G.W. Medical Publishing

News for 3/5/2010

2010-03-05T09:10:00.006-06:00

Hello everyone,

Spring seems to be making its way over here in St. Louis; hopefully, it will continue to get warmer!

Anyway, here are some news articles chosen from this week:

sexual assault, Eliminate child abuse and domestic violence with the knowledge of more than 450 acclaimed authors and contributors, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, intimate partner violence, Domestic Violence Books

News for 2/26/2010

2010-02-26T09:54:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone,

Here are some news stories of interest:

Child Safety, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, intimate partner violence, child abuse, Domestic Violence Books

Intimate Partner Violence Book Is Now Available

2010-02-19T08:39:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone,

We have some great news at STM Learning: Angelo Giardino and Eileen Giardino's Intimate Partner Violence: A Resource for Professionals Working with Children and Families is now available! Written by 28 contributors from many different professional backgrounds within the child protection spectrum, Intimate Partner Violence is an accessible and highly informative book. Here is some more information on it from our website (http://www.gwmedical.com):

"Intimate Partner Violence is a resource for a wide range of professionals who work with children and families, from specialists working in social services, counseling, education, and child advocacy to experts in the fields of medicine, law enforcement, and mental health. Contents include contemporary concepts and research on the prevalence, nature, causes, and impact of IPV—a pervasive problem in our society that affects adults and children and crosses all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic boundaries. Intimate Partner Violence addresses not only the initial impact on the victims, but also the consequences IPV has in later life and in subsequent generations as learned behaviors lead to a cycle of family violence. The intent of Intimate Partner Violence is not to offer a comprehensive clinical and forensic reference text meant exclusively for medical and technical professionals, but rather to provide a thorough overview to assist managers, supervisors, directors, and other front-line professionals who have the responsibility of setting and implementing policies in making informed and effective decisions."

Intimate partner violence (or domestic violence) is a persistent problem in our society. Check out these news articles on this unfortunate problem:

intimate partner violence, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, investigating sexual assault, rape, Eliminate child abuse and domestic violence with the knowledge of more than 450 acclaimed authors and contributors., domestic violence

News for 2/12/2010

2010-02-12T10:42:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone,

I hope your week has gone by smoothly and that the weather is nice wherever you are; we got a bit of snow this week, but not nearly as much as the East coast! Anyway, here are some stories from this week:

Child Safety, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, child maltreatment cases, intimate partner violence, Domestic Violence Books

News for 2/5/2010

2010-02-05T10:12:00.002-06:00

Here are some stories of interest from this week; one is about the drop in child abuse, while another is about the increase in domestic abuse. Let's hope that one day both will be eliminated!

Child Safety, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault

News for 1/29/10

2010-01-29T09:36:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone,

The week has gone by pretty smoothly here at STM Learning; I hope yours did as well!

Here are some news stories I've chosen for the week:

Helping Children Affected by Abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Child Abuse and Neglect, child abuse, child death review, identify child maltreatment, Internet crimes against children

News Roundup 1/22/10

2010-01-22T09:26:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone,

Here are some news stories of interest:

sexual assault, child protection, Child Safety, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, intimate partner violence, child death review, child maltreatment, Shaken Baby Syndrome

Intimate Partner Violence Book Is In Press

2010-01-15T08:21:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone,
I hope you have all had a great week. We have some great news at STM Learning: Angelo Giardino and Eileen Giardino's Intimate Partner Violence: A Resource for Professionals Working with Children and Families is in press and will be available in February! Written by 28 contributors from many different professional backgrounds within the child protection spectrum, Intimate Partner Violence is an accessible and highly informative book. Here is some more information on it from our website (http://www.gwmedical.com):

"Intimate Partner Violence is a resource for a wide range of professionals who work with children and families, from specialists working in social services, counseling, education, and child advocacy to experts in the fields of medicine, law enforcement, and mental health. Contents include contemporary concepts and research on the prevalence, nature, causes, and impact of IPV—a pervasive problem in our society that affects adults and children and crosses all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic boundaries. Intimate Partner Violence addresses not only the initial impact on the victims, but also the consequences IPV has in later life and in subsequent generations as learned behaviors lead to a cycle of family violence. The intent of Intimate Partner Violence is not to offer a comprehensive clinical and forensic reference text meant exclusively for medical and technical professionals, but rather to provide a thorough overview to assist managers, supervisors, directors, and other front-line professionals who have the responsibility of setting and implementing policies in making informed and effective decisions."

intimate partner violence, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, investigating sexual assault, rape, Eliminate child abuse and domestic violence with the knowledge of more than 450 acclaimed authors and contributors., domestic violence

STM Learning Office Has Moved

2010-01-08T11:16:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone,
It's been a while since our last update, and that is because STM Learning/GW Medical's office has moved from Creve Ceour, Missouri to Webster Groves, Missouri--about 20 minutes away. It's a lovely new space in the heart of Old Webster Groves, and we are liking it so far! STM Learning's phone number has stayed the same, but here is the new address:

609 E. Lockwood Ave., Suite 203
Saint Louis, Missouri 63119
314-993-2728
(fax) 314-993-2281
http://gwmedical.com/

GW Medical Publishing , STM Learning, Eliminate child abuse and domestic violence with the knowledge of more than 450 acclaimed authors and contributors.

News for 12/11/09

2009-12-11T09:46:00.004-06:00

Winter has officially set in here in St. Louis; I hope you are all enjoying warmer weather than us!

Here are some news stories I've picked from this week:

child abuse, child sexual abuse, Child Abuse and Neglect, child sexual exploitation book, intimate partner violence

News for 12/4/09

2009-12-04T10:14:00.004-06:00

Check out these news stories from this week:

Child Abuse and Neglect, abusive head trauma, child abuse books, intimate partner violence, child abuse

News for 11/23/09

2009-11-23T10:43:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone,

Happy Thanksgiving! The holidays are almost here, but there is always something going on in the news, so check out these stories that I have highlighted from last week:

child sexual exploitation book, child maltreatment cases, investigating sexual assault, Shaken Baby Syndrome, child abuse

News Update 11/13/09

2009-11-13T08:48:00.004-06:00

Well, this week has flown by at STM Learning, and I am definitely looking forward to the weekend--and today is Friday the 13th!

Here are a few news stories I've picked from this week:

Child Abuse and Neglect, child protection, Child Safety, Domestic Violence Books, Helping Children Affected by Abuse

11/6/09 News Update

2009-11-06T08:38:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone!
The sun has finally come out of its weeks of hiding around St. Louis, so it's been a good week. Hope yours was as well.

Here is the news roundup for the week:

Helping Children Affected by Abuse, Domestic Violence Books, Child Safety

News Update for 10/23/09

2009-10-23T09:29:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone,

This week seems to have flown by here at STM Learning. I hope yours went by smoothly! Here are some news stories from this week:

Child Safety, Child Abuse Prevention and Child Abuse Treatment, identify child maltreatment, Identify Domestic Violence

News Update for 10/16/2009

2009-10-16T08:37:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone,
It's Friday! Here is a news roundup for the week:

Peel proclaims October Child Abuse Prevention Month

Child Abuse, Neglect Deaths Up

Stamp Out Child Abuse Online

Tackling Domestic Violence

Child abuse center raises awareness through art

identify child maltreatment, Internet crimes against children, child abuse photos, Shaken Baby Syndrome, child maltreatment cases

News Update for 10.09.09

2009-10-09T08:38:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,
I hope you are enjoying better weather than the endless, dreary rain we have been getting for the past few days. Despite the weather, there is a lot going on this month! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so this week's news roundup is going to focus on that:

Domestic Violence Books, intimate partner violence, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, sexual assault

News Update for 10.02.09

2009-10-02T09:39:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone,

Fall has officially begun, and it's already October! The time passes so quickly sometimes, and there is always something going on, so here are some news stories from the week:

Human trafficking a growing concern.

Mackenzie Phillips Confesses to Relationship With Father

Campaign kicks off effort to fight domestic violence

Men walk in heels to bring attention to domestic violence

Domestic violence tied to economy?

sexual assault, Child Safety, Helping Children Affected by Abuse, child sexual abuse, rape, intimate partner violence, Domestic Violence Books

September Discounts

2009-09-17T09:42:00.003-05:00

Hello, everyone.

As children (some reluctantly) return to school from a long summer break, it's important for teachers and parents to ensure their safety. To assist them in this task, we at STM Learning have decided to offer a 30% discount two of our titles:

Helping Children Affected by Abuse: A Parent and Teacher's Handbook for Increasing Awareness

Child Safety: A Pediatric Guide for Parents, Teachers, Nurses, and Caregivers.

Please head over to our discounts page to find out more.

New to STM Learning/GW Medical Publishing

2009-09-11T08:48:00.004-05:00

Hello!
I just wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself on this blog. I'm Sharifa, and I just started working at STM Learning as a managing editor this week. I just graduated from Saint Louis University this May with a degree in English, and I'm really excited to already be working in a field I wanted to work in. My first week has gone by so fast, but, thankfully, it went smoothly!

I'll be managing the blog with Johnny, so check back every week for updates. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Eliminate child abuse and domestic violence with the knowledge of more than 450 acclaimed authors and contributors, STM Learning

From the Experts: Linda Ledray

2009-08-14T11:02:00.006-05:00

This month, Dr. Linda Ledray, RN, SANE-A, PhD, FAAN--Director of SANE-SART Resource Services and contributor to G.W. titles such as Intimate Partner Violence: A Resource for Professionals Working with Children and Families and the forthcoming Medical Response to Adult Sexual Assault--was generous enough to provide an article about the impact of alcohol on sexual assault. Please enjoy.

____________________________________________________________________

Addressing the Impact of Alcohol on Sexual Assault
Linda E. Ledray, RN, SANE-A, PhD, LP,FAAN

Estimates of the percentage of sexual assault victims intoxicated at the time of the sexual assault vary greatly from as low as 20% to more than 50%[1], and in Indian country experts estimate nearly 100% of the women who report sexual assault are intoxicated. When not involved in the assault, alcohol abuse has also long been recognized as a result of the trauma.[2]

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and advocates working with this population have long been aware that alcohol use or abuse is a significant vulnerability factor in sexual assaults. SANEs are also well acquainted with the concept that many tend to blame intoxicated victims for the assault, which may have resulted from poor choices they made while intoxicated. Many SANEs are overly concerned about appearing as though they, too, are blaming the victim, which results in the issue’s not being properly addressed. Many choose to look the other way; therefore, effective treatment models have been neither developed nor adapted to work with other populations.

While there is certainly still significant bias against intoxicated sexual assault victims in those who respond—including law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and the jurors who judge them—avoiding the issue has not helped. Alcohol abuse has become the elephant in the room that no one will talk about. Protecting the victim from blame and addressing the alcohol abuse do not need to be mutually exclusive goals. It is possible to develop treatment models that do not blame the victim. One promising model effective with other Emergency Department (ED) populations is screening combined with brief intervention. Studies have found this feasible and effective in limiting unhealthy alcohol abuse.[3] The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recognizes the ED as a opportunity to screen and, when appropriate, initiate brief alcohol intervention as well.[4] Brief interventions involve short, 5-60 minute counseling sessions performed by non-addiction specialists. This model has been shown to be effective with other victims of trauma.[5-8]

We cannot continue to ignore the problem. Effective screening for and intervention of alcohol abuse is clearly necessary to better meet the needs of this very vulnerable population.

References

1. Ledray, LE. 2 SART Model Final Report. US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs; 2007

2. Kilpatrick D, Acierno R, Resnick H, et al. A 2-year longitudinal analysis of the relationship between violent assault and substance use in women. J Conslt Clin Psychol. 1997;65(5):834-847.

3. D’Onofrio G, Nadel E, Degutis L. Improving emergency medicine residents’ approach to patients with alcohol problems: A controlled educational trial. Annals Emerg Med. 2002;40:50-62.

4. D’Onofrio G, Degutis L. Screening and Brief Intervention in the Emergency Department. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh28-2/63-72.htm.Published March 19, 2009. Accessed August 14, 2009.

5. Gentilello L, Rivara F, Donovan D, et al. Alcohol interventions in a trauma center as a means of reducing the risk of injury recurrence. Annals Surg. 1999;230(4):473-80.

6. Longabaugh R, Woolard R, Nirenberg T, et al. Evaluating the effects of a brief motivational intervention for injured drinkers in the emergency department. J Stud Alcoho. 2001; 62(6).

7. Monti PM, Barnett NP, Colby SM, et al. Motivational interviewing versus feedback only in emergency care for young adult problem drinking. Addiction. 2007;102:1234-1243.

8. Spirito A, Monti P, Barnett N, et al. A randomized clinical trial of a brief motivational intervention for alcohol-positive adolescents treated in an emergency department. J Pediatr. 2004;145(3):396-402.

News Update for 7.31.09

2009-07-31T07:31:00.003-05:00

Well, this will be my final news update; from here on out you'll be in the able hands of our other editors. Thus, for our last harrah together, I thought we'd focus on stories with a positive message.

1. Cities, residents unite to fight crime

2. 'How dare she ask for her job back? I'm disgusted'

3. Sex crime victim speaks out against abuse

4. Love, Love, Love Alone

5. Proposed cuts concern human services programs

6. Police hunt man over schoolgirl ‘rape and forced marriage’ claim

7. Domestic and sexual assault victims struggle to find attorneys

8. Man jailed for sex offences

9. Speaking up for rights of women

10. Mental Health America needs your help to continue to help

News Update for 7.24.09

2009-07-24T08:20:00.002-05:00

July is winding down, people; it's almost time to go back to the classroom if you're a student or an educator, and we all know what that means. No more midafternoon naps, of which I have been terribly jealous for months.

On a more serious note, here are this week's news stories:

1. Man Drives 16 Hours to Save Family's Lives

2. 'Abusive mom' allowed home as prosecutors' appeal rejected

3. Bullying is a crime

4. Darcey Freeman tragedy to help violence review

5. Recognizing elder abuse

6. Mixed Blessing: Parents Beat Manslaughter Charge in Baby's "Faith Healing" Death

7. Helping women whose partners have abused children

8. Legal fight keeps dad from daughter

9. Sask. teen stabbed by stepfather sentenced for role in swarming.

10. Family charged in possible honour killings of Montreal women in Kingston

News Update for 7.17.09

2009-07-17T08:10:00.003-05:00

Well, the weather has let up a bit here in St. Louis; we're not suffering the heat and the humidity like we have been thus far. I hope everyone else's summer is going well, and that the coming semester is rewarding for all.

Your weekly news stories:

1. Bill would ban sex offenders from driving ice cream trucks

2. Province funds cyber battle

3. Footnotes on Marwa's murder

4. Worsening economy increases risk factors for elder abuse

5. Cops: Man claiming to be priest faces sex abuse charges

6. S. Jersey Police Target Kiddie Porn Downloaders

7. Abuse of children on railway platforms: Rights body takes note

8. Effects of verbal violence on children

9. Woman 'married' to pastor at age 8 to retake stand

10. Conference Focuses on Child Abuse and Neglect

From the Experts: Nancy Kellogg

2009-07-13T12:05:00.002-05:00

This month, Dr. Nancy Kellogg--Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Chief of the Child Abuse Division, and contributor to G.W. titles such as Child Sexual Exploitation and the forthcoming Child Sexual Abuse--was generous enough to provide an article about changes in the interpretation of examination findings in children and adolescents evaluated for sexual abuse.

_________________________________________________________

Why “Normal” does not mean “Nothing Happened”

Over the past several years, there have been significant changes in the interpretation of examination findings in children and adolescents evaluated for sexual abuse. Specifically, the proportion of sexual abuse examinations with injuries indicative of penetrative trauma has declined, ranging from as high as 80%[1,2] to as low as 4%[3] over a 20-year period. While the medical diagnosis and criminal investigation now focus on the child’s history, many still find the concept of a normal examination in which a child describes multiple incidents of penetration incomprehensible.

The medical professional is often called upon to educate the judge and jury about the significance of the physical examination findings, or lack thereof, in child sexual abuse assessments. Many of the jurors come armed with factoids gleaned from watching “CSI” and other fictional crime shows. They believe DNA is as ubiquitous and durable as superglue. They believe that doctors are experts at detecting breaches in virginity. The lack of material evidence is not something they expect, and although they are told that the child’s history is “the most important evidence,” this leaves some with a nagging sense of uncertainty: “Can I REALLY convict a man that raped an 8-year-old almost daily for 2 years and left no mark?”

The medical professional can provide important information to help resolve this paradox. There are at least 4 situations where normal genital examinations have been documented despite indisputable evidence for sexual contact:

1. Most acute injuries due to sexual assault heal quickly and completely back to normal.[4]

2. Most children and adolescents with sexually transmitted diseases have otherwise normal examinations.[5]

3. Many children who were abused by individuals that confessed to specific acts, or who were videotaped during the sexual acts, have normal examinations.

4. Most pregnant adolescents have normal, “intact” hymens.[6]

A normal examination means one of three things: 1) abuse occurred, resulted in visible tissue damage, and injuries healed completely; 2) abuse occurred but did not result in tissue damage; or 3) no abuse occurred. As with other medical diagnoses, such as migraines and pain syndromes, the diagnosis of child sexual abuse relies primarily on the patient’s history. If the medical professional provides effective testimony, the jurors will consider the child’s statement carefully…and perhaps “CSI” will cease to be regarded as a reputable source of fact.

References

1. Cantwell H. Vaginal inspection as it relates to child sexual abuse in girls under 13. Child Abuse & Negl. 1983;7:171-176.

2. Hobbs CJ, Wynne JM. Child sexual abuse: an increasing rate of diagnosis. Lancet. 1987;1:837-841.

3. Heger A, Ticson L, Velasquez O, et al. Children referred for possible sexual abuse: medical findings in 2384 children. Child Abuse & Negl. 2002;26:645-659.

4. McCann J, Voris J, Simon M. Genital injuries resulting from sexual abuse: a longitudinal study. Pediatrics. 1992;89:307-317.

5. Kellogg ND, Baillargeon J, Lukefahr JL, et al. Comparison of nucleic acid amplification tests and culture techniques in the detection of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia Trachomatis in victims of suspected child sexual abuse. J Pediatr & Adolesc Gynecol. 2004;17:331-339.

6. Kellogg ND, Menard SW, Santos A. Genital anatomy in pregnant adolescents: “normal” does not mean “nothing happened.” Pediatrics. 2004;113:e67-e69.