@article{ref1,
title="Polyvictimization and psychiatric sequelae associated with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)",
journal="Journal of immigrant and minority health",
year="2022",
author="Chen, Victoria H. and Caron, Jayne and Goddard, Brian and Eng, Shirley M. and Ades, Veronica",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="Female Genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with enduring psychiatric complications. In this study, we investigate the rates of co-morbid abuses and polyvictimization experienced by survivors of FGM/C. This is a sub-analysis of a cohort study examining the patient population at the EMPOWER Center for Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Violence in New York City. A retrospective chart-review of electronic medical records was conducted for all consenting adult patients who had FGM/C and had an intake visit between January 16, 2014 and March 6, 2020. Of the 80 participants, ages ranged from 20 to 62 years with a mean of 37.4 (SD = 9.1) years. In addition to FGM/C, participants were victims of physical abuse (43; 53.8%), emotional abuse (35; 43.8%), sexual abuse (35; 43.8%), forced marriage (20; 25%), child marriage (13; 16.3%), and sex trafficking (1; 1.4%). There was a high degree of polyvictimization, with 41 (51.2%) experiencing 3 or more of the aforementioned abuses. Having FGM/C on or after age 13 or having a higher total abuse score was also found to be strong predictors of depression and PTSD. The high rates of polyvictimization among survivors of FGM/C are associated with development of depression and PTSD. Despite co-morbid abuses, patients still attribute substantial psychiatric symptoms to their FGM/C. Health care providers should understand the high risk of polyvictimization when caring for this patient population.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1557-1912",
doi="10.1007/s10903-022-01343-7",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10903-022-01343-7"
}