When violence happens to people with mental illness: disclosing victimization.
Of 234 adult victims of a traumatic crime who had a diagnosed mental disorder, 51% reported the crime to the police and 70% to someone else. Those identifying a family member, relative, service provider, or police officer as perpetrator were significantly less likely to report the crime. Those who lived in a group home, had a substance abuse history, or were diagnosed with schizophrenia experienced more negative responses when reporting their victimization. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Marley
J A
JA
School of Social Work, Loyola University, Chicago, USA. jmarley@luc.edu
Buila
S
S
D000328:Adult; D019548:Crime Victims; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014754:Violence