ABSTRACT
In the context of this book, it would not be an exaggeration to describe views concerning the relationship between mental disturbance and crime as something of a battlefield; in addition, the myths reflected in Othello’s words have also played their part. This chapter deals with the following aspects: definitions; general comments on mental disturbance and crime; serious mental disturbance and violence; and the prevalence of mental disturbances in various populations. The problems relating to female offenders are not addressed specifically in this chapter, solely because males tend to predominate in the exercise of violent acts.1 For the purpose of this chapter, violence is used to denote serious crimes against persons or property (for example, homicide, serious assaults (sexual and otherwise), kidnapping and arson).
