Citation

Tham SW. J. Ment. Health 1995; 4(3): 317-322.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.1080/09638239550037613

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study assessed the prevalence of domestic violence, sexual and emotional abuse in those presenting acutely to adult psychiatric services in a city environment. Of the 184 patients screened over a five month period, 40% gave a history of some abuse, and 16% reported abuse within the last six months. 25% felt that the abuse suffered was related to their presenting mental state, and the management of the patient was affected in 15% cases. 24% were victims of domestic violence, with a ratio of 2.75 :1 female to male; 8.6% of women had suffered violence in the last six months. The authors propose that this has implications for routine clinical practice.