Sexual Violence and Mental Health Services: A Call to Action

Authors and Affiliations:

• Elizabeth Hughes
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, UK
• Michael Lucock
  • University of Huddersfield, School of Human and Health Sciences, UK
• Charlie Brooker
  • Department of Criminology, Royal Holloway University of London, UK

Key Points:

Prevalence of Sexual Violence

• 20% of women and 4% of men have experienced sexual assault since 16.
• High rates of underreporting, particularly among males.
• Sexual violence has long-term physical and psychological effects, including mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and substance abuse.

Association with Mental Health (MH) Services

• Many MH service users have histories of sexual assault.
• MH services often lack routine enquiry and effective management of disclosures.
• Sexual violence can occur within MH inpatient settings perpetrated by patients or staff.

Impact of Sexual Violence on Mental Health

• Common MH consequences: PTSD, depression, suicidality, substance abuse.
• Victims often develop low self-esteem, relational issues, anxiety, and shame.
• High overlap of sexual violence history among users of substance abuse treatment.

Systemic Issues in MH Services

• Lack of Routine Enquiry:
  • Significant gaps in routine enquiry about sexual violence in MH services.
  • Historical lack of training and confidence among MH staff to address sexual issues.
• Impact on MH Services:
  • Need for improved training and support for MH staff.
  • Importance of creating a supportive environment for disclosure.

Recommendations for MH Services

• Routine Enquiry and Training:
  • Develop standard enquiries about sexual violence and ensure staff training.
  • Increase awareness and reduce stigma associated with discussing sexual issues.
• Responding to Disclosures:
  • Establish protocols for responding sensitively and effectively to disclosures.
  • Ensure psychological and physical safety after disclosure.
  • Coordinate with Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

• Provide forensic examinations and therapeutic consultations.
• High overlap with MH service users.

Conclusion

• Sexual violence is a significant issue within MH and substance use services.
• Importance of embedding routine enquiry and management of disclosures in policy and practice.
• Necessity for collaboration among SARCs, MH services, and substance abuse services to provide comprehensive care.

References

• Cited works emphasize the need for better reporting and management practices in MH services to address sexual violence.