Violent victimization of Canadians with mental health-related disabilities, 2014

This Juristat uses data from the 2014 General Social Survey on Canadians' Safety (Victimization) to analyze self-reported victimization among people with mental health-related disabilities, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, anorexia, substance abuse and other conditions which limit their daily lives. Victims' experiences with the justice system, including interactions with police and use of victims' support services, are reviewed. Additionally, this article looks at how mental health disability, substance use, homelessness and a history of child abuse intersect to define an especially vulnerable population. The association between disabilities related to mental health and key markers of societal participation is also reviewed.