Violence to Others, Violent Self-Victimization, and Violent Victimization by Others Among Persons With a Mental Illness

Abstract

Objective: This research examined the frequency of and characteristics associated with three forms of violence among persons with mental illness-violence directed at others, self-directed violence, and violence directed at them by others.

Methods: Previously unreported data from a follow-up sample of 951 patients from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study were analyzed to characterize involvement in violence directed at others, self-directed violence, and violence directed at them by others.

Results: Most patients (58%) experienced at least one form of violence, 28% experienced at least two forms, and 7% experienced all three forms. Several diagnostic, social, and historical variables distinguished the groups.

Conclusions: Given the substantial overlap among the three forms of violence, clinicians should routinely screen patients who report one form for the occurrence of the other two. Co-occurrence of several forms of violence may require a package of interventions with components geared to each.

Keywords: Suicide & Victims; Violence/aggression; self-destructive behavior.