Citation

Correia R, Jackson D. BJPsych Adv. 2021; 27(2): 126-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/bja.2020.48

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article summarises key areas of research informing understanding of vulnerability factors and risk assessment and management across the lifespan, with particular reference to risk to self (self-harm and suicide). It relates the discussion to people attending sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), but is applicable in a range of clinical settings. Although people accessing SARCs often present with mental health difficulties and various other vulnerabilities, SARC practitioners often do not have specialist training in working with mental health difficulties, including individuals at risk to self. We discuss developmental differences that should be considered when assessing and managing risk to self, and examine relationships between mental health difficulties, risk to self, and rape and/or sexual assault. Finally, we offer advice on how to respond to risk presented by individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Copyright © The Authors 2020.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; mental health; suicide; Risk assessment; child; female; male; alcoholism; autism; lethality; transgender; suicidal ideation; prevalence; mortality; deliberate self-harm; risk assessment; social isolation; posttraumatic stress disorder; intoxication; hopelessness; mental disease; automutilation; middle aged; rape; anxiety disorder; community mental health; child sexual abuse; risk management; psychomotor retardation; attention deficit disorder; Article; young adult; sexual assault; sexual violence