WOMEN admitted to psychiatric wards
commonly suffer sexual and physical abuse at the hands of the male
patients they are treated alongside, a survey shows.
A Victorian study presented at an international
mental health conference in Melbourne shows more than 60 per cent of
women questioned had been the victims of harassment or abuse by male
patients.
The disturbing findings were supported by a survey of mental health
staff, with 70 per cent saying they were aware of harassment or abuse
of female patients.peHeather Clarke, from the Victorian Women and
Mental Health Network, said the figures highlighted the fact that many
women admitted to psychiatric wards did not feel safe.
"The situation is most concerning in areas of wards where staff are
not always present, or in cases where patients are heavily medicated,
making them more vulnerable to abuse," Ms Clarke said.
Continued here............http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23396945-29277,00.html
This is a story reported in Australia but I am sure it is happening all over the world and should be addressed.