Assault experiences of 100 psychiatric inpatients: evidence of the need for routine inquiry

Abstract

The authors obtained complete histories of all experiences of being physically or sexually assaulted from 100 psychiatric inpatients, using a structured interview with well-defined assault scales and a detailed inquiry into circumstances surrounding the assault. The majority (81%) of patients had experienced major physical and/or sexual assault. The circumstances associated with the assaults, the patients' perceptions of the effects of the assaults, and previous therapists' lack of awareness of the assaults are discussed. On the basis of these findings the authors recommend routine inquiry into patients' assault history.