Sexual violence in patients with psychiatric conditions: Factors for consideration in case management

C Harrison; V Parekh

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102303

Sexual violence in patients with psychiatric conditions: Factors for consideration in case management

J Forensic Leg Med. 2022 Feb:86:102303. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102303. Epub 2022 Jan 4.

Authors

C Harrison¹, V Parekh²

Affiliations

¹ Department of General Practice, School of Public and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: claire.harrison@monash.edu.
² ANU Medical School, ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australia.

PMID: 34999299
DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102303

Abstract

Patients with underlying psychiatric conditions are vulnerable to the experience of sexual violence. Barriers and facilitators to disclosure exist, at the level of the individual, healthcare system, legal system and society in general. Management requires a trauma-informed approach with a focus on avoidance of stigma, optimisation of pre-existing psychiatric conditions and appropriate treatment of psychological sequalae. Preventive strategies by the patient, practitioner and healthcare system, may assist to reduce the risk of future sexual violence.

Keywords: Forensic medicine; Mental disorders; Patient advocacy; Sex offences; Sexual trauma.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Case Management
Disclosure
Humans
Mental Disorders*
Sex Offenses* / psychology
Social Stigma