Sexual Abuse in Mental Health Services

Sexual abuse and violence by mental health professionals has been investigated and reported on frequently over a number of years. 

An investigation by Sky News and The Independent in 2024 revealed that more than 800 reports of rape and sexual assault were made by female patients between 2019 and 2023. 

The focus has often been on abuse on mental health wards. The patients on these wards are extremely vulnerable and isolated, and they can lack capacity to make decisions about relationships. The abuser can be another patient in a mixed-sex unit or shared space or a member of staff. 

The 2024 investigation found that a significant number of mental health trusts were failing to apply the 2020 sexual safeguarding guidelines.  They also highlighted a failure to put an end to mixed-sex care in inpatient services which had been committed to by the Department of Health in 2011. 

Sexual abuse by mental health professionals is not however limited to mental health wards. Outpatients and those receiving care in the community are also at risk of abuse. There have also been many reports of sexual abuse by private therapists and counsellors.  

Remote appointments, home visits and private treatment clinics can make it easier for boundary violations, grooming and then abuse to take place. In these circumstances work colleagues are unlikely to notice that the dynamics of the relationship are wrong. 

Sexual contact between a mental health professional is a criminal offence and a breach of their professional code of conduct. The survivor of the abuse is often unable or unwilling to report the abuse to the police. Disclosure of the abuse can often only be made years later. Threats are often made by the abuser that any report of the abuse could affect their future treatment. The survivor will often be concerned that their complaint will not be taken seriously because the person is in a position of trust or that they will be blamed. 

A complaint to the appropriate regulator can be easier route to justice because the burden of proof is lower than in the criminal process. 

Sexual abuse is hugely damaging to the patient. The abuse compromises the healing process and makes it very difficult for any trust to be re-established with any subsequent treatment provider. 

Jordans Solicitors have a long history of successfully acting for vulnerable children and adults whom it is alleged were sexually abused while they were a patient or receiving care in the community.

Whilst we cannot undo what has happened, compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.

We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your treatment. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors.