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The Relationship between Schizophrenia and Violence in the Criminal Justice System

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The Relationship between Schizophrenia and Violence in the Criminal Justice System

Introduction

Mental health disability is arguably not a novel topic in research, and its wide connection

with schizophrenia is non-negligible. Schizophrenia is a severe condition that influences an

individual’s behaviour, thoughts, and feelings and may cause disability. The World Health

Organisation estimates that about 24 million individuals, approximately 0.32% of the global

population, live with schizophrenia (WHO 2022). According to research, the UK reports more

than 685,000 persons with the illness, representing about 1% of the population (Zacher 2022).

Schizophrenia patients frequently deal with social isolation, prejudices, discrimination, and

stigmatisation. These difficulties may leave them vulnerable and open to victimisation and

violence. Hence, they may encounter the criminal court system, presenting a need to

conceptually explore the link between the concepts, as studied in this paper.

The Concept of Vulnerability in Patients Living with Schizophrenia

Essentially, scholars conventionally use the notion of vulnerability to describe individuals

or a group of people who are thought to be more exposed to victimisation, exploitation, or

mistreatment because of innate or situational characteristics (Park et al. 2020). As such, these

people should obtain special safeguarding in any given context. For example, researchers have

often considered mental health patients, specifically those with psychotic conditions, vulnerable

due to their incapacity to make proper judgements. In this regard, vulnerability alludes to a

person’s sensitivity to either negative or positive outcomes due to their condition, surroundings,

or social protection.
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Vulnerable patients with schizophrenia may benefit from greater compassion, social

protection, and a sense of belonging. For instance, schizophrenic patients are often identified by

healthcare practitioners and engaged in social skills training activities that promote their

interaction and speaking abilities. According to Stinson et al. (2022), social protection and

support from professionals generally reduce the adverse effects of vulnerabilities and individual

health conditions. Also, being vulnerable may promote more substantial relationships with

others, increase self-awareness, and promote personal development (Wilkinson et al. 2019).

Similarly, patients with schizophrenia may become more resilient as a result of their

vulnerability. Individuals who accept their vulnerability and create efficient defence tactics can

eventually become more resilient.

However, people with schizophrenia also suffer from the consequences of vulnerability.

These consequences include an increase in the likelihood of violence, a decline in social

functioning, and difficulties obtaining essential resources like healthcare. Being vulnerable can

increase emotions of helplessness and humiliation, which can make it harder to cope with the

problems of schizophrenia. Additionally, schizophrenia individuals may face discrimination,

prejudice, and exclusion in several scopes of life (Vadher et al. 2020). This may result in fewer

social connections due to the widespread misinformation and anxiety surrounding schizophrenia.

Co-occurring psychological and physical health issues are serious drawbacks of vulnerability in

schizophrenia patients. Many people with schizophrenia may have anxiety and depression,

resulting in additional issues, including respiratory illnesses.

How Vulnerability Contributes to Stereotypes and Prejudices against Individuals Living

with Schizophrenia and its Relation to Violence and Legislative Policies

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When employed to rationalise exclusion, prejudice, or violence, the vulnerability concept

can promote misconceptions about people with schizophrenia. This is because vulnerability is

frequently linked to fragility, dependency, and despair, all perpetuating unfavourable stereotypes

and preconceptions about people with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia patients are thought to be

more vulnerable to victimisation because of their poor decision-making skills, delusional

thoughts, and insufficient social abilities. As a result, they could be more susceptible to being the

victims of violence, social exclusion, and discrimination.

A substantial body of research has shown that people with schizophrenia are more likely

than the general community to become crime victims. For instance, in a study by Green, the

researchers discovered that around 2.3% of schizophrenia patients had previously been charged

with engaging in aggressive behaviour toward another party. In comparison, 34% disclosed that

they were violent assault victims over the same analysed time (Green 2020). Wormith et al.’s

(2020) article also maintained that schizophrenic individuals with anti-social and aggressive

behaviour obtained violent criminal records. Consequently, Faay, Margo, and Iris (2021)

demonstrated that schizophrenic individuals with childhood trauma were more vulnerable to the

victimisation of violent crimes due to their aggressive behaviours.

Though not necessarily accurate, such inferences frequently appear as generalisations

about people with schizophrenia. According to research, most people with schizophrenia do not

commit violent acts and are more inclined to become victims of violence than offenders.

However, despite the possibility of delusions and hallucinations, people with schizophrenia do

not inevitably become violent as a result of these symptoms (Rossa-Roccor et al. 2020). This

aspect suggests that additional elements and perpetrator-related traits need to be thoroughly

investigated to prevent victimisation from being primarily dependent on symptoms of

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schizophrenia. Alternatively, the criminal justice system should develop regulations that

safeguard the rights of those at risk for mental health problems, such as schizophrenia.

The No Secrets guidance, the Mental Health Act of 1983 (MHA), and the Mental

Capacity Act of 2005 (MCA) are policies in the criminal justice system that are intended to

safeguard the rights and welfare of vulnerable people (Cummins 2022), such as schizophrenia

individuals. For example, the MHA offers a paradigm for incarcerating and caring for those with

mental illnesses like schizophrenia. It describes the conditions that permit involuntary hospital

detention of patients for evaluation and treatment. Moreover, it outlines the rights of those being

held, such as the right to acquire proper medical attention and to have their opinions and interests

considered.

Conversely, the MCA aims to guide choices on behalf of people who cannot make them

for themselves. This can apply to people with schizophrenia, who may find it challenging to

make decisions due to their conditions (Martineau & Manthorpe 2020). The legislation sets

guidelines for determining the ability and making choices in the person’s best interests. Lastly,

the government’s No Secrets advice attempts to safeguard defenseless individuals from neglect

and assault. It offers direction for authorities and groups that assist individuals who are at risk,

especially those who have mental illnesses like schizophrenia. The policy strongly emphasises

recognising signs of neglect or abuse, exposing them, and taking steps to stop future occurrences.

Conclusion

In summary, individuals living with schizophrenia are often vulnerable to violence

victimisation, and such instances may expose them to the criminal justice system. Although

some studies have shown that schizophrenic individuals may associate with violent crimes, a
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substantial body of studies has demonstrated that this notion is not entirely factual. Instead, their

vulnerability and symptoms, including being anti-social, make them considered perpetrators.

Therefore, there is a need to improve and implement legislation and policies like the MHA,

MCA, and the No Secret guidance to increase awareness of the difficulties facing persons with

mental health and safeguard their conditions by ensuring they get treatment and support.

However, it is crucial to understand that vulnerability is complicated and varied and that

additional study is required to tackle the challenges.

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Bibliography

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