Elien Neimeijer

42 Abstract Background: This study examines associations between group climate, aggressive incidents, and coercive measures in adults with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (MID-BIF) of a secure forensic setting. Method: Participants (N=248) were interviewed about their perception of group climate utilizing the Group Climate Instrument. Data on aggressive incidents and coercive measures were retrieved from the facilities’ electronic database. A multilevel structural equation model was fitted in which variability in perception of group climate within and between living groups was examined. Results: An open and therapeutic group climate was associated with lower levels of aggression within and between groups. A higher number of aggressive incidents was significantly associated with a higher number of coercive measures. Conclusions: The findings have implications for the understanding of how group climate may play a role in reducing aggressive incidents at the living group in treatment of individuals with MID-BIF in secure forensic settings. Introduction A high number of aggressive incidents in secure forensic care is considered a serious problem, not only for clients but for sociotherapists as well (Robinson, Craig, & Tonkin, 2018; Ros, Van der Helm, Wissink, Stams, & Schaftenaar, 2013). According to the results of a study presented by one of the Dutch labour unions (CNV Zorg & Welzijn, 2018) addressing aggressive incidents in Dutch health care for people with intellectual disa- bilities, more than 50% of the 640 caregivers experienced physical (70%) or verbal (79%) aggressive incidents in their work. About half (53%) reported an increase in aggressive incidents during the past year. These results are worrying given the range of negative consequences for victims, the aggressor, and the organisation in which aggressive in- cidents occur. Negative consequences for the victim can include psychological effects (e.g., anxiety, sleep disturbance, fear, anger, and resentment) as well as physical inju- ry (Knotter, 2019). Sociotherapists and clients may feel less safe in living groups where there is a high number of aggressive incidents. For the aggressor, aggressive incidents can disrupt their rehabilitation because of coercive measures, conviction and prosecu- tion, and transfer to another facility. For the organisation, aggressive incidents against