Abuse, in its various forms, significantly undermines the progress and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals, which encompass a broad range of social, economic, and environmental objectives, aim to create a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable world by 2030. However, the pervasive nature of abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or economic, poses a substantial barrier to these aspirations.
At the heart of the SDGs is the principle of “leaving no one behind,” which emphasizes inclusivity and equality. Abuse, by its very nature, marginalizes and disenfranchises individuals, directly contravening this principle. For instance, Goal 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. However, victims of economic abuse often find themselves trapped in poverty due to restricted access to resources and opportunities. This form of abuse can be especially detrimental in developing countries, where economic empowerment is crucial for breaking cycles of poverty.
Similarly, Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages, is significantly impacted by abuse. The trauma from physical and emotional abuse can lead to long-term health issues, including mental health disorders, which impede an individual's ability to lead a healthy and productive life. The effects of such trauma not only affect the victims but also have a ripple effect on families and communities, hindering broader societal health and well-being.
The impact of abuse on education, covered under Goal 4, is also profound. Children and adults who suffer from abuse often experience difficulties in learning and maintaining regular attendance at school. This disruption in education hampers their ability to achieve personal development and, subsequently, contribute positively to their communities.
Moreover, Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, is directly challenged by the widespread issue of gender-based violence and abuse. Such abuse perpetuates inequality and limits the ability of women and girls to access the same opportunities and resources as their male counterparts. It impedes progress not only in terms of gender equality but also in areas such as economic growth (Goal 8) and reduced inequalities (Goal 10).
Abuse also intersects with goals related to justice (Goal 16) and partnerships (Goal 17). The prevalence of abuse often reflects systemic injustices and inequalities within societies. Addressing abuse, therefore, requires strong institutional frameworks and international cooperation to ensure justice and protection for all victims.
Abuse in its various forms is a significant barrier to achieving the SDGs. Its eradication is imperative not only for the well-being of individuals but also for the health and prosperity of societies worldwide. To truly achieve the SDGs, it is essential to address the root causes of abuse and create environments where everyone can live free from fear and exploitation.
People with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), experience unique circumstances that alter their risk for and experiences of violence and abuse. In particular, people with disabilities may be at risk for two forms of disability-related abuse: (1) denial of assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., eating, dressing, toileting) and (2) denial of assistive technology (e.g., mobility aids, medical devices, communication devices).
Background: Research has revealed that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have elevated sexual dysfunction and distress. Nevertheless, a vast majority of studies examining sexual dysfunction and distress among CSA survivors were conducted among women only, and the moderating role of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms between a history of CSA and sexual dysfunction and distress is yet to be investigated.
Psychological abuse within intimate relationships is linked to negative health outcomes among women and is frequently identified as more wounding than physical or sexual violence. There is little agreement, however, on how to conceptualize or measure the phenomenon, despite measurement being necessary to estimate the prevalence of psychological abuse, establish its interaction with physical and sexual violence, assess its health impacts, and monitor progress towards global Sustainable Development Goals.
When a subordinate receives abusive treatment from a supervisor, a natural response is to retaliate against the supervisor. Although retaliation is dysfunctional and should be discouraged, we examine the potential functional role retaliation plays in terms of alleviating the negative consequences of abusive supervision on subordinate justice perceptions.
