Objective:To determine the current life time professional prevalence of threats and assaults by patients on psychiatry residents, their consequences, perceived adequacy of supports and institutional responses. Methods:An anonymous survey of 519 psychiatry residents in 13 psychiatry programs across the United States was conducted between March and June 2008. Results:The response rate for this survey was 38% (n = 204). Sixty one percent of the responders were female, and 30% were members of a visibly identifiable ethnic minority.The majority (72.4%) of those involved in an incident reported experiencing mild to severe psychological distress. Almost a third (31.6%) made requests to the hospital or department to improve safety. Most residents (93.8%) felt policies on psychological support after an assault would be helpful. Conclusion:This study calls attention to the high numbers of residents that are affected by violence during their training, and underscores the need for clear policy and training, in order to prevent and adequately respond to assaults, threats, and their consequences among psychiatry residents. Presented at the UMass Department of Psychiatry Research Day, October 2009.