title: How the COVID-19 pandemic affects transgender health care - A cross-sectional online survey in 63 upper-middle-income and high-income countries

authors: Koehler, Andreas

abstract: Background
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to medical care is restricted for nearly all non-acute conditions. Due to their status as a vulnerable social group and the inherent need for transition-related treatments, transgender people are assumed to be affected particularly severely by the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
As an ad hoc collaboration between researchers, clinicians and 23 community organizations, we developed a web-based survey in German that was translated into 26 languages. Participants were recruited via community sources, social media channels, and snowball sampling since May 2020. The present sample is based on the data collected until August 9, 2020. We assessed demographical data, health problems, risk factors, COVID-19 data (e.g., contact history), and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to transgender health care services. To identify factors associated with the experience of restrictions, we conducted multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results
5267 transgender people from 63 upper-middle-income and high-income countries participated in the study. Over 50% of the participants had risk factors for a severe course of a COVID-19 infection and were at a high risk of avoiding COVID-19 treatment due to the fear of mistreatment or discrimination. Access to transgender health care services was restricted for 50% of the participants. Male sex assigned at birth and a lower monthly income were significant predictors for the experience of restrictions to health care. 35.0% reported at least one mental health condition and 3.2% have attempted suicide since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion
Transgender people suffer under the severity of the pandemic due to the intersections between their status as a vulnerable social group, their high number of medical risk factors, and their need for ongoing medical treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic can potentiate these vulnerabilities, add new challenges for transgender people, and, therefore, can lead to devastating consequences, like severe physical or mental health issues, self-harming behavior, and suicidality.

text: How the COVID-19 pandemic affects transgender health care - A cross-sectional online survey in 63 upper-middle-income and high-income countries Background
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to medical care is restricted for nearly all non-acute conditions. Due to their status as a vulnerable social group and the inherent need for transition-related treatments, transgender people are assumed to be affected particularly severely by the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
As an ad hoc collaboration between researchers, clinicians and 23 community organizations, we developed a web-based survey in German that was translated into 26 languages. Participants were recruited via community sources, social media channels, and snowball sampling since May 2020. The present sample is based on the data collected until August 9, 2020. We assessed demographical data, health problems, risk factors, COVID-19 data (e.g., contact history), and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to transgender health care services. To identify factors associated with the experience of restrictions, we conducted multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results
5267 transgender people from 63 upper-middle-income and high-income countries participated in the study. Over 50% of the participants had risk factors for a severe course of a COVID-19 infection and were at a high risk of avoiding COVID-19 treatment due to the fear of mistreatment or discrimination. Access to transgender health care services was restricted for 50% of the participants. Male sex assigned at birth and a lower monthly income were significant predictors for the experience of restrictions to health care. 35.0% reported at least one mental health condition and 3.2% have attempted suicide since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion
Transgender people suffer under the severity of the pandemic due to the intersections between their status as a vulnerable social group, their high number of medical risk factors, and their need for ongoing medical treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic can potentiate these vulnerabilities, add new challenges for transgender people, and, therefore, can lead to devastating consequences, like severe physical or mental health issues, self-harming behavior, and suicidality.

year: 2021

title: Exploring mothers' experiences of separating from an abusive partner

authors: Robins, Kathryn

subjects: Domestic violence

abstract: This research explored mothers' experiences of separating from an abusive partner. It focuses on the contextual factors which support or undermine women's ability to keep their children safe. Of particular interest was the extent to which dominant ideas about the importance of fathers in children's lives played a role in decision making about abusers' post-separation contact with their children. Eight women who had separated from an abusive male partner were interviewed. Their experiences, thoughts and views are presented in case-studies. Each begins with a background of the woman's relationship with her former partner, the processes that led her to initiate separation and her post-separation experiences. Separating from an abusive partner was found to present many challenges for mothers. Often, the women reported that they continued to be abused and to be subjected to the power and control tactics of their abuser. Women's accounts of their partner‟s behaviour suggested that the abusers' characteristics as a partner spilled over into their parenting. The abusers were generally reported to be inconsistent, authoritarian and/or irresponsible in their parenting. In this context, the women held significant fears for the safety and well-being of their children should the abuser have contact with them. Despite this, the majority of the women agreed to contact. Indeed, most of the mothers felt responsible for maintaining the father-child relationship and went to great lengths to facilitate contact, even though the contact often exposed both mother and child to further abuse. To this extent, dominant, uncritical beliefs about the importance of fathers seemed to be quite influential. On the other hand, those women who had good family support were less likely to agree to unsafe contact. These participants' mothers were particularly important in recognising the dynamics and impact of the abuse. They played an important role in protecting the participants and their children, and prioritised safety over contact. These women experienced shorter periods of post-separation abuse. Women with support were less isolated, less likely to blame themselves and were able to begin the process of recovery earlier. Consequently, the welfare of their children was improved. This finding suggests that support of this kind may be one avenue that improves women's ability to keep their children safe and enhance their experiences after separating from an abusive a partner.

text: Exploring mothers' experiences of separating from an abusive partner This research explored mothers' experiences of separating from an abusive partner. It focuses on the contextual factors which support or undermine women's ability to keep their children safe. Of particular interest was the extent to which dominant ideas about the importance of fathers in children's lives played a role in decision making about abusers' post-separation contact with their children. Eight women who had separated from an abusive male partner were interviewed. Their experiences, thoughts and views are presented in case-studies. Each begins with a background of the woman's relationship with her former partner, the processes that led her to initiate separation and her post-separation experiences. Separating from an abusive partner was found to present many challenges for mothers. Often, the women reported that they continued to be abused and to be subjected to the power and control tactics of their abuser. Women's accounts of their partner‟s behaviour suggested that the abusers' characteristics as a partner spilled over into their parenting. The abusers were generally reported to be inconsistent, authoritarian and/or irresponsible in their parenting. In this context, the women held significant fears for the safety and well-being of their children should the abuser have contact with them. Despite this, the majority of the women agreed to contact. Indeed, most of the mothers felt responsible for maintaining the father-child relationship and went to great lengths to facilitate contact, even though the contact often exposed both mother and child to further abuse. To this extent, dominant, uncritical beliefs about the importance of fathers seemed to be quite influential. On the other hand, those women who had good family support were less likely to agree to unsafe contact. These participants' mothers were particularly important in recognising the dynamics and impact of the abuse. They played an important role in protecting the participants and their children, and prioritised safety over contact. These women experienced shorter periods of post-separation abuse. Women with support were less isolated, less likely to blame themselves and were able to begin the process of recovery earlier. Consequently, the welfare of their children was improved. This finding suggests that support of this kind may be one avenue that improves women's ability to keep their children safe and enhance their experiences after separating from an abusive a partner.

year: 2010

title: Editorial

authors: Bray, Peter

abstract: The Volume 43(1) editorial of the "New Zealand Journal of Counselling" reflects on the past year, highlighting local and global concerns such as COVID-19's impact, civil unrest, conflicts, and climate change. Looking ahead, the editorial stresses acknowledging climate change's reality and ongoing conflicts while seeking optimism.

The editorial notes the privilege of witnessing innovative research by counseling students and colleagues that addresses global crises' effects. It underscores the importance of informed practitioners backed by robust research and theory.

The issue presents five research pieces showcasing diverse counseling methodologies. These include Māori approaches to trauma, Pākehā exploration through pepeha, clients' spirituality in adversity, mind-body interactions in counseling, and supervision amid events like pandemics.

One article discusses Māori trauma approaches, reconnecting wairua (spirit) and whakapapa (ancestral lineage) to address trauma. Another explores how Pākehā can confront colonization roles using pepeha.

Clients' spiritual experiences during challenging events are analyzed in another article, employing Māori and Celtic metaphors.

Mind-body interactions in counseling education and practice are investigated, emphasizing integrating body-oriented psychotherapies and nutrition.

Lastly, supervision during COVID-19 is studied, exploring its impact on relationships and suggesting growth opportunities.

The editorial concludes by noting the New Zealand Association of Counselling's website improvements, aiming to enhance journal access. It acknowledges Dr. Jan Wilson's passing, a significant contributor to New Zealand's counseling research, and encourages engagement with research and journal contributions.

text: Editorial The Volume 43(1) editorial of the "New Zealand Journal of Counselling" reflects on the past year, highlighting local and global concerns such as COVID-19's impact, civil unrest, conflicts, and climate change. Looking ahead, the editorial stresses acknowledging climate change's reality and ongoing conflicts while seeking optimism.

The editorial notes the privilege of witnessing innovative research by counseling students and colleagues that addresses global crises' effects. It underscores the importance of informed practitioners backed by robust research and theory.

The issue presents five research pieces showcasing diverse counseling methodologies. These include Māori approaches to trauma, Pākehā exploration through pepeha, clients' spirituality in adversity, mind-body interactions in counseling, and supervision amid events like pandemics.

One article discusses Māori trauma approaches, reconnecting wairua (spirit) and whakapapa (ancestral lineage) to address trauma. Another explores how Pākehā can confront colonization roles using pepeha.

Clients' spiritual experiences during challenging events are analyzed in another article, employing Māori and Celtic metaphors.

Mind-body interactions in counseling education and practice are investigated, emphasizing integrating body-oriented psychotherapies and nutrition.

Lastly, supervision during COVID-19 is studied, exploring its impact on relationships and suggesting growth opportunities.

The editorial concludes by noting the New Zealand Association of Counselling's website improvements, aiming to enhance journal access. It acknowledges Dr. Jan Wilson's passing, a significant contributor to New Zealand's counseling research, and encourages engagement with research and journal contributions.

year: 2023