Publications by authors named "A Boccellari"

There is increasing recognition of the value of consumer participation in advocacy and community activism. Among trauma survivors, finding a sense of purpose and a way to make meaning from the trauma experience has been termed "survivor mission," and may include a call to social action, involvement in social justice activities, or public speaking. The current study describes the development of a trauma-informed trauma-survivor speakers' bureau (CHATT) and presents quantitative and qualitative outcome findings.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Mental illness, substance abuse, and poverty are risk factors for violent injury, and violent injury is a risk factor for early mortality that can be attenuated through hospital-based violence intervention programs. Most of these programs focus on victims under the age of 30 years. Little is known about risk factors or long-term mortality among older victims of violent injury.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Variation among existing studies in labeling, defining, identifying, and subtyping cases of suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) poses challenges to integrating research findings for public health purposes. This descriptive study addressed methodological issues of nomenclature and DFSA operational definitions to improve case identification and was designed to distinguish assault subtypes. We studied a 2-year ethnically diverse cohort of 390 patients who presented acutely to an urban rape treatment center (RTC).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The present study investigates victim sexual orientation in a sample of 641 violent crime victims seeking emergency medical treatment at a public-sector hospital. Victim sexual orientation was examined as it: (a) varies by type of violent crime and demographic characteristics, (b) directly relates to psychological symptoms, and (c) moderates the relationship between victim and crime characteristics (i.e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The purpose of this article is to examine the literature on the increased risk factors of disadvantaged inner-city residents for becoming victims of violence and for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and barriers to accessing comprehensive mental health services. Second, the article discusses the limitations of evidence-based treatments for early intervention with urban victims of violence and provides a new model of care emphasizing outreach, engagement, and practical assistance. Finally, the article concludes with recommendations for comprehensive hospital-based urban programs in terms of practice, policy, and research.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF