Violent incidents in a secure service for individuals with learning disabilities: Incident types, circumstances and...

The issue of violence in secure services has long been recognized both in the UK and worldwide. However, there is currently scarce literature available about violence within learning disability (LD) secure settings.

Secondary data analysis was conducted on violent incidents, using information routinely collected by the staff over a 1-year period.

Physical assaults were the most frequent type of incident, and the distribution in terms of days or months was homogenous and incidents were concentrated in the corridors, lounges and dining rooms of secure facilities. Antipsychotic medication was not regularly prescribed. Generalized linear modelling analyses revealed significant predictors that increased the chances of seclusion and physical restraint, such as being female or directing the violence towards staff.

These findings can inform staff training on violence prevention and suggest that increased ward-based supervision and enhanced use of psychological formulations may help in reducing violence within this service context.