Violent Crime and Mental Illness in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between violent crime and mental illness of patients at the St. Ann's Psychiatric Hospital in Trinidad and Tobago by examining the types of mental disorders and the types of offences committed. The analysis also explores the characteristics of the patients in order to present the first profile of a patient sub-group in this jurisdiction. To this end, the paper is divided into six major sections which are: a brief description of the incidence of crime in Trinidad and Tobago; a review of the literature; theoretical framework; methodology; examination of findings and; the implications for policy and practice.