IV ISA Forum of Sociology (February 23-28, 2021)

609

Violence and Mental Health

Abstract Submissions Closed

RC49 Mental Health and Illness (host committee)

Language: English

Session Type: Oral

Violence is a central element of the discourses on mental health and illness and part of the stigmatization against people with severe mental health problems. However, in contrast to media portrayals, violent acts perpetrated by people with severe mental illness are rare. Rather, women and men with mental health problems are at enhanced risk for victimization. For some subgroups of service users, violence seems to be a “normal” part of their life experiences and contributes to the development, perpetuation and exacerbation of mental disorders. Only recently has the victimization of persons with severe mental illness been recognized as a global health problem. At the same time, violent acts within mental health settings are a growing concern for the safety of mental health users and professionals alike. There is an increasing debate on coercive treatment as part of mental health practices and strategies to reduce violence related to mental health services.

This session welcomes papers focusing on the diverse aspects of violence in the context of mental health and illness, including experiences of physical, sexual or emotional violence within private, public and institutional settings from childhood to adulthood, discourses on violence and mental illness, coercive treatment and violent behavior within mental health settings and programs or interventions addressing these problems.