There is a mistaken belief among many members of the public, supported by inaccurate media reporting, that mental health service users are dangerous. Yet research evidence consistently shows that they make only a modest contribution to violence. Indeed service users are much more likely to be a risk to themselves and to be victims rather than perpetrators of crime. This topical report, published in association with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explores risk assessment and risk management for people being discharged from psychiatric hospitals into the community. It breaks new ground by asking service users about their views on, and experiences of, posing a former or potential risk to other people. The report also includes information about the harm that service users experience and explores the perspectives of mental health workers, relatives and friends about risks and their management. Living with Risk provides vital information about: service user involvement in risk assessment an