Agencies Monday, January 29, 2024 07:25 PM
A joint investigation by Sky News and the British newspaper The Independent, yesterday, Sunday, showed that people with mental illnesses in England, “They were raped and sexually assaulted” In NHS facilities.
The investigation revealed that there have been about 20,000 complaints related to sexual assault and harassment by staff and patients alike since 2019, in more than 30 mental health institutions in England.
The investigation was described as “National scandal”The joint investigation found that NHS trusts “fail to report the majority of incidents to the police, and do not meet vital standards designed to protect the UK’s most vulnerable patients from sexual harm”, according to the joint investigation.
In the 18-month investigation, several patients and their families revealed their stories of being sexually assaulted while living in units designated for mental health patients.
Among the victims is Rivka Grant, 34, who said she was sexually assaulted by an NHS employee, according to the investigation.
Former British swimming star, Alexis Quinn, also claimed that… I was sexually assaulted Twice, the first time when she was forced to sleep in a men’s ward, and the second time in a mixed-gender ward.
In another alleged case, Stephanie Totti (28 years old), a mother of two children, told her story after she sought help from mental health services in the city of Essex, near London, after being exposed to… for rape In her youth.
Instead of receiving treatment, she claims she was sexually assaulted by a staff member for 5 months.
A year later, she said she was traumatized again after being admitted to another care unit run by Essex County, where a security guard sent her sexually explicit text messages, which were seen by The Independent.
Police later said there was “insufficient evidence” to prosecute the accused in relation to the alleged sexual assault.
The president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Lyde-Smith, described the findings as “shocking”, while shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said they were a “wake-up call” for the government.
Streeting added: “Everyone will be astounded that these horrific crimes were committed against patients in their most vulnerable states… The fact that this happened in the NHS is frightening.”
In contrast, the NHS said in a statement: “We are taking action to ensure the safety of patients and staff, including introducing better reporting, training and support mechanisms, as part of the new NHS Sexual Safety Charter.”
For his part, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health said: “Sexual violence or misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and has no place in the NHS, and NHS organizations have a responsibility to protect staff and patients alike.”
The spokesman continued: “We work closely with the NHS to ensure that anyone receiving treatment in a mental health facility receives safe, high-quality care, and is cared for with dignity and respect.”
2024-01-29 17:25:00
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