Stalking is defined as “engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress” according to the Violence Against Women Act of 2005. Read more

Mental health professionals have a duty to keep their patients’ mental health information confidential. However, when a patient poses a danger to others, mental health professionals may have a legal duty to also take steps to protect potential victims of the patient’s violence. Read more

Violence has a range of definitions. Only serious physical violence and homicide will be addressed in this section. The single greatest risk factor for future violence is past violence1,2. Other static risk factors for violence include : Previous arrests Male gender Age between 15 and 24 years, and A history of adverse childhood experiences, such as parental separation, witnessing domestic violence and being the victim of abuse. Read more

Suicide risk assessment involves assessing risk factors and protective factors for suicide. Although suicide cannot be predicted, an adequate suicide risk assessment should serve as a basis for clinical decision making. Read more