Latest news with #AdverseChildhoodExperiences
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sharing child sexual abuse material online a heinous crime, says activist
While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. — AI Image KUALA LUMPUR (July 18): In today's hyperconnected world, where a single click can spread content across continents in seconds, a dark reality lurks behind the screens: the rampant and often overlooked crime of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While society debates technology regulation and social media responsibility, the real victims are the children who remain shrouded in silence and pain. 'The act of sharing and resharing CSAM is a heinous crime. The trauma and abuse felt by child victims can last a lifetime,' says Sarawak-based social activist Voon Shiak Ni. CSAM is not merely digital content; it is evidence of real abuse. Each time such material circulates, the children involved are re-victimized, far beyond the original act. Through the Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS), there is a growing push to educate the public about the true nature of CSAM, not just to be seen as illegal content, but as ongoing harm to real children. KIS urges the public to understand that every click, share, or view retraumatises victims and deepens their suffering. True internet safety must centre the needs of survivors, and that begins with breaking the silence and building a culture of empathy, responsibility, and protection. 'The victims continue to be traumatised and re-traumatised when their abuse materials are reshared all over social media. Being helpless and having no control over this aggravates their fear and shame,' Voon stresses. Voon Shiak Ni Despite this horrifying reality, discussions often centre more on technology and platform accountability than on the children caught in this cycle of abuse. Survivors of child sexual abuse often battle lifelong psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Many struggle with trust, relationships, and employment. According to the global Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente, survivors are at higher risk of substance abuse and self-harm later in life. 'We all know that crimes like this inflict lifelong psychological scars,' Voon laments, 'Yet, the suffering of victims is often not given enough attention. Most retreat into silence, but their quietness does not mean they are alright.' This raises a crucial question: How many of these children get the help they need? Is there even a national registry of CSAM survivors in Malaysia? The answer remains unclear. While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. Encrypted messaging platforms, dark web forums, and even mainstream social media are misused for distributing CSAM. Although the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) works with international agencies to detect and remove such content, technological advances often outpace enforcement efforts. 'Cases of child pornography distribution are expected to worsen as technology facilitates these crimes,' Voon warns. She emphasizes that those who view or share CSAM are complicit in harming the children behind the screens. 'There must be strong reminders that resharing or viewing this content is a serious crime.' Preventing this crime and supporting victims is not just the job of authorities. The responsibility lies with all of us, specifically parents, teachers, and communities alike. Parents, as the first line of defense, must actively guide their children's digital activities. Open conversations about personal boundaries, body autonomy, and online safety are critical. Children need to learn to recognise inappropriate behavior and feel safe speaking up. Incorporating digital safety into daily routines including from age-appropriate restrictions to regular check-ins can be life-changing. Parents also need to stay informed about online grooming and the platforms their children use. Teachers, who spend significant time with children, play a vital role in detecting early warning signs of abuse. Sudden behavioral changes like withdrawal, aggression, or poor academic performance may signal deeper issues. With proper training, educators can identify red flags and act as crucial protectors within the school system. Communities, too, have an essential part to play. Neighbours, friends, and even casual observers can intervene when something feels off. Signs such as a child appearing overly anxious around certain adults or displaying inappropriate sexual behavior should never be ignored. Voon underscores the need for trauma support systems to be accessible and safe for all victims and their families. Strengthening community-based child protection programs, neighborhood watch groups, and local support centers is vital to ensure vulnerable children do not slip through the cracks. Although Malaysia has laws under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Penal Code, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, enforcement and public awareness remain major challenges. While there have been stronger collaborations with international agencies like Interpol, gaps in victim support and legal processes persist. 'Is the present law in Malaysia enough to combat child pornography?' Voon asks pointedly. 'I call on the government to increase efforts to support victims, help them overcome trauma, and most importantly, give them a chance to live again.' Stronger legislation, dedicated task forces, and better victim protection mechanisms are critical. Furthermore, national data tracking systems must be improved to monitor prevalence, identify trends, and track survivor outcomes. Society has often turned a blind eye to the shadowy corners of the internet, reluctant to confront the ugly truths within. But that passivity allows predators to continue their actions unchecked. The answer should no longer be yes. Society must confront this issue with urgency and compassion. This means parents staying involved, teachers staying alert, communities staying supportive, and governments staying accountable. Behind every shared video or image of abuse is a child who was hurt. A child who may still be suffering. A child who needs us to see them not as digital data but as a human being worth protecting. child pornography CSAM lead Voon Shiak Ni
Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Study Slams Family Court's Reliance On 'Junk' Research
The Family Court is basing decisions on 'junk' evidence and putting children's futures at risk, according to a new journal article. You might imagine the expert evidence heard in the Family Court, such as what's provided by court psychologists, would stand up to scrutiny… not so, according to a scathing new journal article. The study suggests judges, lawyers and psychologists in New Zealand's Family Court are routinely accepting 'junk' evidence to support critical decisions about children's lives. University of Auckland law scholar Associate Professor Carrie Leonetti reviewed 29 Family Court judgements under the New Zealand Care of Children Act in which court professionals claimed to be citing academic research to support their decisions. Her investigation finds they frequently cited material that was not academic research, instead relying on online content, unpublished handouts, and presentations from conferences or legal training sessions. "Clinical psychologists, often working without specialised forensic training, are presenting evidence that would not withstand academic scrutiny," she says. "I'm shocked at how judges never go … 'but but but'… and ask some questions. We need to define what's real, what isn't, what's reliable, and what's not.' New Zealand's Evidence Act 2006 and the High Court Rules require expert witnesses to base their recommendations on evidence that's within their area of expertise and generally accepted within a scientific field and specify the literature they rely on. Yet Leonetti's paper details breaches of these requirements – including experts opining outside their area of expertise, misrepresenting research, and failing to qualify sweeping claims. Examples include statements like "almost all disclosures of sexual abuse by children whose parents have separated are false" or "studies show that all children are better off in shared care" – broad claims Leonetti says are based on misrepresented or misunderstood literature. "The Court's reliance on a small, fringe collection of writings from conferences, trainings, and legal journals rather than peer-reviewed science publications is dangerous and unjust." Associate Professor Carrie LeonettiAuckland Law School Leonetti's paper, published in the Indiana Health Law Review, says some professionals referenced controversial or discredited theories while omitting landmark studies like research into Adverse Childhood Experiences, which shows the long-term traumatic impact of exposure to family violence in childhood. She says Family Court judges, lawyers, and psychologists frequently misrepresent or misuse academic literature, dismissing evidence they disagree with and cherry-picking non-peer-reviewed material to support pre-existing views. The paper also identifies what Leonetti dubs "Family Court favourites" – a small number of obscure authors and articles cited disproportionately by court professionals, regardless of their academic significance. "The Court's reliance on a small, fringe collection of writings from conferences, trainings, and legal journals rather than peer-reviewed science publications is dangerous and unjust." She also highlights the high cost of accessing peer-reviewed scientific publications and the rise of "predatory" academic journals. "Since the 2000s, thousands of online journals with little to no peer review have emerged, making it difficult for non-experts to identify scientifically valid research." This erosion of the meaning of academic publication, says Leonetti, has made it harder for non-experts, such as judges, lawyers, and court psychologists, to 'separate the wheat from the chaff when deciding which literature warrants consideration and which is the functional equivalent of self-publication. "These courts are essentially making life-changing decisions about children's futures based on what amounts to professional folklore rather than scientific evidence." The study recommends broad reform, including forensic training for clinical psychologists, enhanced mechanisms for accessing rigorous, peer-reviewed research and comprehensive training for court personnel in understanding peer-reviewed research. "For a start, court psychologists should have forensic training. Much of the 'research' they reference isn't drawn from academic journals or subjected to rigorous peer review. It's often recycled evidence that's been put forward by paid expert witnesses abroad, particularly in the US where poorly regulated expert evidence is highly monetised.' "Then there's the issue of judges accepting this in court, not questioning the author, the name of the journal, whether it's peer-reviewed... simply not looking into things further." Judges shouldn't allow psychologists (or lawyers for the child or themselves) to make blanket statements relating to "the literature" or "research" or "studies showing", says Leonetti. "Any psychologist or other expert who cannot describe in detail, provide copies of, and explain the application of academic research on which their opinions are based lacks the qualification to offer expert forensic evidence."
Time Business News
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
The Role of Trauma in Substance Abuse and Addiction
Introduction Substance abuse does not occur in a vacuum. Behind many cases of addiction lies a history of unresolved trauma—an invisible wound that shapes behavior, perception, and the need for relief. The interplay between trauma and substance use disorders is intricate and deeply entrenched. By understanding this connection, we illuminate a pathway toward more compassionate, effective, and sustainable treatment interventions. Understanding Its Use and Effects Among medications used for opioid dependence, one formulation often discussed is the orange Subutex pill. This medication contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and is primarily prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms in individuals recovering from opioid addiction. The orange color typically indicates a specific dosage, often determined by the manufacturer. It's crucial for patients to use it under medical supervision, as misuse can lead to dependency or other adverse effects. When taken as prescribed, the orange Subutex pill can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral support to aid in long-term recovery. Understanding Trauma: Definitions and Dimensions Trauma is not solely the result of catastrophic events. It can emerge from any experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Clinicians categorize trauma into three primary types: acute (single incident), chronic (repeated and prolonged exposure), and complex (interpersonal trauma often occurring in childhood). On a neurobiological level, trauma recalibrates the brain's stress response system. Hyperarousal, impaired emotional regulation, and a dysregulated amygdala can leave individuals in a perpetual state of threat. The brain becomes primed to seek escape, which often arrives in the form of alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or other substances. The Link Between Trauma and Substance Use The self-medication hypothesis offers one explanation: individuals turn to substances to dull psychological pain or to suppress intrusive memories and emotional volatility. In this context, drugs are not the problem—they are an attempted solution. Additional risk factors compound vulnerability. Genetics, lack of social support, poverty, and co-occurring mental health disorders such as PTSD or depression can intensify the lure of substance use. Trauma survivors may crave altered states of consciousness not out of rebellion, but as a desperate bid to feel safe or numb. Childhood Trauma and Long-Term Addiction Risk Childhood trauma leaves an indelible mark. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study revolutionized our understanding of how early-life adversity correlates with a spectrum of adult health problems, including addiction. The higher the ACE score, the greater the likelihood of substance dependence. Trauma experienced during critical periods of development disrupts emotional learning and impairs the ability to form secure attachments. Children may internalize blame, develop maladaptive coping mechanisms, and later adopt substances as a form of emotional armor. Trauma-Informed Approaches to Addiction Treatment A trauma-informed approach reframes addiction treatment through a lens of empathy and safety. It recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and actively works to prevent re-traumatization within clinical settings. Core principles include empowerment, choice, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. Rather than viewing substance use as willful defiance, practitioners acknowledge it as a survival strategy. This shifts treatment from punitive to restorative, laying a foundation for trust and healing. Integrating Mental Health and Substance Use Services Treating addiction without addressing trauma is akin to treating symptoms while ignoring the root cause. Integrated care models unite mental health and substance use services, allowing for concurrent treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Such models eliminate silos in care, creating continuity and coherence. Clients benefit from unified treatment teams, shared goals, and therapeutic modalities that acknowledge the multifaceted nature of trauma and addiction. Barriers to Recovery for Trauma Survivors Trauma survivors face unique obstacles in recovery. Traditional treatment environments—especially those involving confrontation or control—can inadvertently trigger old wounds, leading to re-traumatization. Stigma compounds these challenges. Individuals may internalize shame about their trauma or their substance use, leading to secrecy, avoidance, or premature dropout from treatment programs. These emotional roadblocks must be dismantled with trauma-sensitive practices and compassionate care. Healing Pathways: Evidence-Based Therapies Recovery is possible, but it requires the right tools. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has shown remarkable efficacy in addressing trauma-related substance use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with its structured approach to identifying and reframing negative thoughts, provides clarity and emotional recalibration. Somatic Experiencing helps reconnect the mind and body, allowing for the safe release of stored trauma. Peer-led recovery groups and community-based support offer a nonjudgmental environment where individuals can reclaim agency and rebuild their lives in connection with others. Accessible Mental Health Support in Your Area Finding the right therapist can make a significant difference in your mental health journey, especially when affordability and convenience are priorities. Many individuals begin by searching for therapists that take Blue Cross Blue Shield near me to ensure their sessions are covered and accessible. This approach not only helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses but also opens doors to a wide network of qualified professionals. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, having a therapist who accepts your insurance plan can ease the process and make consistent care more attainable, leading to better long-term outcomes. Conclusion The nexus between trauma and addiction is undeniable and demands nuanced, individualized treatment. Recognizing trauma as a foundational driver of substance abuse reshapes how we respond—not with judgment, but with insight. Healing begins when we stop asking 'What's wrong with you?' and start asking 'What happened to you?' Through trauma-informed care and integrated support, recovery becomes more than abstinence—it becomes transformation. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hope is a strategy — and all families deserve it
Image: Every child deserves a positive, nurturing childhood, and our communities thrive when families have the support they need. Yet, all children and families are stretched thin, doing their best in systems that weren't built for everyone to succeed—especially those who have been historically left behind. Child maltreatment is a preventable, solvable, public issue when we invest in support and services for families when they need them. But for every $10 the U.S. spends on child welfare, only $1.50 goes toward primary prevention. That means most funding goes toward reacting after abuse or neglect has already happened—when investing earlier could strengthen families and give all children the nurturing, positive childhoods they deserve. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and it's a time to promote the positive solutions that strengthen families and build strong foundations for children. This year's campaign theme is Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention. HOPE stands for Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences. Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are experiences in childhood that build a child's sense of belonging and connection. Studies indicate that the absence of positive experiences has a bigger impact on our health and wellbeing than the presence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). And we do feel hopeful this Child Abuse Prevention Month. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently proposed over half a billion dollars in targeted tax relief to help working families cover the high costs of child care and other essential expenses that come with raising children, including: Working families tax credit – 20% of federal Earned Income Tax Credit, worth up to $1,600 Child Tax Credit – Up to $300 for family of four Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit – up to $600 for family of four Back to school tax holiday These proposals from the Governor are aligned with Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina's policy priorities and the positive experiences we hope to grow for all North Carolina children and families. Just like no family can do it alone, neither can one single organization or agency. We urge the community to let your legislators know how these investments can strengthen families and prevent child abuse. It takes all of us—families, communities, policymakers, and organizations working together in partnership by: Focusing on community-based solutions, such as local organizations like Family Resource Centers supporting families where they live. Connecting families with support systems and building networks to support families and strengthen communities. Advocating for policy change with programs and policies that help all children and families thrive– like affordable childcare, paid leave, and financial stability. When parents and caregivers are overloaded with stress from financial insecurity, lack of health care, unstable housing, or the high cost of childcare, it's like a car carrying too much weight—eventually, it breaks down. That overload of stress can then lead to a cascade of other problems including substance use, depression, and mental illness, some of the other major risk factors for maltreatment. We must advance policies and practices that create the conditions proven by research to reduce the risk of maltreatment—because responding after harm has occurred is not enough. Addressing root causes by providing concrete support for parents is one of five protective factors proven to lower the risk of child maltreatment. Solutions such as paid family leave, housing assistance, and affordable childcare lightens the load and better equips parents to ensure their children's well-being. In addition, research shows that for every $1,000 that states invest in families living in poverty, Child Protective Service rates, foster care entries, and child fatalities drop. To reduce the number of children entering our child welfare system, which is also stressed and overloaded, we must invest in creating positive environments and experiences for families so that their children can thrive. The bottom line: financial stability is foundational. By ensuring all families have access to support before challenges become crises, we can create a future filled with hope and opportunity. That's good public policy and will create a healthier, more prosperous future for us all.
Forbes
05-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Could Mitochondria Be The Missing Link In Mental Illness? 12 Insights
Microscopic view of mitochondria—often called the "powerhouses of the cell." Emerging science shows ... More their critical role in brain function, stress response, and mental health. There's a quiet revolution underway in psychiatry—one that doesn't start and end with a prescription pad. On a recent episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Harvard psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Chris Palmer made a compelling case that may reshape the current understanding of mental illness. The common thread is something we all learned about in high school biology: it's about mitochondria (and mental health). As it turns out, mitochondria aka the 'powerhouse of the cell' do more than just churn out energy. They regulate brain function, stress responses, hormones, and inflammation. And when they fail, mental health problems can emerge. Here are 12 powerful insights from the conversation that just might change how we think about mental health. Psychiatric symptoms may stem from impaired cellular energy production. Neurons rely heavily on ATP — the energy molecule produced by mitochondria — to fire, repair and communicate. When energy is low, the brain can't perform at full capacity. This can lead to emotional and cognitive symptoms. Multiple studies like this one have identified mitochondrial dysfunction in depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, suggesting that energy failure may be a unifying pathway in many psychiatric conditions. There's a strong overlap between metabolic disorders and mental illness. Conditions like insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. It's no coincidence—the systems that regulate blood sugar, inflammation and energy also impact the brain. A recent study in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that individuals with metabolic syndrome were 1.3 to 1.5 times more likely to suffer from depression, reinforcing that the brain is deeply tied to the body's metabolic machinery – specifically the mitochondria. Trauma is more than emotional baggage — it can change biology. Individuals with six or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) live, on average, 20 years less than peers. Chronic stress harms the mitochondria, drives inflammation, and alters gene expression, accelerating aging and disease. A study published in PNAS examined the impact of childhood maltreatment on mitochondrial bioenergetics. Researchers found that mothers with a history of childhood maltreatment exhibited increased mitochondrial respiration and density in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells suggesting early life stress can lead to lasting changes in mitochondrial function. Mental health care has historically operated in disconnected domains: psychology, biology, and social support. Each of these tend to be treated as separate lanes. Yet these boundaries are blurring. Emotions, physical health, trauma history, and environment interact. Any effective approach must integrate all three — because mental illness is not just a psychological phenomenon. It's about the linkage between biology, relationships and lifestyle. Six lifestyle pillars — nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, avoiding substances and social connection — are powerful tools for brain health. These habits can restore mitochondrial function and even reverse the course of some psychiatric conditions. A landmark randomized controlled study, the SMILES trial, found that intense nutritional counseling led to significant improvement in depressive symptoms compared to usual care, highlighting how dietary patterns can directly affect mood. Regular physical activity increases both the number and efficiency of mitochondria—not just in muscle, but also in the brain. That translates into more energy, sharper cognition, better mood, and improved stress tolerance. This is one reason why elite endurance athletes may not look physically imposing, but their muscle (and brain) tissue is packed with high-functioning mitochondria. Regular moderate-intensity Zone 2 exercise for 150 to 300 minutes per week might not seem like a mental health treatment – but it may be for some people. Think less about specific superfoods and trendy supplements. It's not just about eating more blueberries. What matters most is the overall dietary pattern. Diets high in refined carbs and ultra-processed foods disrupt metabolism and brain function. The principle is simple: food is information and your brain is always listening. Alcohol, stimulants, and tobacco all impair mitochondrial function—sometimes permanently. They increase the production of toxic byproducts, which damage cells and contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. Over time, this can lead to emotional volatility, cognitive decline, and metabolic dysfunction. Even 'low doses' aren't necessarily harmless, especially if used chronically. The old model of depression being solely a 'chemical imbalance' — usually involving serotonin — is not entirely complete. Antidepressants don't simply replace what's missing. Instead, they alter how brain circuits fire, often by modulating metabolism and creating an environment may supports change. They can be helpful and sometimes life-saving. Yet they're part of the picture — not the whole solution. The human stress response involves four key systems: cortisol, adrenaline, inflammation and gene expression. Mitochondria are involved in all four. They help turn stress on and off. When they're healthy, we adapt and recover. When they're damaged or depleted, we get stuck in survival mode, unable to return to baseline. Resilience, in this view, can be seen a function of cellular energy. Some people need therapy. Others need medication. Yet also some need changes in sleep, diet, and exercise. There is no universal prescription—only individual patterns of biology and behavior. The best care is flexible, layered and tailored. Treatment should not solely ask whether someone should be on meds or not. Rather it is address asks what combination of tools will unlock healing. Mental health care is finally starting to address the fact that the brain is a part of the body and its disorders are systemic. With a better understanding how metabolism, mitochondria, and lifestyle interact, clinicians may be able to prevent, reverse or radically rethink conditions once seen as lifelong. The future of psychiatry may be as much about biology as it is about talk therapy. A key component is what people eat, how they sleep, and how often they exercise. Ultimately, mental health isn't just about thoughts and feelings. It's about the biology that powers them. While health systems may take time to catch up, individuals—and forward-thinking clinicians—can start applying the science of mitochondria and mental health. Because healing the mind may begin with something as simple as moving more, eating better, and sleeping well.
