Several studies suggest the existence of a relationship between major mental disorders and crime. However, it is important to emphasize that violent behaviors do not affect all patients and that issues of criminality among mentally ill persons only represents a small proportion.

The objective of this study is to establish the general and clinical profile of perpetrators of sexual and physical assaults.

This is a retrospective study of the records of forensic psychiatric expertise, conducted in the psychiatry department of the University Hospital of Mahdia during the period from May 1st 2000 to May 31st 2013.

The general profile of the population the study was characterized by a mean age of 39 years, a sex ratio of 8.25, unemployment in 73% of cases and by the presence of a psychiatric personal history 54% of cases. Sexual and physical assaults accounted for 54.5% of cases. It was essentially in descending order: assault and battery (65%), rape (16.2%) and incest (5.4%). As for the clinical profile, schizophrenia and epilepsy were recorded each in 13.5% of cases, major depressive disorder in 8.1% of cases, bipolar disorder in 5.4% and substance abuse in 5.4% of cases. A personality disorder was observed in 48.6% cases, essentially antisocial personality (55%). Comorbidity with addictive behavior was observed in 56.7% of cases.

It is necessary to characterize a subgroup of patients with mental disorders, likely to commit violent crimes, in order to prevent acting out behaviors and adapt their management.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.