Comparing threat and physical violence perpetrated towards staff between two forensic settings : a cross-sectional study

Abstract: This study was conducted within two forensic settings, the high security correctional facility Saltviksanstalten, and the forensic psychiatric institution Karsudden hospital. 66 staff members from Saltvik and 39 from Karsudden participated by answering a questionnaire about threat and physical violence perpetrated towards them by inmates/patients. The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the prevalence of threat and physical violence and related factors perpetrated by inmates/patient towards staff within these two forensic settings with the objectives to compare and analyse the prevalence, characteristics, situations and consequences of the threat and physical violence. The results showed that a higher percentage of participants were exposed to threats and physical violence within the forensic psychiatric setting. As regards to the intentions behind the threats and physical violence, inmates within high security correctional facilities was to a higher degree instrumental whereas patients within the forensic psychiatry showed a higher degree of reactive intentions. The conclusion is that victimization in the form of threat and physical violence is comprehensive, especially within the forensic psychiatry. Due to that victimization increases both the risk of revictimization, and have a number of negative personal- and societal consequences, this is an issue that needs to be highlighted in order to improve both the work environment and the mental health for the staff.