Lifetime rates and correlates of crime victimisation in young people with mental ill-health

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Research on crime victimisation in the mentally ill has focused on middle aged cohorts with long-standing illness and functional disability. The rates and correlates of victimisation in young cohorts is largely unknown. METHODS: Participants ( n=776) were aged 12-25 years attending headspace centres in Australia, who consented to a clinical interview and provided self-reported data regarding lifetime victimisation. RESULTS: A quarter of the sample (24.5%) reported crime victimisation, including 18.5% who experienced violent victimisation (mainly physical or sexual assault) and 14.1% non-violent crime. Both forms of victimisation were associated with illicit substance use, sexual o..