Reporting sexual violence on mental health wards

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a scoping study that explored the extent of recorded sexual violence perpetrated on inpatients on mental health (MH) units. Design/methodology/approach A Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request was sent to 45 police forces. The FOI asked for the number of recorded offences of rape and sexual assault by penetration for the five years 2010-2015. Following the responses from the police, a similar FOI request was sent to MH trusts. Findings There were significant variations in the way that both police forces and MH trusts approached the recording of this information. Research limitations/implications The research highlights variation and inadequacy of current recording practices in relation to sexual offences committed against inpatients on MH units. Practical implications There needs to be more consistent systems of recording of allegations of sexual assault and responses to them by agencies. In the trust recording of these incidents, it is recommended that a specific category of sexual violence is created. On a national level, the Office for National Statistics should produce a national data set that records the number of rapes that are committed in MH inpatient units. Originality/value This paper highlights the “gap” of information in relation to recorded rape and may indicate that complainants with a history of mental illness are less likely to have their allegation recorded as a crime.

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Viewpoint: CPS guidance on prosecuting rape and sexual assault cases

The Journal of Adult Protection ◽

10.1108/jap-10-2018-0022 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 32-35

Author(s):

Marian Foley ◽

Ian Cummins

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Content Type ◽

Policy Context ◽

First Response

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight concerns about recent CPS guidance on the prosecution of rape and sexual assault cases.Design/methodology/approachThe paper places the CPS guidance in the wider policy context of concerns about sexual violence on mental health wards.FindingsThe paper concludes that the reported CPS guidance appears to run counter to other policy directives particularly the recent report from the CQC.Originality/valueThe paper is a first response to these issues.

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Informal mental health patients: what are they told of their legal rights?

Mental Health Review Journal ◽

10.1108/mhrj-09-2016-0019 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 51-62

Author(s):

Russell Ashmore ◽

Neil Carver

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Good Practice ◽

Public Access ◽

Legal Rights ◽

Freedom Of Information ◽

Freedom Of Information Act ◽

Content Type ◽

Freedom Of Movement ◽

Information Leaflets ◽

Written Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine what written information is given to informally admitted patients in England and Wales regarding their legal rights in relation to freedom of movement and treatment. Design/methodology/approach Information leaflets were obtained by a search of all National Health Service mental health trust websites in England and health boards in Wales and via a Freedom of Information Act 2000 request. Data were analysed using content analysis. Findings Of the 61 organisations providing inpatient care, 27 provided written information in the form of a leaflet. Six provided public access to the information leaflets via their website prior to admission. Although the majority of leaflets were accurate the breadth and depth of the information varied considerably. Despite a common legal background there was confusion and inconsistency in the use of the terms informal and voluntary as well as inconsistency regarding freedom of movement, the right to refuse treatment and discharge against medical advice. Research limitations/implications The research has demonstrated the value of Freedom of Information Act 2000 requests in obtaining data. Further research should explore the effectiveness of informing patients of their rights from their perspective. Practical implications Work should be undertaken to establish a consensus of good practice in this area. Information should be consistent, accurate and understandable. Originality/value This is the only research reporting on the availability and content of written information given to informal patients about their legal rights.

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Impact of exchange rates on exports from India’s sub-national economies

South Asian Journal of Business Studies ◽

10.1108/sajbs-09-2018-0100 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 166-184

Author(s):

Khee Giap Tan ◽

Sasidaran Gopalan ◽

Jigyasa Sharma

Keyword(s):

Exchange Rates ◽

Export Performance ◽

National Level ◽

Skewed Distribution ◽

Significant Finding ◽

Data Set ◽

Content Type ◽

National Economies ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of real effective exchange rates (REER), both in terms of levels and volatility, on the export performance of India’s sub-national economies, given the recent slowdown in India’s exports. Design/methodology/approach India’s export distribution is highly asymmetric, with 90 percent of India’s exports concentrated in 11 sub-national economies. Exploiting this concentration, this paper constructs a panel data set using available data between 2002 and 2014 to understand the relationship between REER and exports from the top exporting cluster. Moreover, the paper constructs a sub-national competitiveness index to capture the supply capacity of the states. Findings The empirical findings of this paper reveal that a higher REER volatility deters exports and movements in REER do not matter as much as volatility. The most significant finding of the paper is that state competitiveness is the most crucial factor affecting trade. Therefore, policy makers at the state level must lay more emphasis on the supply side such as addressing logistical bottlenecks to help revive exports growth. Originality/value This study makes a departure from the plethora of extant aggregate-level studies by examining the relationship between REER and exports at the sub-national level for India. Considering the highly skewed distribution of India’s exports, the study provides important insights into the exporting patterns and determinants that are at play at the sub-national level.

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Entrepreneurial orientation and performance of SMEs in the services industry

Journal of Organizational Change Management ◽

10.1108/jocm-01-2015-0020 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 194-212 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

María José Rodríguez-Gutiérrez ◽

Pilar Moreno ◽

Pilar Tejada

Keyword(s):

Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽

National Level ◽

Business Environment ◽

Data Set ◽

Unit Of Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

Competitive Success ◽

Resources And Capabilities ◽

Services Industry ◽

And Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine both the sources of competitiveness of small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) in the services industry measured by their capability to grow, and the relative importance of each of these sources. More specifically, the resources and capabilities of Spanish SMEs in the services industry that may become sources of competitive advantage are analysed. Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve this objective, this paper is organized as follows. First, a concise overview of prior research on determinants of performance of SMES is provided, outlining the role of factors regarding resources and capabilities. Second, a set of lineal regression models are performed to test the hypothesis research. In line with several previous studies, competitive success and performance of the company are approached through the recent evolution of firms in terms of employment, turnover and productive investment. The data set comes from a survey on Spanish SMEs operating in the services industry that was carried out between the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011. Findings – The findings reveal that entrepreneur characteristics, firm features and managerial attributes have significant effect on the business performance. The results from the empirical analysis indicate that competitive success of the Spanish SMEs in the service industry is conditioned by macroeconomic and social factors related to the general business environment and especially by business factors concerning the entrepreneurial orientation of the firm, these findings are consistent with those of earlier research conducted at both an international level a national level. Originality/value – The fundamental contribution of SMEs to the overall performance of the economy constitutes a crucial motive for researchers to investigate and examine the key success factors behind these enterprises. This issue has been analysed exhaustively for the manufactured goods industry, but has scarcely been addressed for the services industry. Thus, further research is needed to clarify the variables explaining survival and success for services SMEs. Furthermore, since this research is focused on the microeconomic level, by considering the firm as the unit of analysis, it contributes towards complementing previous research on this topic that has been conducted from a macroeconomic approach. Thus it attempts to provide certain empirical evidences for support the traditional academic debate between economic and administrative disciplines concerning the appropriate unit of analysis for the understanding and explanation of businesses competitiveness.

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The Consequences of Child Sexual Assault

10.31124/advance.13402787.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Arif Rohman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Child Victims ◽

Sexual Assaults ◽

Child Sexual Assault ◽

Physical Injuries ◽

Patriarchal Culture

The understanding of the origin and nature of child sexual assault and its consequences is urgent. It benefits to child victims and helping institutions and the professionals who working in it. This article shows that child sexual assault basically was the product of patriarchal culture and sexist society which tend to marginalise the women and children’s position, by creating some myths to legitimise male sexual violence. The occurrence of child sexual assaults has many consequences on children including physical and mental health. Another consequence is they may have to involve themselves in a prosecution process. Therefore, it is very important to understand the victim’s problem. Understanding and giving sympathy to them during the making of reports to the police, during recovery from physical injuries and trauma, and during a prosecution process can help them to reach integration level and stability. The good coordination and collaboration between agencies and professionals can lead to the friendly services to the victims. Furthermore, children will not alone facing their problem during the recovery.

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Sexual Violence and Its Associated Psychosocial Effects in Ireland

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260520978193 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 088626052097819

Author(s):

Frédérique Vallières ◽

Brynne Gilmore ◽

Ann Nolan ◽

Peggy Maguire ◽

Kristina Bondjers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sexual Abuse ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Psychosocial Outcomes ◽

Current Data ◽

Self Report ◽

Psychosocial Effects ◽

History Of

Current data on the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of sexual violence in the Republic of Ireland is lacking, with the most recent sexual abuse and violence survey dating back to 2001. The current study sought to identify what proportion of Irish adults have experienced sexual violence, if there are sex differences in exposure to different forms of sexual violence, and to what extent different forms of sexual violence are associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes. To achieve these objectives, we carried out a nationally representative sample of Irish adults ( N = 1,020) completed self-report measures of history of sexual violence and mental health. Results suggest that approximately one-in-three (34.4%) Irish adults experienced some form of sexual violence, including 14.8% who were sexually assaulted (raped) and 31.1% who were sexually harassed. Women were significantly more likely than men to have experienced all forms of sexual violence ( ps < .001), with the exception of sexual assault by a parent or guardian. All forms of sexual violence were associated with an increased likelihood of serious mental health problems, with sexual assault by a parent/guardian associated with several other psychosocial outcomes in life, including education achievement, history of being taken into state care, salary, and employment status. Sexual violence is a common experience in the general population and women are disproportionately affected (1-in-2 women versus 1-in-5 men). Additional resources to increase mental health care among survivors of sexual violence is urgently needed. How our findings compare to Ireland’s previous sexual abuse and violence survey and the implications of our findings for policy are discussed.

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Sexual violence and mental health services: a call to action

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796019000040 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (6) ◽

pp. 594-597 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Elizabeth Hughes ◽

Michael Lucock ◽

Charlie Brooker

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Routine Care ◽

Call To Action ◽

Clear Association ◽

History Of

AbstractPeople who experience sexual violence are highly likely to experience psychological and/or mental health (MH) problems as a result. People who use MH services often have a history of sexual assault and are also likely to be revictimised as an adult. Yet despite there being a very clear association, MH services are not yet performing routine enquiry, and even if they do, are not confident about how to record and manage disclosures. There is some emerging evidence that people with MH problems are exposed to sexual violence in inpatient MH settings, perpetrated by both other patients or members of staff. In this editorial, we explore the evidence to support a wider focus on sexual violence as a part of routine care, as well as some recommendations about how staff can more effectively discuss sexual issues including that of sexual victimisation.

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Sexual violence and suicidal ideation among French adults, a mediation analysis

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.576 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

F El-Khoury ◽

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Mediation Analysis ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Objectives Sexual violence against women is endemic and is linked with a host of mental health problems and suicidal behaviour. We test whether sexual violence is more prevalent and have more damaging psychological effects among women compared to men, and quantify its mediating role in the association between sex and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Methods We used data from the “Health Barometer” (Baromètre Santé) 2017 a cross-sectional phone survey, which recruited a nationally representative sample of French adults aged 18 to 75 years in 2017 (n = 25319). Data were weighted to be representative of the French adult population. Outcomes included suicidal ideation, imagery of suicide, and suicide attempts in the preceding year. We conducted mutlivariable mediation analysis using the counterfactual approach to evaluate the contribution that lifetime sexual violence has in the association between sex and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Results We found that women are five times more likely to have experienced sexual victimisation, and are more at risk of any suicidal ideation and imagery of suicide in the preceding year compared to men. Women and men had comparable rates of suicide attempts in the preceding year. We estimated that 47% of the increased risk of suicidal ideation in the preceding year women have compared to men is mediated by lifetime sexual assault. Lifetime sexual assault also explained 39% of the association between sex and having imagery of suicide. Discussion Our findings reiterate the importance of the prevention of sexual violence and an adequate care for sexual assault victims, especially women, in public health and mental health policies and initiatives. Key messages Women are five times more likely to have experienced sexual victimisation compared to men, and are more likely to suffer from suicidal ideation in the preceding year. Experience of lifetime sexual violence contributes substantially (around 50%) to women’s increased likelihood of suicidal ideation compared to men.

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Delivering national public mental health – experience from England

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-06-2018-0032 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 112-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ian F. Walker ◽

Jude Stansfield ◽

Lily Makurah ◽

Helen Garnham ◽

Claire Robson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

National Level ◽

Public Mental Health ◽

Content Type ◽

Technical Paper ◽

Track Record ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Prevention And Health Promotion ◽

Policy Priority

Purpose Mental health is an emerging health policy priority globally. The emphasis on closing the treatment gap in psychiatric services is now being complemented by an increasing focus on prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this paper is to describe the programmes and delivery of public mental health in England led by Public Health England (PHE), an arms-length body of the Department of Health and Social Care. Design/methodology/approach This technical paper outlines the general approach PHE has taken in delivering national work in public mental health and describes several key areas of work: children and young people, suicide prevention, workplace and workforce, strategic engagement with stakeholders, data and information and evidence synthesis. Findings A description of the various programmes and guidance documents that PHE have produced are described and referenced, which form a substantial body of work in public mental health. Practical implications The outputs from PHE may assist in informing the approach to public mental health that other government agencies could consider adopting. The resources described and signposted within this technical paper are publicly available for readers. Originality/value England is one of a small group of countries that have a track record in delivering public mental health at a national level. This paper gives a unique and detailed insight into this work.

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GoodYarn: building mental health literacy in New Zealand’s rural workforce

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-07-2017-0027 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 180-190 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kate Morgaine ◽

Louise Thompson ◽

Katie Jahnke ◽

Rebecca Llewellyn

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Mental Health Literacy ◽

Positive Impact ◽

National Level ◽

Mental Health Promotion ◽

Content Type ◽

Rural Workforce ◽

The Impact

Purpose “GoodYarn” is a skills-based workshop that focusses on building mental health literacy in rural communities, members of which are known to experience geographic, attitudinal and service configuration barriers to accessing mental health services. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the GoodYarn project on raising mental health literacy in the rural community. Design/methodology/approach GoodYarn is primarily for farmers, their families and farm workers, as well as the “farmer facing” workforce. The focus on mental health literacy aligns with the mental health promotion approach of using methods that foster supportive environments. By raising the mental health literacy of those not directly needing help, but in positions to help those that do – such as employers, rural professionals and rural support industries who are well placed to perceive stressors in farmers – GoodYarn builds a community with the knowledge and skills to identify and approach those experiencing mental distress or illness, and direct them to appropriate support and services. All participants in the GoodYarn workshops (n=430) were invited to complete a questionnaire at the end of the workshop. All participants answered the questionnaire, with over 80 per cent answering all questions. Findings Participant feedback affirmed the utility of GoodYarn as an effective vehicle to facilitate the discussion of mental illness in rural farming communities of New Zealand. GoodYarn had a significant positive impact on the three immediate workshop indicators of awareness, confidence and knowledge (p<0.001 for all three indicators). Further, the high level of concordance in workshop outcomes across various organisations’ delivery indicates programme consistency and quality has been maintained throughout the upscaling of the programme. Originality/value The uptake of the GoodYarn programme by rural organisations and communities at a national level, and the positive evaluation results, provide encouragement that building mental health literacy in the rural workforce is a promising mental health promotion strategy.

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