of abuse, experiences and response to violence, and the consequences of abuse. Recommendations from the review which are relevant to a global audience include the need for improved service access, improved data collection on the prevalence of violence, and a focus on more research with young women in non-urban areas. There is limited research on violence against young women living in non-urban areas of Australia. Evidence to date consists of predominantly quantitative data generated from general population surveys. There is a lack of qualitative research on this topic, and we argue that more is needed to gain a better understanding of the violence that young women experience.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2015.12.011
Abstract: to examine the relationship between intimate partner violence and other factors associated with the experience of early motherhood. cross sectional secondary data analysis (n=1534) from MOVE: a cluster randomised controlled trial that evaluated a model of enhanced nurse screening and supportive care for abused women. Victoria, Australia. postpartum women attending community based maternal and child health clinics. survey included the Experience of Motherhood Questionnaire measures of partner abuse, depression, anxiety, stress and social support. Multivariable robust regression analysis used. independent of other factors, abused women were more likely to have a poorer mothering experience (Adj b=2.01, 95% CI=0.78, 3.25). Poor mental health, abuse as a child and being born overseas were also associated with a poor experience. Busy mothers who had a multiple birth and those balancing work and study simultaneously had higher experience of motherhood scores, indicating a poorer experience. Social support was protective. exposure to partner violence is adversely associated with early motherhood, independent of other correlates of poor motherhood experience. Greater awareness of factors associated with intimate partner violence and mothering would enable health care professionals and policy makers to improve support for women and children experiencing violence.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-041339
Abstract: To identify and synthesise the experiences and expectations of women victim/survivors of intimate partner abuse (IPA) following disclosure to a healthcare provider (HCP). The databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, SocINDEX, ASSIA and the Cochrane Library were searched in February 2020. Included studies needed to focus on women’s experiences with and expectations of HCPs after disclosure of IPA. We considered primary studies using qualitative methods for both data collection and analysis published since 2004. Studies conducted in any country, in any type of healthcare setting, were included. The quality of in idual studies was assessed using an adaptation of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies. The confidence in the overall evidence base was determined using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE)-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research methods. Thematic synthesis was used for analysis. Thirty-one papers describing 30 studies were included in the final review. These were conducted in a range of health settings, predominantly in the USA and other high-income countries. All studies were in English. Four main themes were developed through the analysis, describing women’s experiences and expectations of HCPs: (1) connection through kindness and care (2) see the evil, hear the evil, speak the evil (3) do more than just listen and (4) plant the right seed. If these key expectations were absent from care, it resulted in a range of negative emotional impacts for women. Our findings strongly align with the principles of woman-centred care, indicating that women value emotional connection, practical support through action and advocacy and an approach that recognises their autonomy and is tailored to their in idual needs. Drawing on the evidence, we have developed a best practice model to guide practitioners in how to deliver woman-centred care. This review has critical implications for practice, highlighting the simplicity of what HCPs can do to support women experiencing IPA, although its applicability to low-income and-middle income settings remains to be explored.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 21-09-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.14028
Abstract: Increased rates of domestic violence (DV) have been associated with events such as public holidays, seasonal variations, disasters and economic crises. Sport is seen as gendered, exemplifying hegemonic masculinity and associated violence, with the link between sporting culture and violence against women well recognised. This paper reports on a systematic review of empirical research literature exploring the link between major sporting events and incidence of DV. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Proquest Central databases from inception to December 2020 for quantitative studies examining major sports events and reports of DV using a pre-post comparison design. Study quality was assessed using the Kmet quality assessment tool. The review identified 1445 records following duplicate removal. Once screened and assessed for eligibility, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results are presented qualitatively due to the heterogeneity across studies. Most studies originated in North America and the United Kingdom, used police records as their data source for measuring incidences of DV and few looked beyond the day of the sports event for recorded incidences of DV. Studies reviewed suggested that there is an association between certain major sports events and increased reporting of DV. However, studies' findings conflicted with regards to whether increases were associated with contact sports, the rivalry between competing teams, whether the events were emotionally salient and whether alcohol was a contributing factor. In conclusion, there is limited research globally. Heterogeneity and conflicting findings mean that more research is needed to understand the associations and inform community prevention/interventions to address DV.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-08-2016
DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2016.1210103
Abstract: Experiences of domestic and sexual violence are common in patients attending primary care. Most often they are not identified due to barriers to asking by health practitioners and disclosure by patients. Women are more likely than men to experience such violence and present with mental and physical health symptoms to health practitioners. If identified through screening or case finding as experiencing violence they need to be supported to recover from these traumas. This paper draws on systematic reviews published in 2013-2015 and a further literature search undertaken to identify recent intervention studies relevant to recovery from domestic and sexual violence in primary care. There is limited evidence as to what interventions in primary care assist with recovery from domestic violence however, they can be categorized into the following areas: first line response and referral, psychological treatments, safety planning and advocacy, including through home visitation and peer support programmes, and parenting and mother-child interventions. Sexual violence interventions usually include trauma informed care and models to support recovery. The most promising results have been from nurse home visiting advocacy programmes, mother-child psychotherapeutic interventions, and specific psychological treatments (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Trauma informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and, for sexual assault, Exposure and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Interventions). Holistic healing models have not been formally tested by randomized controlled trials, but show some promise. Further research into what supports women and their children on their trajectory of recovery from domestic and sexual violence is urgently needed.
No related grants have been discovered for Leesa Hooker.