TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2022//
TI  - Polyvictimization and psychiatric sequelae associated with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)
JO  - Journal of immigrant and minority health
A1  - Chen, Victoria H.
A1  - Caron, Jayne
A1  - Goddard, Brian
A1  - Eng, Shirley M.
A1  - Ades, Veronica
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1557-1912
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10903-022-01343-7
ID  - ref1
ER  -