aggression

Violent and aggressive children. Caring for those who care

The topic of domestic violence is an emotive one conjuring visions of child abuse by parents or carers, or marital violence, in general abuse by men of their wives or partners. According to published police statistics in Scotland for the years of 2012 – 13 male violence of women accounted for 80% of all domestic abuse, and in 2014 over 2,600 children in Scotland were identified as needing protection from abuse. This is particularly concerning since the NSPCC suggests that, for every child who has been identified, there are 8 other children who are at risk but who are ‘under the radar’.

Roots of empathy

Roots of Empathy (ROE) is an evidence-based classroom program which has proven effective in reducing levels of aggression among school children while raising social/emotional competence. Early evaluations of the program's effectiveness are based on the selection of two groups of children: from classrooms participating in ROE and comparison classrooms not participating. The main goals of evaluation have been to assess any changes in social behaviour of ROE children.

Female binge-drinking (Radio 4 series: Woman's Hour)

This episode of Radio 4's Woman's Hour series looks at female binge-drinking. Hospital consultants in the North of England have noticed increasing numbers of young women are seeking treatment after being injured in drunken brawls. They claim fighting between women is resulting in horrific injuries such as broken cheek bones, fractured hands, or facial wounds inflicted by being hit with glasses or bottles. Is this another consequence of binge-drinking or are women becoming more violent?

Dementia : drugs used to relieve behavioural symptoms

The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. They produce information and advice sheets to support those affected by dementia. People with dementia may at some point in their illness develop symptoms such as depression, restlessness, aggressive behaviour and psychosis (delusions and hallucinations).