Domestic Violence

Setting standards of excellence for forensic nursing policy and practice

Jennifer Pocock — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 20:30:19 +0000

Setting standards of excellence for forensic nursing policy and practice Jennifer Pocock Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:30

In This Story

Associate Professor in the School of Nursing Katherine Scafide appointed to the inaugural American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board Forensic Nursing Consensus Body.

Katherine Scafide, Associate
Professor, School of Nursing

Katherine Scafide, associate professor in the School of Nursing, has been appointed a founding member of the Forensic Nursing Consensus Body (CB) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board (ASB). Scafide and a dedicated team will collaborate to advance national forensic nursing standards.

“It is an honor to be a part of the first Forensic Nursing Consensus Body and to elevate the field of forensic nursing, fueled by the shared passion among my colleagues,” said Scafide.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is a multidisciplinary professional organization that advances science and its application to the legal system. Consensus Bodies focus on establishing forensic standards in specific disciplines. Each body is dedicated to the widespread formulation, adoption, and enforcement of recognized standards.

The Forensic Nursing Consensus Body will be responsible for developing, reviewing, and voting upon standards, guidelines, technical reports, and best practice recommendations in this discipline of forensic science.

Scafide’s revolutionary research in alternate light source and bruise detection is pioneering inclusivity, justice, and equity for domestic violence survivors of color. Her unique expertise stems from 20 years of experience in forensic nursing practice and research.

Congratulations Dr. Scafide!

Topics

Forensic Sciences Program

Intimate Partner Violence

gender-based violence

Faculty and Staff News

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:42:53 +0000

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence Mary Cunningham Thu, 01/25/2024 - 18:42

In This Story

Daphne King, EdD, MSW, LCSW

Twenty-six percent of women and 15% of men who were victims of intimate partner violence reported that their first experience was before age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.

��AV researcher Daphne King, EdD, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, wants to use Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) to continue bringing awareness to intimate partner violence in young people.

“As with adult intimate partner violence, many teenagers who experience violence in their dating relationships do not tell anyone,” said King. “It is important to look out for warning signs and check in with anyone you know experiencing any of the signs.”

One in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking and can take place in person or electronically.

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
Isolation from friends and family
Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
Constantly monitoring social media activities or location
Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises

“Even just one of these warning signs indicates a risk of teen dating violence and that you or the person experiencing this needs help. While some of these signs can be associated with issues other than teen dating violence, it’s important to act on red flags like these,” said King.

Parent involvement is a protective factor to safeguard teens against engaging in risky behaviors. Here are a few tips especially for parents:

Talk honestly and openly with your teen about what healthy relationships look like and that violence (verbal, physical, or sexual) has no place in a healthy relationship.
Know and recognize the signs of abuse, as well as the facts of dating violence.
Look for changes in your teen's mood, appearance, or activities; which could be an indication that something is wrong or abuse is happening. This could be things, such as a drop in grades, unexplained bruises, or a change in friends or peer group.

Teen dating violence has a lifelong impact on a person’s health and can be detrimental to a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Violence can lead to antisocial behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and future unhealthy relationships.

There are many resources available if you or someone you know is being abused. Talk to a trusted adult or visit loveisrespect.org or www.thatsnotcool.com for support and help. Additional resource: National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

Dr. Daphne King is an assistant professor and Master of Social Work online program director in the Social Work Department of ��AV’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African-American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.

To speak to Dr. King, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.

About George Mason
��AV, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more on our homepage.

About the College of Public Health
The College of Public Health at ��AV is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The College is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The College offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Areas of focus include prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases, inequalities and marginalized communities, environmental health and climate change, nutrition, violence, mental and behavioral health, informatics, and health technologies. With more than 500 partners, the College serves the community through research, practice, and clinical care with a focus on the social determinants of health and health equity.

The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally-recognized programs, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 8 master’s degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees, and 6 certificate programs. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Awareness of the many forms of intimate partner violence enables action

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 20:26:01 +0000

Awareness of the many forms of intimate partner violence enables action Mary Cunningham Mon, 09/26/2022 - 16:26

In This Story

Karen Trister Grace

Assistant Professor Karen Trister Grace shares eight forms intimate partner violence, sometimes called domestic violence, can take. Some are commonly known and others are less visible.

Nearly 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetimes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). IPV, sometimes called domestic violence, involves romantic partners who may or may not live together, and this violence can take a variety of forms.

Karen Trister Grace, assistant professor in ��AV’s School of Nursing and a Certified Nurse-Midwife

Karen Trister Grace, assistant professor in ��AV’s School of Nursing and a Certified Nurse-Midwife, is an expert on reproductive coercion, a lesser-known form of domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Grace wants to increase awareness of different types of IPV.

“There are forms of IPV that may not be perceived as abusive or coercive at first glance. The first step in getting help is identifying behavior as abusive,” said Grace.

The CDC identifies four types of IPV—physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. Physical violence is the most commonly known type of IPV; however, there are lesser known and less visible types of IPV, and IPV can happen in person as well as online.

Types of Intimate Partner Violence

Physical violence – Hurting or trying to hurt a partner with physical force, such as hitting, punching, beating, choking, or kicking.
Sexual violence – Forcing a partner or attempting to force a partner to participate in any sexual act, including non-physical acts such as sexting, without consent.
Stalking – Repeated, unwanted attention and/or contact by a partner that causes concern for one’s safety. This may be via phone, text, mail, or in person.
Psychological (mental/emotional) violence – Verbal or non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another mentally or emotionally to exert control over the other person. This may include intimidation, threats, harassment, gaslighting, criticism, monitoring activities, or preventing a partner from doing things they enjoy or seeing friends or family.
Reproductive coercion – Pressure to become pregnant, sabotaging or blocking access to birth control methods, or controlling the outcome of a pregnancy.
Economic/financial abuse – Controlling a partner’s access to or use of money or economic resources, such as tracking their spending, preventing them from becoming financially independent, disrupting employment or education, and stealing or disposal of assets.
Isolation – Restricting a partner’s movements/activities or whom they socialize with and their ability to access resources.
Technology abuse – Using technology to harass, monitor, or control a partner, such as by text message or on social media, non-consensual image-sharing, or recording a person without their knowledge or consent.

These are not the only forms of IPV. If you are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone and help is available. Visit thehotline.org or call the National Domestic Violence Support Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text “Start” to 88788 to speak to a trained advocate. Reaching out is the first step to improving your situation.

Dr. Karen Trister Grace is an assistant professor at ��AV in the School of Nursing. Her research interests are in reproductive coercion, pregnancy intention, and health disparities. She is lead editor of the forthcoming third edition of the “Prenatal & Postnatal Care: A Person-Centered Approach” textbook and has published numerous papers on reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence. She has been a practicing midwife for 22 years and has taught in nursing and midwifery education for 15 years.

For media inquiries about Mason’s faculty experts in intimate partner violence, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.

About Mason

��AV, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu.

About the College of Health and Human Services

The College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and to shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence, community outreach, and interprofessional clinical practice. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in its nationally-recognized offerings, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 6 certificate programs. The college is transitioning to a college of public health in the near future. For more information, visit https://chhs.gmu.edu/.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Mother Jones: Dr. Denise Hines discusses intimate partner violence in relation to the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial

eander6 — Tue, 31 May 2022 14:22:43 +0000

Mother Jones: Dr. Denise Hines discusses intimate partner violence in relation to the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial eander6 Tue, 05/31/2022 - 10:22

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

And the Winner of the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard Trial Is…Men.

Topics

Domestic Violence

Intimate Partner Violence

Social Work

Social Work Faculty

CHHS in the Media

College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Department of Social Work

Medical Xpress: Dr. Denise Hines comments on men as victims of domestic abuse

eander6 — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 17:33:04 +0000

Medical Xpress: Dr. Denise Hines comments on men as victims of domestic abuse eander6 Wed, 04/27/2022 - 13:33

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

Expert addresses common misconceptions about men who experience intimate partner violence.

Topics

Domestic Violence

Intimate Partner Violence

Social Work

Social Work Faculty

CHHS in the Media

College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Department of Social Work

Angelina Jolie Discusses Alternate Light Sources for Bruise Detection with Mason's Katherine Scafide

mthomp7 — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 00:52:45 +0000

Angelina Jolie Discusses Alternate Light Sources for Bruise Detection with Mason's Katherine Scafide mthomp7 Wed, 03/16/2022 - 20:52

Filmmaker and humanitarian Angelina Jolie met with Dr. Katherine Scafide, of Mason’s College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing, to discuss Scafide’s research on Alternate Light Sources (ALS). Dr. Scafide’s ALS technology helps identify hard-to-see bruising in darker skin tones, where it may be otherwise difficult or impossible to detect. Jolie referenced Dr. Scafide’s research in her work on reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

Scafide’s ALS research was featured in Angelina Jolie's appearance on the NBC Nightly News, highlighting the role ALS can play in detecting bruising in darker-skinned individuals.

Jolie's interview can be found here, courtesy of NBC News.
More about Dr. Scafide's research can be found here.

Topics

Domestic Violence

Alternate Light Source

Bruise Visibility

CHHS News

CHHS Departments Compete in FACETS Donation Drive in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

John Brandon Cantrell — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:37:25 +0000

CHHS Departments Compete in FACETS Donation Drive in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month John Brandon C… Thu, 12/02/2021 - 10:37

357 nonperishable food items and cleaning supplies were donated to local families in need

The School of Nursing and the Department of Rehabilitation Science came in first place with 103 items donated.

Members of the Master of Social Work Student Association (MSWSA) honored survivors of domestic violence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by organizing a donation drive competition. The month-long college-wide donation drive collected approximately 357 items across the College of Health and Human Service’s (CHHS) five departments, a testament to the CHHS community’s commitment to helping those in need.

Kendall Hunter, president of MSWSA, was motivated to organize the donation drive because many survivors of domestic violence experience financial and housing instability, which also impacts children who live in households with domestic violence and may need to relocate with a parent who is seeking safety.

Hunter said, "Through our studies, social work students have learned about the intersection between domestic violence, homelessness/housing instability, and financial instability. The MSWSA also recognizes the impact domestic violence has on children's emotional well-being, social functioning, and academic functioning."

Each CHHS department participated in the competition to collect the most nonperishable food items and cleaning supplies for FACETS, a Fairfax nonprofit organization that provides services to families, such as food, emergency shelter, medical care, and safe housing. MSWSA set up labeled donation bins in the lobby of Peterson Hall so participants could conveniently donate items for their department as they walk to class.

Thank you to MSWSA for organizing the donation drive and to the students, faculty, and staff who have participated in the competition to support survivors of domestic violence.

“I am moved by our students launching a competition in support of providing food and supplies for those most in need in our communities,” said Dean Germaine Louis.

Results of the Donation Drive Competition

School of Nursing & Department of Rehabilitation Science - 103 items donated, in addition to a $25 Amazon gift card
Department of Social Work - 83 items donated
Department of Nutrition & Food Studies - 64 items donated
Department of Global & Community Health - 57 items donated
Department of Health Administration & Policy - 50 items donated

Topics

The Oklahoman: Dr. Jhumka Gupta comments on Hispanic domestic abuse victims and the impact on families.

eander6 — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:56:46 +0000

The Oklahoman: Dr. Jhumka Gupta comments on Hispanic domestic abuse victims and the impact on families. eander6 Thu, 09/02/2021 - 12:56

In This Story

Jhumka Gupta, ScD

Hispanic domestic abuse survivors speak out to help other victims.

Topics

Domestic Violence

CHHS in the Media

Public Health

College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Department of Global and Community Health

Alternate Light Five Times More Effective in Detecting Bruises on Victims of Color

dhawkin — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 16:10:07 +0000

Alternate Light Five Times More Effective in Detecting Bruises on Victims of Color dhawkin Thu, 04/30/2020 - 12:10

Apply Now

Press Release
For Immediate Release

Contact
Michelle Thompson
mthomp7@gmu.edu
703-993-3485

As a consequence of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, rates of domestic abuse have increased. Improved procedures are needed to increase effectiveness of detecting bruises for people of color.

FAIRFAX, VA - Bruise detection and diagnosis is currently conducted by sight, under regular light, and bruises are often difficult to see on victims of violence depending on their skin color and the age of their injury.

As a result, individuals with dark skin tones are at a significant disadvantage in having their injuries properly identified and documented. This can have a significant impact on both medical and legal outcomes for victims of violence. For example, strangulation, a violent act often perpetrated during intimate partner violence, is now charged by many states as a felony. Detecting bruises associated with these dangerous offenses can provide important evidence towards prosecution.

A ��AV study led by Dr. Katherine Scafide found alternate light was five times better at detecting bruises on diverse skin tones.

To address the challenges of detecting bruises, Scafide and colleagues conducted a randomized control trial with 157 participants to test the effectiveness of an alternate light source at detecting bruises compared to commonly used white light. They also assessed the impact of skin color, age, gender, localized fat, and mode of injury on bruise detection. They found that using alternate light was five times better at detecting bruises on victims across a variety of skin tones than white light. Results of the study were published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.

“As domestic violence rates soar worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need innovative ways of capturing its effects on victims,” urges Dr. Katherine Scafide, a forensic nursing expert who led the randomized control trial at the College of Health and Human Services at ��AV. “Alternate light could be the tool towards addressing the disparity in detecting bruises across diverse populations.”

“Alternate light improves our ability to see bruises,” explains Scafide. “We need to implement this technology into the care of adult patients who have experience physical trauma, but only after evidence-based guidelines are developed and evaluated.”

Scafide cautions that alternate light can detect bruises but should not yet be used to diagnose bruises because other skin lesions (e.g., scars, hyperpigmentation) may appear similar when viewed using this technology. Alternate light should only be interpreted in conjunction with a history of injury and other physical assessment findings.

Scafide will continue this work with a new grant from the National Institute of Justice that will allow her to develop and evaluate evidence-based guidelines for implementing alternate light in the clinical assessment of bruises.

This study was supported by the National Institute of Justice grant 2016-DN-BX-0147. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice.

About ��AV

��AV is Virginia's largest and most diverse public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 38,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. For more information, visit https://www2.gmu.edu/.

About the College of Health and Human Services

��AV's College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence and interprofessional practice. The College enrolls 1,917 undergraduate students and 950 graduate students in its nationally recognized offerings, including: 5 undergraduate degrees, 12 graduate degrees, and 11 certificate programs. The College is transitioning to a college public health in the near future. For more information, visit https://chhs.gmu.edu/.

Domestic Violence

Setting standards of excellence for forensic nursing policy and practice

In This Story

Associate Professor in the School of Nursing Katherine Scafide appointed to the inaugural American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board Forensic Nursing Consensus Body.

Topics

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

In This Story

Topics

Awareness of the many forms of intimate partner violence enables action

In This Story

Assistant Professor Karen Trister Grace shares eight forms intimate partner violence, sometimes called domestic violence, can take. Some are commonly known and others are less visible.

Topics

Mother Jones: Dr. Denise Hines discusses intimate partner violence in relation to the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial

In This Story

Topics

Medical Xpress: Dr. Denise Hines comments on men as victims of domestic abuse

In This Story

Topics

Angelina Jolie Discusses Alternate Light Sources for Bruise Detection with Mason's Katherine Scafide

Topics

CHHS Departments Compete in FACETS Donation Drive in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

357 nonperishable food items and cleaning supplies were donated to local families in need

Results of the Donation Drive Competition

Topics

The Oklahoman: Dr. Jhumka Gupta comments on Hispanic domestic abuse victims and the impact on families.

In This Story

Topics

Alternate Light Five Times More Effective in Detecting Bruises on Victims of Color

Apply Now

As a consequence of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, rates of domestic abuse have increased. Improved procedures are needed to increase effectiveness of detecting bruises for people of color.

Related Topics