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Aggression toward forensic evaluators: a statewide survey.

Naomi Leavitt¹, Helene Presskreischer, Patricia L Maykuth

¹Cambridge Court Clinic, 40 Thorndike Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA. naomi.leavitt@dmh.state.ma.us

The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law

|July 18, 2006

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Forensic clinicians face similar risks of aggressive behavior as nonforensic mental health professionals. While physical injuries were minimal in reported distressing incidents, emotional distress was significant, highlighting the need for support.

Area of Science:

Forensic Psychology
Mental Health Professional Safety
Clinical Psychiatry

Background:

Growing literature on violence toward mental health professionals.
Limited data on assaults specifically targeting forensic evaluators.
Distinct role of forensic evaluators compared to treating clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the incidence of aggressive behavior directed at forensic clinicians.
To compare the risk of aggression in forensic versus nonforensic clinical settings.

Main Methods:

Survey of 190 psychologists and psychiatrists in Massachusetts.
Inquiry into experiences of verbal threats, harassment/intimidation (H/I), and physical assault.
Analysis of the most distressing incident (MDI) in forensic practices.

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Main Results:

No increased risk of aggressive behavior found in the forensic context compared to nonforensic settings.
Of 76 reported most distressing incidents (MDIs), physical injury was minimal.
Emotional distress associated with these incidents was pronounced.

Conclusions:

Concerns regarding safety among forensic clinicians may be overstated.
Emotional reactions to aggressive incidents are significant and warrant validation.
Training and work environments should support clinicians in coping with emotional distress.