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Interpersonal Trauma and the Clustering of Vulnerability in Forensic Inpatients: A Population‐Level Cross‐Sectional Exploratory Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Interpersonal potentially traumatic events (PTEs), including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, are common among forensic mental health patient populations, yet population-level research examining their broader sociodemographic, forensic, and behavioural characteristics remains limited. This cross-sectional study used routinely collected data among 5105 forensic inpatients admitted to a hospital bed in Ontario, Canada. Group differences were examined by interpersonal PTE exposure and gender. Approximately 27% of the sample reported a PTE history. Compared with those without PTE exposure, individuals with PTE were younger, less educated, more often identified as indigenous, and varied across several forensic (e.g., length of stay) and behavioural characteristics (e.g., restraint use). Gender-stratified analyses revealed that among women, PTE exposure was associated with greater violence, behavioural disturbance, and restraint use, whereas among men it was associated with greater self-harm severity. These findings support the integration of trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches in forensic mental health assessment and treatment planning.

Source: Behavioral Sciences & the Law

DOI: 10.1002/bsl.70104

Authors: Bailey J. Thompson, N. Zoe Hilton, Elke Ham, Tisha J. Ornstein

Institutions: Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Toronto, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400