Prevalence and Correlates of Criminal Victimization in Taiwanese Outpatients with Severe Mental Illness

Purpose Criminal victimization among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) remains understudied in Asian contexts, complicating community reintegration. This study examined its prevalence and associated factors among Taiwanese adults with SMI to guide clinical and public health interventions. Method Participants (N = 798) with bipolar disorder (60.2%) or schizophrenia (39.8%) receiving at least one year of outpatient care at a medical center in northern Taiwan were recruited. Data on past-year victimization, sociodemographic traits, and clinical factors were collected, assessed via Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Demoralization Scale, Medication Adherence Rating Scale, and Personal and Social Performance Scale. Univariate and logistic regression analyses identified associations. Result Overall, 25.1% (n = 200) reported victimization. Protective factors included family cohabitation (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.37–0.85], p = .004) and bipolar diagnosis (vs. schizophrenia; OR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.45–0.98], p = .035). Risk factors included prior suicide attempts (OR = 1.93, 95% CI [1.35–2.75], p = .001), smoking (OR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.18–2.43], p = .004), criminal history (OR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.06–2.73], p = .029), higher depressive symptoms (PHQ-9; OR per point = 1.05, 95% CI [1.03–1.08], p < .001), and prior psychiatric hospitalization (OR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.15–2.18], p = .015). Conclusion The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing depressive symptoms, suicide risk, and prior hospitalizations while leveraging family support to reduce victimization in community settings.