BS-SC Model:A Novel Method for Predicting Child Abuse Using Borderline-SMOTE Enabled Stacking Classifier

For a long time,legal entities have developed and used crime prediction methodologies.The techniques are frequently updated based on crime evaluations and responses from scientific communities.There is a need to develop type-based crime prediction methodologies that can be used to address issues at the subgroup level.Child maltreatment is not adequately addressed because children are voiceless.As a result,the possibility of developing a model for predicting child abuse was investigated in this study.Various exploratory analysis methods were used to examine the city of Chicago’s child abuse events.The data set was balanced using the Borderline-SMOTE technique,and then a stacking classifier was employed to ensemble multiple algorithms to predict various types of child abuse.The proposed approach successfully predicted crime types with 93%of accuracy,precision,recall,and F1-Score.The AUC value of the same was 0.989.However,when compared to the Extra Trees model(17.55),which is the second best,the proposed model’s execution time was significantly longer(476.63).We discovered that Machine Learning methods effectively evaluate the demographic and spatial-temporal characteristics of the crimes and predict the occurrences of various subtypes of child abuse.The results indicated that the proposed Borderline-SMOTE enabled Stacking Classifier model(BS-SC Model)would be effective in the real-time child abuse prediction and prevention process.

Child Abuse during the Pandemic and Trauma-Informed Care: A Review of Evidence-Based Literature

Abuse of infants and children is a public health problem that warrants immediate attention. It is estimated that over 7 million children are affected by child abuse yearly, with the highest rate of abuse in those less than one year of age. Approximately 60% of child abuse victims are children under the age of three years, making infants and young children a particularly vulnerable population. Interventions targeting the perinatal period can be effective in mitigating child abuse, including parent education programs and trauma-informed care services. This paper provides an overview of the current evidence base related to child abuse following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on prevention and intervention strategies that can be utilized to increase caregiver support and reduce child abuse rates during the perinatal period.

Parental Alcoholism,Adverse Childhood Experiences,and Later Risk of Personal Alcohol Abuse among Chinese Medical Students

Objective To determine the status of adverse childhood experiences （ACEs） and the association of multiple ACEs with both parental alcoholism and later personal alcohol abuse among Chinese medical students with a view of improving adolescent health and reducing alcohol abuse among them. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 2073 Chinese medical students completed a survey on ten categories of ACEs in Anhui province of China. The association of parental alcoholism with ACEs and personal alcohol abuse was assessed by logistic regression analyses. Results The adjusted odds ratio （OR） for each category of ACEs in the subjects whose parents （either fathers or mothers or both） had alcohol abuse was 2 to 14 times higher than that in those with parental alcoholism （P〈0.05）. Subjects with bi-parental alcoholism had the highest likelihood of ACEs. Compared with the subjects without ACEs, therisk of personal alcohol abuse was increased by 2-4-folds in the subjects with ACEs, irrespective of parental alcoholism （P〈0.05）. The total number of ACEs （ACE score） had a graded relationship to 4 categories of personal alcohol abuse with or without parental alcoholism. The prevalence of personal alcohol abuse among the subjects with parental alcoholism was higher, which was independent of ACE scores. Conclusion The prevalence of ACEs is generally serious in China. Efforts should be made to prevent and treat children with ACEs and subsequently to reduce alcohol abuse and later problems.

Child abuse and psychopathy: Interplay, gender differences and biological correlates

Child abuse is an important source of mental and physical adverse consequences for victims,their family,and their community.The impact of violence during childhood on the development of the victim is a very sensitive theme.Other than internalizing symptoms,it is interesting to analyze the possibility that a victim may assume the role of persecutor.With this aim,we evaluate Literature and examine the interplay among different types of child abuse(emotional neglect,emotional abuse,physical neglect,physical abuse and sexual abuse)and the development of psychopathy.We consider the role of post-traumatic stress disorder and that of personal environment as potential mediators between abuse and psychopathy.Furthermore,an in-depth analysis on possible differences due to the victim's gender is performed.Finally,analysis focused on genetic variants,such as the polymorphism of 5HTT and MAO-A,or a biological alteration,like the difference in daily cortisol levels that could be related to the development of psychopathy after a trauma.

Risk Factors for Abuse in Children with Congenital Heart Disease Presenting at a Pediatric Tertiary Care Hospital

Background:Congenital heart disease(CHD)is a chronic medical condition often diagnosed at birth and requires surgical intervention,multiple hospitalizations,and lifelong care.This can put significant stress on the family,leading to altered maternal mental health,bonding and attachment issues,and the potential for child abuse.The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of a sample of young children with CHD who experienced hospitalization with concurrent concern for child abuse in a free-standing pediatric tertiary care hos-pital.Methods:Electronic medical records were reviewed for children aged 0–5 years old who were hospitalized with concern for child abuse between 2016 and 2020.Variables were extracted related to the history of presenta-tion,and sociodemographics including SDOH,admission,and discharge condition/follow-up.Descriptive statis-tics were used to characterize the sample and correlations to identify an association with abuse type.Results:Out of 251 hospitalizations involving concern for child abuse,49(19.5%)had a diagnosis of CHD.The majority of cases were neglect(51%),<1 year of age(80%),male(57%),Hispanic ethnicity(45%),and publicly insured(90%).CHD severity was moderate to severe(71%)with multiple co-occurring medical conditions(genetic syn-drome,failure to thrive(FTT),prematurity,history of a feeding tube,developmental delay,and intrauterine drug exposure).Correlations associated with physical abuse were age,maternal mental health,head injury,and history of Child Protective Services(CPS)involvement.Neglect correlated with age,FTT,head injury,history of a feeding tube,previous CPS involvement,and substance use.Correlates specifically related to prenatal substance use included age,maternal mental health status,history of domestic violence,CPS involvement,feeding tube,FTT,lack of housing,employment status,and public insurance.Conclusions:Our study highlights the risk for abuse in children with CHD,regardless of defect severity.The most common abuse type was neglect(mostly prenatal substance use)which was associated with few child characteristics,but many parent/caregiver and neighborhood factors.This underscores the need for individual and/or family-based screening and approaches to provide psy-chological support and needed resources to assist parents of children with CHD to prevent abuse.Interventions should focus on families of low socioeconomic status with limited support and/or resources.

An Exploration of the Relationship between Maternal and Child Factors Contributing to Child Abuse

Background: There are many reports in the mass media and scientific literature about child abuse caused by parents. Medical practitioners also are concerned about child abuse and need to grapple with the prevention and early detection of child abuse when working in medical facilities. Aim: The aim of this descriptive study was to explore the relationship between maternal and child factors contributing to child abuse. Methods: A sample of 50 multiparas (mothers with more than 1 child) in a 48-bed postpartum hospital unit in Okinawa prefecture were asked to fill out an anonymous questionnaire regarding the relationship between mothers and their first child in September, 2007. The questionnaire contained 30 items of physical punishment that are quoted from “The Handbook of Correspondence to Child Abuse” (Ministry of Health, Labor and welfare in Japan), 24 items relating to maternal factors and 22 items to child factors, plus items related to mothers’ satisfaction with the health guidance given in the hospital. Data were analyzed using JMP (ver. 14.2;SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, U.S.). The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Forty-one (82%) questionnaires were analyzed. Of the 41 valid responses, 19 mothers reported abusing their children. Child factors contributing to the abuse included the first child’s regression to infantile behavior, bullying younger brothers or sisters and being rough and violent to their friends. The significant maternal factor leading to abuse was the belief that mothers were irritated by their child. Conclusion: A first child’s developmental difficulties had a significant relationship with the harsh punishment by their mothers. The mothers need to understand their child’s developmental behavior and provide a favorable environment for nurturing young children.

“At Least Your Baby Is Healthy” Obstetric Violence or Disrespect and Abuse in Childbirth Occurrence Worldwide: A Literature Review

Obstetric violence or disrespect and abuse in childbirth is a worldwide phenomenon that takes on various forms, from absence of informed consent to physical harm. The objective of this review is to assess prevalence and root causes of obstetric violence in different countries, and potential solutions to address disrespect and abuse in childbirth. The review finds that obstetric violence is rooted in a patriarchal understanding of gender stereotypes and is exacerbated by power dynamics between health professionals and patients, especially for minorities. Obstetric violence has a long-lasting impact on women’s lives and can jeopardize subsequent decisions to access healthcare services.

A Multi-Agent Expert System for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

When a child abuse situation arises, the responsible agencies and entities in charge of response should be capable of providing a fast and personalized solution for the good of the child. This need leads the authors to consider the formation of dynamic virtual organizations tailored to each particular abuse case. In the authors＇ approach the partner selection of these collaborative networks is done through a software tool that combines two technologies from the field of artificial intelligence, specifically multi-agent systems and expert systems. In addition, these partners come from the breeding environment constituted by all the agencies or individuals, either in a region or locality, which have the potential of response.

Social Skills and Behavioral Problems in Adolescents with Child Sexual Abuse, and Their Relation to Basal Cortisol

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a stressful associated with alterations in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-adrenal (HPA) axis and behavioral problems. Children and adolescents with history of CSA could have higher cortisol levels, as these have been associated with deleterious changes in brain regions involved in controlling social behavior and self-control. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship among basal cortisol levels, social skills and behavioral problems in adolescents with CSA by evaluating two groups: one consisting of 12 - 15-year-old girls with CSA (n = 23), the other healthy comparison adolescents with no history of child abuse (n = 23). Social skills and behavioral problems were assessed using the Social Skills Improvement System. Three saliva samples were collected from each participant. The girls with CSA had lower social skills and more behavioral problems, as well as, higher cortisol concentrations. Besides, these participants showed significant negative correlations among cortisol levels and social skills, as well as, positive correlations with behavioral problems scales. It is feasible to suggest that the social deficiencies observed in these participants with CSA are related to alterations of the HPA.

Support Provided by Public Health Nurses for Fathers Who Have Abused Their Children—As Observed in Cases of Child Neglect and Physical or Psychological Abuse

This study aims to identify the support to provide to fathers who have abused children as reported by public health nurses (PHNs). In this study, a qualitative descriptive design was applied to the data analysis. Interviewees were 10 public health nurses (PHNs) in charge of child abuse services for at least 5 years at public health centers. The study analyzed 13 cases reported in the interviews. Measures to support fathers who abuse their children as suggested by PHNs were classified into direct support to the father, support to other family members, and support to be provided by others involved including related organizations. The direct support to the father includes “gaining an in-depth understanding of the abusive situation and psychological states of those involved”, “refraining from involvement in areas where it is difficult to understand the personality of the father”, and others. Support of other family members includes “understanding the marital relationship and assessing the qualities of the relationship”, “refraining from matters that will involve divorce”, and others. Support to be provided by others including related organizations includes “understanding the value of social exchange and assessment of the ability to create and maintain interpersonal relationships”, “establishing support arrangements to enable intervention when necessary”, and others. The interviews report that PHNs arrange support measures that enable intervention as it becomes required, and that this enables learning about child-abuse preventing activities.

Patient and Provider Perspectives of Disrespect and Abuse during Childbirth in Tanzania: A Literature Review

Objective: Disrespectful and abusive (D&A) maternity care is a deterrent to facility childbirth and can thus contribute to child and maternal mortality. This study will review existing literature on D&A in Tanzania to better understand and contextualize the issue. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to find relevant publications on D&A during childbirth in Tanzania. The search was conducted on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health). The inclusion criteria were as follows: qualitative, quantitative, and ethnographic studies conducted in Tanzania on obstetrical violence;published in English;focused on prevalence, incidence, root causes, historical trends, interventions, and policy recommendations for obstetrical violence in Tanzania. Results: Twenty-one studies were selected for this literature review. Up to 73.1% of women reported experiencing at least one form of D&A during labor. Commonly reported D&A events include non-dignified care, non-confidential care, and physical abuse. Other forms of D&A, including detention in facilities and asking for unofficial payments, are also reported. Ninety-six percent of nurses, midwives, and nursing assistants in Tanzania self-reported engaging in at least one form of D&A. Lack of training and provider support, long work hours, fear of blame, and limited infrastructure were reported as factors leading to D&A by providers. Conclusions: In Tanzania, D&A during childbirth is prevalent in healthcare systems. The direct relationship between D&A and poor maternal and fetal health is well-documented. Individual and systemic factors influence both provider and patient perspectives of D&A, providing a window into a complex and sensitive phenomenon. It is important that D&A in Tanzania be viewed holistically, and that interventions target the multifaceted nature of the issue.

United States Law on the Protection of Abused and Neglected Children

I. Introduction This paper discusses child protection in the United States. I will discuss four general topics. The first topic is United States laws on the protection of children from child abuse and neglect. The second topic is providing care for children who must be removed from their homes. The third is the role of courts in child protection in the United States.

Mental health of mothers and their premature infants for the prevention of child abuse and maltreatment

Birth of preterm infants is a stressful event for their parents, particularly for mothers. The mothers of preterm infants often feel hard to relate their infants because they have separated since their first days after delivery. Long term separation and less attractive, less responsive appearance of preterm infants also make it difficult to build mother-child relationships. In addition, the mothers of preterm infants are likely to have mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The mothers’ psychiatric illnesses affect the psychosocial development of preterm infants and are often regarded as a risk factor for child abuse and maltreatment in later life. Child abuse and maltreatment are also prevalent among preterm infants than the full term infants. Intervention from the early period of preterm birth is an important issue for both preterm infants and their mothers. Medical and co-medical professionals should pay attention to developmental outcome of preterm as well as psychosocial conditions of their mothers for the improvement of their mental health.

Child maltreatment, abuse and neglect in a Nigerian adolescent boy, the common but unheard menace: A case report form Southwest, Nigeria

Child abuse is a global problem. It includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that result in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity. Child abuse and neglect are common in Nigeria, yet poorly reported. We herein report a case of child abuse and neglect in a 14-year-old boy, complicated by severe malnutrition, human immunodeficiency virus infection and gross under achievement of educational goal. The social and economic factors that play major roles are highlighted with the aim of sensitizing health care professionals, child advocacy groups, policy makers and other stakeholders on the impact of child abuse. We also hope that this would remind all concerned organisations and individuals of child protection which is integrated in the child right act 2003 adopted by Nigeria.

Pediatric radiological diagnostic procedures in cases of suspected child abuse

Advanced and specialized radiological diagnostic procedures are essential in cases of clinically diagnosed injuries to the head, thorax, abdomen or extremities of a child, especially if there is no case history or if the reporting of an inadequate trauma suggests battered child syndrome. In particular, these diagnostic procedures should aim at detecting lesions of the central nervous system (CNS), so that the treatment can be immediately initiated. If the diagnostic imaging reveals findings typically associated with child abuse, accurate documentation constituting evidence, which will stand up in court, is required to prevent any further endangerment of the child’s welfare.

Approach to perinatal mental health and child abuse prevention in Japanese prefectural health centers

The aim of this study was to conduct a nationwide survey in Japan of prefectural health centers, which were responsible for providing guidance to municipalities. The survey was performed in order to clarify the following issues: 1) the current level of support provided by prefectural centers for pre-and post-natal mental health;2) the structures in place for providing consultation services for an “unwanted pregnancy” and the support available for high-risk cases;and 3) the advice available on postpartum maternal psychological screening, and interpretation of results of such screening. Questionnaires were sent by post to 394 prefectural health centers, of which 277 (70.3%) responded. A total of 32% of prefectural health centers confirmed that they had offered support to high-risk cases during pregnancy, and 72% had offered support post-partum. Regarding offering support to high-risk mothers, those prefectural health centers that did provide consultation services (n = 59) reported providing introductions and information about available facilities (P < 0.001) and conducting case conferences (P < 0.002). This was significantly different than prefectural health centers that did not provide consultation services (n = 198). At the prefectural health centers that “follow up on” the results of the mental health screening, psychiatry consultations were reported twice as often as the prefectural health centers that did “not follow up on” the results of mental health screening. These findings indicate that childcare support systems for postpartum mental health and the prevention of child abuse were established. However, the lack of prenatal health and support systems for the prenatal period remains an issue.

Psychosocial Characteristics of Fathers Who Have Abused Their Children as Seen by Public Health Nurses

This study aims to identify details of the psychosocial characteristics of fathers who have abused children as they appear to public health nurses (PHNs). In this study a qualitative descriptive design was applied to the data analysis. Interviewees were 10 public health nurses (PHNs), in charge of maternal and child health services for 5 or more years at public health centers. The study analyzed 13 cases reported in the PHNs interviews. The characteristics of the fathers who had abused children as seen by the PHNs were the psycho-social characteristics of ‘weak suppression and control of impulsiveness’, ‘cognitive dissonance in the fatherhood role’, ‘poor social sensitivity’, ‘unbalanced relationship with other members of the family’ and ‘weak relationships with people around the father’. The father’s impulsiveness and cognitive dissonances in the fatherhood role are associated with weaknesses in the family relationships and social adaptation. Conversely, the weakness in the strength of family relationships and social adaptation affects the father’s ability to control impulsiveness and give rise to the cognitive dissonance in the fatherhood role. These in turn interact to create a negative downward spiral, a steadily worsening situation. The findings of this study suggest the necessity for PHNs to focus on the background to the cognitive dissonance in the fatherhood role and to work to educate and guide the fathers.

Perception of the Community towards Child Sexual Abuse: A Case of Chawama Lusaka, Zambia

A number of scholars have reported high incidence of sexual abuse cases among children in the communities. However, little is known about the perceptions the community people have towards child sexual abuse cases. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perception of the community towards child sexual abuse which hinders the disclosure and reporting of abuse cases. Data were collected through focused group discussions and indepth interviews, with sixty nine participants from nine (9) focused group discussions and nine (9) indepth interviews. Participants were the general community members and relatives to abused children. The interviews were recorded verbatim and transcribed;analysis of data was done using qualitative thematic analysis. Three themes emerged summarizing the factors associated with non-reporting of child sexual abuse cases which included, fear of family and community breakdown, relationship between the victim and the perpetrator and inadequate service provision by the police which also reflected the community’s role in supporting the child. In conclusion the study therefore showed that child sexual abuse is common in Zambia and cases are still on the increase. However, there is great need to enforce laws regarding sexual abuse and in addition great change in attitude is needed to prevent occurrence of cases.

Community Attitudes towards Child Sexual Abuse: A Case of Chawama Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Child sexual abuse continues to be an issue of great concern and recognized as a public health problem in Zambia. Hence the study examined community attitudes and beliefs that shape communities perceptions towards child sexual abuse, the interaction between adults and children which consequently hinder reporting of child sexual abuse cases. Methods: A qualitative study design was employed. Nine focus group discussions (FGD) with 49 participants comprising 5 to 6 participants in each FGD and nine indepth interviews guided by an interview guide were used to collect data. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Two major themes namely: 1) Defilement, an unacceptable yet concealed phenomenon, and 2) Parental negligence as a major contributor to child sexual abuse, emerged from the data. Participants highlighted that communities regarded child abuse to be necessary for reported only if the abused child was less than 5 years old, a female, and if the trauma the child was subjected to was severe. This was because older girls were seen to be able to have consensual sex, and boys were traditionally viewed as being strong and thus, not report most cases. Parents were also seen to be losing control over their children as most of them were involved in excessive alcohol intake, leading to failure in managing their children. Poverty was another aspect reported to have led parents to send their children into prostitution. As a result parents could not report, as they felt they partly contributed to their children being sexually abused. Conclusion/Recommendations: The study showed that communities do not accept child sexual abuse, but yet they were reluctant to report the cases. It is imperative therefore, that communities learn the importance of reporting sexual abuse cases;as failure to report is risky behavior that can put the abused child and others at risk of other negative vices too.

Treatment of Egyptian Drama to Child Abuse

Child abuse is considered the priorities of those who are concerned with human rights.There are many children in Egypt who are affected by violence,abuse,and exploitation with many factors that worsen their situation.The reasons for the high rate of child abuse are the combination of profound social problems,like poverty,family dysfunctional,lack of awareness,low educational attainment,and lack of safety net of child care pre-school as well as health care.Due to studies,drama is considered one of the most important means of entertainment in various television dramas.Also,drama is a pattern of cultural creativity and source of consciousness formation at the individual and collectively level,through its impact on cognitive processes,feelings,and shaping people vision of life.This study aimed at monitoring the treatment of drama to child’s issues,in the light of increasing rates of children labor,begging,child displacement,harassment and other issues,and accordingly the consequences of child abuse.The treatment of films study sample to children street and the focus on their loss of the sense of society are seen to be their greatest enemy.The seriousness of this problem increases because the number of these children is increasing.This is the alarm because they will turn on society,especially as there is need to shed light on them to solve their problems and contain them.We have to deal with those children psychologically first and to be qualified to deal with the community that brought them to this degree.