Staff safety continues to be of concern in psychiatric practice. This is reflected in studies of the incidence of violence on in-patient wards (Reference Chaplin, McGeorge and LelliottChaplin et al, 2006) and recent recommendations from the College (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2006). A recent study of levels of abuse experienced by specialist registrars in Northumberland (Reference Reddy and KaplanReddy & Kaplan, 2006) both dovetailed and contrasted with our study of violence experienced by senior house officers (SHOs).

We carried out a questionnaire survey of all SHOs on the South East Scotland training scheme in 2004 (n=74) and repeated it in 2007 (n=52) to ascertain the stability of our findings. A good response rate of 76% was achieved on both occasions.

In 2004, 35.7% had experienced at least one physical assault but only 40% of these had reported it. Almost all the trainees had felt at risk of violence at some time (92%). Training in the management of aggression had been attended by 84%. The findings in 2007 were broadly similar, with 35% experiencing physical assault, 50% reporting it, and again the majority feeling at risk (87%). Training had been attended by 72.5%.

These results contrast with those of Reddy & Kaplan for specialist registrars, of whom few (23%) had had training but only 9% had experienced physical abuse. In our area it is the SHOs who are generally first on call for emergency assessments. We conclude that training in the management of aggression is of itself insufficient protection against assault for this relatively junior group of psychiatrists.