What increases the risk of inmate violence when mental illness is a factor?

Substance or sexual abuse is identified as a factor that increases the risk of inmate violence when mental illness is involved because individuals who experience both mental illness and substance abuse issues often face compounded challenges. Substance abuse can exacerbate symptoms of mental illness, leading to impulsive behaviors and poor judgment, which heightens the likelihood of violent incidents. Additionally, those with a history of sexual abuse may also have unresolved trauma, potentially leading to aggressive behaviors or heightened agitation in stressful situations, further risking violent altercations.

Prior incarceration, age at incarceration, and educational background, while they may impact an individual’s overall risk profile, do not have the same direct correlation with violence in the context of co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. The interplay between mental health and substance use creates a unique vulnerability that can significantly escalate violent tendencies among inmates.