Examining the Effects of Health in Explaining Fear of Crime: A Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Level Analysis

We examine the understudied link between mental/physical health problems and their relationship with perceived unsafety via higher levels of vulnerability. We examine this relationship by linking data at the individual-level, the neighborhood-level, and the county-level using the Portraits of American Life Survey (PALS). Using this data we examine the effect of individual and neighborhood conditions on perceived safety while controlling for county-level crime rates. Findings indicate that higher numbers of physical impairment and mental health issues are independently related to higher levels of perceived unsafety. Both mental and physical health problems are associated with higher levels of fear. These higher levels of vulnerability then directly contribute to higher levels of feeling of unsafety. Unlike past research, we find a mental health link to fear of crime that cannot be explained by physical impairments.     

东南亚形势2010～2011年回顾与展望——专家访谈录

本刊编辑部邀请部分东南亚研究专家、学者对2010~2011年东南亚形势作简要的回顾与展望。     

Associations Between Caregiver Support, Bullying, and Depressive Symptomatology Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Girls: Results from the 2008 Boston Youth Survey

Although sexual minority (SM) youth are at an increased risk for being bullied and experiencing depression, it is unclear how caregiver support is interrelated with those variables. Therefore, we sought to assess: (a) the prevalence of nonphysical bullying, depressive symptomatology, and caregiver support among heterosexual and SM girls, (b) the association between caregiver support and bullying in both groups, and (c) whether sexual orientation moderates the interactive effect of caregiver support and bullying on depressive symptoms. Data come from a survey of students in 22 Boston public high schools; 99 of the 832 girls in the analytic sample were SM. We used chi-square statistics to examine group differences, and multiple regression to estimate the association between the caregiver support, sexual orientation, being bullied, and depressive symptomatology. SM girls reported similar levels of caregiver support as heterosexual girls, but reported higher levels of depressive symptomatology. They were also more likely to report nonphysical bullying. Tests for interactions were not statistically significant, suggesting that bullying, caregiver support, and sexual orientation are independently associated with depressive symptomatology.     

Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout among Law Enforcement Investigators Exposed to Disturbing Media Images

This study examines the psychological impact of viewing disturbing media on investigators engaged in computer forensics work. Twenty-eight federal law enforcement personnel who investigate Internet child pornography cases completed measures of secondary traumatic stress disorder (STSD) and burnout. Substantial percentages of investigators reported poor psychological well-being. Greater exposure to disturbing media was related to higher levels of STSD and cynicism. STSD and burnout scores were related to increased protectiveness of family, reliance on co-workers, general distrust, and turnover intentions. On a positive note, investigators scored high in professional efficacy, indicating they feel their work makes a difference. Furthermore, personnel with supportive relationships scored lower on both STSD and burnout.     

Dangerous and severe personality disorder: An investigation of the construct

Introduction of the construct “Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder” (DSPD) by the UK Home Office and Department of Health has provoked strong debate and opposition. Its aims and that of proposed subsequent legislation was to enhance public protection by identifying and detaining a minority of persons with severe personality disorder who pose a high risk of serious sexual/violent offending. The most serious criticism was the ethical implication of allowing indefinite detention of people without criminal convictions. More recently, policy emphasis has shifted towards treatment. 1396 male prisoners serving sentences of 2+ years for sexual/violent offenses were prospectively interviewed (personality disorders, psychopathy, and risk) at a mean follow-up of 2 years. The prevalence of DSPD was 15%. Significantly more re-offended. Five DSPD offenders would need treatment to prevent one violent act. Based on an estimate of attributable risk, successful treatment of DSPD could reduce violent re-convictions among DSPD offenders by 71% and violent/sexual re-offenses in the prison population by 27%. DSPD criteria correctly identify high risk prisoners but primarily through risk-related demographic features. DSPD does not accurately identify serious sexual/violent re-offenders. The DSPD programme may reduce major violent re-offending if treatment interventions prove effective.     

应税事实依据经济实质认定之稽征规则——基于台湾地区“税捐稽征法”第12条之1的研究

台湾地区税捐稽征法第12条之1课税构成要件之认定及明订举证之责任,将税捐稽征中已实行多年的实质课税原则条文化。当避税安排的法律形式与其经济实质不相符时,稽征机关认定应税事实应以实质经济事实关系及其所生实质经济利益之归属与享有为依据。由量能课税原则导出的实质课税原则,重经济实质甚于法律形式,是实现税捐正义的实质性手段,并不违背税收法定原则。稽征机关实质课税的自由裁量权理应谦抑行使,其以税捐负担的公平分配为原则,以不损害纳税人的合法权益为底限。稽征机关依据经济实质认定应税事实,应依法承担举证责任,纳税人依法应尽协力义务,否则,稽征机关有权推定应税事实。大陆《税收征管法》亦应增订实质课税原则。