Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Every year, 275 million children gl... more Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Every year, 275 million children globally are exposed to domestic violence. Witnessing domestic violence during childhood has been linked to various risks such as potential health risks, unemployment, deviant behavior, susceptibility to other subsets of family violence, various psychopathologies, as well as potential perpetration and revictimization. Boys are twice as likely to become perpetrators of abuse in adulthood if they have witnessed domestic violence in comparison to boys from nonviolent homes. Girls exposed to domestic violence were shown to be more accepting of abusive married life than girls from non-violent homes. The aim of the study was to describe the perceptions of childhood exposure to domestic violence as a predisposing factor for revictimization in adulthood. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlational design. The sample consisted of 77 female participants from shelters ...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the hig... more Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the high rate of sexual re-offending is a serious problem that not only affects the offender and his/her immediate family, but also other vulnerable groups in society. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the factors that contribute to the recidivism of incarcerated sexual offenders. A qualitative research approach was used to purposively select ten incarcerated recidivist sexual offenders. The findings of this study showed that most of the participants grew up in dysfunctional families and experienced challenges such as: substance abuse; violence; low socio-economic status; and unacceptable sexual activities. The challenges reported by the participants confirmed the conditions that contributed towards the chaotic lifestyles of disorganised individuals with inadequate support structures and a proclivity for continued sexual aggression. A stronger presence of prior criminal involvem...
Introduction Physical and social distancing refer to purposeful reduction of close contact betwee... more Introduction Physical and social distancing refer to purposeful reduction of close contact between people, such as school closures and workplace closures. These measures are useful in containing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but have negative effects on social structures and the economy. There is thus a need for optimal timing on when to setup and relax them. We examined the evidence regarding the initiation and lifting of these public health measures. Methods We searched for eligible studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar in April 2020, and conducted a qualitative synthesis of the study findings. Results We searched for eligible studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar in April 2020, and conducted a qualitative synthesis of the study findings. The electronic searches yielded 2503 records, from which we included 10 observational and mathematical modeling studies. These studies used data from one or multiple countries on COVID-19 (nine studies) or another viral epidemic such as Zika (one study). Most of the studies show the importance of using physical and social distancing at the start of the epidemic and utilising a staggered approach when easing the restrictions, while scaling up testing. The lifting of lockdown measures should be accompanied by continued use of personal protective equipment, the limiting of workdays, and wide-scale testing. Conclusion This review highlights the importance of timeous action when faced with an epidemic, let alone a pandemic. The setting up and relaxation of public measures are time sensitive and data-driven actions. In the absence of a safe and effective vaccine, these findings are relevant for the sustainable containment of COVID-19 in African countries.
Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred a... more Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred approach to reduce violence in the family. Methods: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps are unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study. Results: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process. Conclusion: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
Aim: The aim of the systematic study was to determine the effect of parenting practices on adoles... more Aim: The aim of the systematic study was to determine the effect of parenting practices on adolescent risk behaviours such as substance use and sexual risk behaviour. Method: Quantitative research studies were systematically collected from various databases such as Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE (Pubmed), JSTOR, Project Muse and SAGE for the duration of 2003-2013 which was within the 10 year period of relevant literature to the date of study. Results: Findings established that parental monitoring and communication prevented drug initiation, delayed alcohol initiation, and sexual debut, increased alcohol refusal efficacy, and decreased delinquent behaviour and risk taking behaviours in high risk adolescents. Conclusion: This review shows that parental practices play significant protective and promotive roles in managing adolescent risk behaviours.
Introduction research is not only needed to prioritise the best possible response during an epide... more Introduction research is not only needed to prioritise the best possible response during an epidemic and pandemic, it is also understood to be a core pillar of outbreak response. However, few African countries are equipped to perform the needed surveillance and research activities during an outbreak. Therefore, we mapped out research agendas aimed at increased research preparedness towards epidemics or pandemics in Africa. Methods eligible studies were searched for in in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Additionally, grey literature was sought in Google, citation searches, as well as targeted sites such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union, and the Wellcome Trust. Searches were done in March 2020. Results the electronic searches yielded 7344 records, of which 34 articles were included in the study. The studies identified around 18 factors highlighted through various research agendas. Majority of the research agen...
Information about elder abuse has not only been sparse due to factors such as under reporting or ... more Information about elder abuse has not only been sparse due to factors such as under reporting or lack of standardized research, but also in defining elder abuse. However elder abuse is commonly understood to be a single/repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship which embodies an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to elderly individual. In elder abuse, the relationship of trust usually entails the family, as it family members who are noted to be the most likely perpetrators of elder abuse With the increased prevalence of elder abuse in developed countries and a proclivity towards individualized interventions, this narrative review sought to explore family-centered interventions used to address elder abuse by using a RE-AIM framework.
South Africa has instituted many legislative and constitutional changes since 1994 to combat viol... more South Africa has instituted many legislative and constitutional changes since 1994 to combat violence. Regardless of these legislative developments, South Africa has some of the most endemic rates of violence in the world with most of these high rates of violence located within family violence. In response, South African legislation drew from a number of international and regional commitments as well as constitutional amendments to facilitate an enhanced family environment which promoted family well-being and functioning. However, legislatively, family violence is still fragmented in its respective subsets of intimate partner violence, child abuse and elder abuse. Disregarding family violence in the holistic sense, fragmented sectors and efforts to comprehensively and adequately prevent or reduce the rates of family violence. Through a family centered perspective, this paper aimed to review the various legislation used to address family violence within the South African context.
Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred a... more Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred approach to reduce violence in the family.
Methods: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps are unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study.
Results: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process.
Conclusion: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
The prevalence of domestic violence is described as pervasive with a majority of victims being fe... more The prevalence of domestic violence is described as pervasive with a majority of victims being females and perpetrators being males. Often females who experienced domestic violence had been previously exposed to family violence during childhood. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence as a predisposing factor for revictimisation in adulthood. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlation design. The sample consisted of 77 female participants from shelters across Cape Town, Western Cape. The study employed an adapted version of the Child Exposure to Domestic Violence (CEDV) Scale. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, namely demographic details, types of exposure to domestic violence the adult may have experienced as a child, and current adult experiences of domestic violence. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V21 (SPSS). Results suggest that there is a significant positive relationship between past perceived experiences of domestic violence and present perceived experiences of domestic violence. Limitations and recommendations are stipulated for proposed intervention strategies and further study expansion on this topic.
Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the hig... more Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the high rate of sexual re-offending is a serious problem that not only affects the offender and his/her immediate family, but also other vulnerable groups in society. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the factors that contribute to the recidivism of incarcerated sexual offenders. A qualitative research approach was used to purposively select ten incarcerated recidivist sexual offenders. The findings of this study showed that most of the participants grew up in dysfunctional families and experienced challenges such as: substance abuse; violence; low socio-economic status; and unacceptable sexual activities. The challenges reported by the participants confirmed the conditions that contributed towards the chaotic lifestyles of disorganised individuals with inadequate support structures and a proclivity for continued sexual aggression. A stronger presence of prior criminal involvement, pro-offending behaviour, gang associations and substance abuse emerged as factors in their readmission to prison. The participants’ adverse developmental experiences, as well as, the traumatic events that they had survived, were present during the initial sexual offence, while factors, such as substance abuse, pro-offending attitudes and deviant subculture involvement, were more prevalent in sexual recidivism. The main outcome of this study revealed that poor attitudes and treatment compliance were less significant as contributing factors to sexual recidivism.
Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Every year, 275 million children gl... more Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Every year, 275 million children globally are exposed to domestic violence. Witnessing domestic violence during childhood has been linked to various risks such as potential health risks, unemployment, deviant behavior, susceptibility to other subsets of family violence, various psychopathologies, as well as potential perpetration and revictimization. Boys are twice as likely to become perpetrators of abuse in adulthood if they have witnessed domestic violence in comparison to boys from nonviolent homes. Girls exposed to domestic violence were shown to be more accepting of abusive married life than girls from non-violent homes. The aim of the study was to describe the perceptions of childhood exposure to domestic violence as a predisposing factor for revictimization in adulthood. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlational design. The sample consisted of 77 female participants from shelters ...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the hig... more Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the high rate of sexual re-offending is a serious problem that not only affects the offender and his/her immediate family, but also other vulnerable groups in society. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the factors that contribute to the recidivism of incarcerated sexual offenders. A qualitative research approach was used to purposively select ten incarcerated recidivist sexual offenders. The findings of this study showed that most of the participants grew up in dysfunctional families and experienced challenges such as: substance abuse; violence; low socio-economic status; and unacceptable sexual activities. The challenges reported by the participants confirmed the conditions that contributed towards the chaotic lifestyles of disorganised individuals with inadequate support structures and a proclivity for continued sexual aggression. A stronger presence of prior criminal involvem...
Introduction Physical and social distancing refer to purposeful reduction of close contact betwee... more Introduction Physical and social distancing refer to purposeful reduction of close contact between people, such as school closures and workplace closures. These measures are useful in containing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but have negative effects on social structures and the economy. There is thus a need for optimal timing on when to setup and relax them. We examined the evidence regarding the initiation and lifting of these public health measures. Methods We searched for eligible studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar in April 2020, and conducted a qualitative synthesis of the study findings. Results We searched for eligible studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar in April 2020, and conducted a qualitative synthesis of the study findings. The electronic searches yielded 2503 records, from which we included 10 observational and mathematical modeling studies. These studies used data from one or multiple countries on COVID-19 (nine studies) or another viral epidemic such as Zika (one study). Most of the studies show the importance of using physical and social distancing at the start of the epidemic and utilising a staggered approach when easing the restrictions, while scaling up testing. The lifting of lockdown measures should be accompanied by continued use of personal protective equipment, the limiting of workdays, and wide-scale testing. Conclusion This review highlights the importance of timeous action when faced with an epidemic, let alone a pandemic. The setting up and relaxation of public measures are time sensitive and data-driven actions. In the absence of a safe and effective vaccine, these findings are relevant for the sustainable containment of COVID-19 in African countries.
Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred a... more Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred approach to reduce violence in the family. Methods: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps are unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study. Results: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process. Conclusion: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
Aim: The aim of the systematic study was to determine the effect of parenting practices on adoles... more Aim: The aim of the systematic study was to determine the effect of parenting practices on adolescent risk behaviours such as substance use and sexual risk behaviour. Method: Quantitative research studies were systematically collected from various databases such as Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE (Pubmed), JSTOR, Project Muse and SAGE for the duration of 2003-2013 which was within the 10 year period of relevant literature to the date of study. Results: Findings established that parental monitoring and communication prevented drug initiation, delayed alcohol initiation, and sexual debut, increased alcohol refusal efficacy, and decreased delinquent behaviour and risk taking behaviours in high risk adolescents. Conclusion: This review shows that parental practices play significant protective and promotive roles in managing adolescent risk behaviours.
Introduction research is not only needed to prioritise the best possible response during an epide... more Introduction research is not only needed to prioritise the best possible response during an epidemic and pandemic, it is also understood to be a core pillar of outbreak response. However, few African countries are equipped to perform the needed surveillance and research activities during an outbreak. Therefore, we mapped out research agendas aimed at increased research preparedness towards epidemics or pandemics in Africa. Methods eligible studies were searched for in in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Additionally, grey literature was sought in Google, citation searches, as well as targeted sites such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union, and the Wellcome Trust. Searches were done in March 2020. Results the electronic searches yielded 7344 records, of which 34 articles were included in the study. The studies identified around 18 factors highlighted through various research agendas. Majority of the research agen...
Information about elder abuse has not only been sparse due to factors such as under reporting or ... more Information about elder abuse has not only been sparse due to factors such as under reporting or lack of standardized research, but also in defining elder abuse. However elder abuse is commonly understood to be a single/repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship which embodies an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to elderly individual. In elder abuse, the relationship of trust usually entails the family, as it family members who are noted to be the most likely perpetrators of elder abuse With the increased prevalence of elder abuse in developed countries and a proclivity towards individualized interventions, this narrative review sought to explore family-centered interventions used to address elder abuse by using a RE-AIM framework.
South Africa has instituted many legislative and constitutional changes since 1994 to combat viol... more South Africa has instituted many legislative and constitutional changes since 1994 to combat violence. Regardless of these legislative developments, South Africa has some of the most endemic rates of violence in the world with most of these high rates of violence located within family violence. In response, South African legislation drew from a number of international and regional commitments as well as constitutional amendments to facilitate an enhanced family environment which promoted family well-being and functioning. However, legislatively, family violence is still fragmented in its respective subsets of intimate partner violence, child abuse and elder abuse. Disregarding family violence in the holistic sense, fragmented sectors and efforts to comprehensively and adequately prevent or reduce the rates of family violence. Through a family centered perspective, this paper aimed to review the various legislation used to address family violence within the South African context.
Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred a... more Aim: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred approach to reduce violence in the family.
Methods: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps are unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study.
Results: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process.
Conclusion: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
The prevalence of domestic violence is described as pervasive with a majority of victims being fe... more The prevalence of domestic violence is described as pervasive with a majority of victims being females and perpetrators being males. Often females who experienced domestic violence had been previously exposed to family violence during childhood. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence as a predisposing factor for revictimisation in adulthood. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlation design. The sample consisted of 77 female participants from shelters across Cape Town, Western Cape. The study employed an adapted version of the Child Exposure to Domestic Violence (CEDV) Scale. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, namely demographic details, types of exposure to domestic violence the adult may have experienced as a child, and current adult experiences of domestic violence. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V21 (SPSS). Results suggest that there is a significant positive relationship between past perceived experiences of domestic violence and present perceived experiences of domestic violence. Limitations and recommendations are stipulated for proposed intervention strategies and further study expansion on this topic.
Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the hig... more Sexual crimes against women and children remain rampant in South Africa. As a consequence the high rate of sexual re-offending is a serious problem that not only affects the offender and his/her immediate family, but also other vulnerable groups in society. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the factors that contribute to the recidivism of incarcerated sexual offenders. A qualitative research approach was used to purposively select ten incarcerated recidivist sexual offenders. The findings of this study showed that most of the participants grew up in dysfunctional families and experienced challenges such as: substance abuse; violence; low socio-economic status; and unacceptable sexual activities. The challenges reported by the participants confirmed the conditions that contributed towards the chaotic lifestyles of disorganised individuals with inadequate support structures and a proclivity for continued sexual aggression. A stronger presence of prior criminal involvement, pro-offending behaviour, gang associations and substance abuse emerged as factors in their readmission to prison. The participants’ adverse developmental experiences, as well as, the traumatic events that they had survived, were present during the initial sexual offence, while factors, such as substance abuse, pro-offending attitudes and deviant subculture involvement, were more prevalent in sexual recidivism. The main outcome of this study revealed that poor attitudes and treatment compliance were less significant as contributing factors to sexual recidivism.
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Papers by JILL RYAN
Methods: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps are unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study.
Results: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process.
Conclusion: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
Methods: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps are unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study.
Results: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process.
Conclusion: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.