20,000 documented cases of sexual incidents within mental health hospitals

 The recent joint investigation by The Independent and Sky News has uncovered a deeply disturbing situation within the mental health care system in the United Kingdom. 

Tens of thousands of mental health patients have been subjected to rape, sexual abuse, assault, or harassment while being treated in the National Health Service (NHS) mental hospitals.

This revelation, described as a “national scandal,” sheds light on a concerning pattern of sexual safety incidents that have occurred between 2019 and 2023 across more than 30 mental health trusts in England.

The investigation defines sexual safety incidents as any unwanted sexual behavior that makes a person feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

This includes severe offenses such as rape and sexual assault, as well as harassment, comments of a sexual nature, and exposure to nakedness.

Shockingly, the report reveals nearly 20,000 such incidents involving both patients and staff during the specified period.

The findings indicate a significant increase in reported incidents, with almost 4,000 sexual safety incidents reported between January and August 2023 alone—higher than the annual totals for both 2019 and 2020.

A separate freedom of information request revealed that out of more than 800 allegations of sexual assault and rape involving female patients across more than 20 trusts between 2019 and 2023, only 95 were reported to the police.

The failure to address these incidents adequately is highlighted by the fact that, despite commitments made in 2011 by the Department of Health to eradicate mixed-sex care across all inpatient services, allegations of rape and sexual assault in mixed-sex wards and shared spaces within NHS England psychiatric care continue to be reported.

Former Victim’s Commissioner Dame Vera Baird labeled the findings a “national scandal,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue.

Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the alleged crimes “horrific” and stressed the need for the government to take immediate action against the prevalence of mixed-sex wards in the NHS.

NHS England responded to the investigation, stating that it is taking steps to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

The measures include the implementation of better reporting mechanisms, training, and support. The organization has advised all trusts and local health systems to appoint a domestic abuse and sexual violence lead to support individuals in reporting incidents and accessing support.