NHS failing child sex abuse victims in adulthood, say psychiatrists
There have been decades of mistreatment and mismanagement of those who seek help later in life, say experts in a new, damning report.
Senior psychiatrists from the Royal College of Psychiatrists have publicly apologized for the mismanagement and misdiagnosis of child sex abuse victims seeking help in adulthood. The college claims that mental health staff have been too focused on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of trauma. While support for survivors has improved, the report emphasizes the need for better training and increased investment in services.
Psychiatrists struggle to allocate sufficient time to build relationships with patients, leading to inadequate support and potential re-traumatization through repeated assessments. Caroline Thompson, a 65-year-old survivor, shares her personal experience of being dismissed by a psychiatrist due to the delayed onset of her symptoms, ultimately leading to ongoing mental health issues that required private therapy to address.
The college's report calls for mandatory trauma-informed care training for all mental health staff and the creation of national guidance for recognizing and responding to historic child sex abuse disclosures.
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