Domestic Violence

NBC 4 Washington (video): Mason featured for recent $5M grant for bruise detection research. Katherine Scafide, Janusz Wojtusiak, and David Lattanzi interviewed.

tthoma8 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:38:23 +0000

NBC 4 Washington (video): Mason featured for recent $5M grant for bruise detection research. Katherine Scafide, Janusz Wojtusiak, and David Lattanzi interviewed. tthoma8 Fri, 04/26/2024 - 10:38

In This Story

Katherine Scafide, PhD, RN, FAAN

Janusz Wojtusiak, PhD

David Lattanzi

GMU gets $5M for creation of AI-fueled anti-domestic violence app

Topics

digital innovation

CPH Faculty

Domestic Violence

Alternate Light Source

Bruise Visibility

cph in the media

grants

Health Imaging: Katherine Scafide and David Lattanzi quoted in story about Mason receiving funds to expand bruising research.

tthoma8 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:54:02 +0000

Health Imaging: Katherine Scafide and David Lattanzi quoted in story about Mason receiving funds to expand bruising research. tthoma8 Fri, 04/26/2024 - 09:54

In This Story

Katherine Scafide, PhD, RN, FAAN

David Lattanzi

University developing AI-enhanced imaging system to aid domestic violence victims

Topics

multi-million dollar grant

Domestic Violence

Bruise Visibility

Artifical Intelligence

digital innovation

WTOP News: Katherine Scafide, David Lattanzi, Janusz Wojtusiak, and Melissa Perry quoted in article about Mason receiving funding to continue bruising research.

tthoma8 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:44:28 +0000

WTOP News: Katherine Scafide, David Lattanzi, Janusz Wojtusiak, and Melissa Perry quoted in article about Mason receiving funding to continue bruising research. tthoma8 Fri, 04/26/2024 - 09:44

In This Story

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS

Katherine Scafide, PhD, RN, FAAN

Janusz Wojtusiak, PhD

David Lattanzi

How AI can help detect domestic violence victims in the future

Topics

Bruise Visibility

Domestic Violence

digital innovation

Alternate Light Source

Artifical Intelligence

CPH Faculty

cph in the media

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 George Mason University’s School of Nursing and a Certified Nurse-Midwife

Karen Trister Grace, assistant professor in George Mason University’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 George Mason University 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

George Mason University, 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

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

Topics

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

Technology Networks: Katherine Scafide comments on domestic violence rates during pandemic. Article focuses on Mason study finding alternate light five times better at detecting bruises.

mthomp7 — Fri, 01 May 2020 17:43:43 +0000

Technology Networks: Katherine Scafide comments on domestic violence rates during pandemic. Article focuses on Mason study finding alternate light five times better at detecting bruises. mthomp7 Fri, 05/01/2020 - 13:43

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

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 George Mason University 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 George Mason University. “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 George Mason University

George Mason University 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

George Mason University'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/.

Dr. Denise Hines Featured in Boston Globe Article on Female Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence

mthomp7 — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 19:37:22 +0000

Dr. Denise Hines Featured in Boston Globe Article on Female Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence mthomp7 Fri, 11/22/2019 - 14:37

Dr. Denise Hines

Dr. Denise Hines was recently featured in the Boston Globe article BC suicide case puts focus on controversial issue: Intimate partner abuse by women, by Deanna Pan. Learn more about Dr. Hines and her research.

From the article:

“I think one of the biggest [misconceptions about domestic violence] is that it doesn’t happen to men,” said Denise Hines, an associate professor of social work at George Mason University, who has conducted multiple studies about male victims of domestic violence at the hands of their female partners. “A lot of people assume it’s men who are in relationships with other men and that’s the context in which it happens,” she said. “They think men are big and strong enough to stand up for themselves, and so of course, this can’t happen to him.”

Dr. Scafide Receives National Institute of Justice Grant to Develop Protocol and Curriculum for Bruise Identification Using Alternate Light

dhawkin — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:03:24 +0000

Dr. Scafide Receives National Institute of Justice Grant to Develop Protocol and Curriculum for Bruise Identification Using Alternate Light dhawkin Wed, 10/16/2019 - 13:03

Dr. Katherine Scafide

Dr. Katherine Scafide has received a $398,719 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant for her proposal entitled: Improving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner Partnership.

The grant will enable Scafide to advance her work on bruise identification using alternate light sources (ALS) and develop training protocols to translate the ALS technology into practice. “Our studies have found that ALS works in helping to identify hard to see bruising or bruising on darker skin. However, we’ve seen that many hospitals are hesitant to adopt ALS technology because there is no established protocol on its use.”

“The NIJ grant is crucial in advancing the science and the adoption, because it is not enough for a hospital to buy the equipment. A forensic nurse must know how to photograph bruises using alternate light and be able to document, interpret and testify to the results in court,” says Scafide. The grant allows Scafide and collaborators to develop a program to implement ALS into forensic nursing practice and evaluate its feasibility. The study will help identify potential barriers that could interfere with successful adoption across forensic nursing units.

“Developing this protocol is an amazing example of partnership between researchers and practitioners,” says Scafide who is working in collaboration with researchers from Georgia State University and University of Nevada, forensic nursing units at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and Inova Health System, and consultants from the Montgomery County Police Department and Maryland State's Attorney's Office.

Learn more about Scafide’s bruise study (YouTube).

Domestic Violence

NBC 4 Washington (video): Mason featured for recent $5M grant for bruise detection research. Katherine Scafide, Janusz Wojtusiak, and David Lattanzi interviewed.

In This Story

Topics

Health Imaging: Katherine Scafide and David Lattanzi quoted in story about Mason receiving funds to expand bruising research.

In This Story

Topics

WTOP News: Katherine Scafide, David Lattanzi, Janusz Wojtusiak, and Melissa Perry quoted in article about Mason receiving funding to continue bruising research.

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

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

Topics

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

Results of the Donation Drive Competition

Technology Networks: Katherine Scafide comments on domestic violence rates during pandemic. Article focuses on Mason study finding alternate light five times better at detecting bruises.

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

Dr. Denise Hines Featured in Boston Globe Article on Female Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence

Dr. Scafide Receives National Institute of Justice Grant to Develop Protocol and Curriculum for Bruise Identification Using Alternate Light