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Allegations of Abuse
in Institutions |
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Former in-patients of psychiatric
hospitals have talked of rape, physical and mental abuse, bullying and fear
in a harrowing report released today. The Government's just released the
final report of a group set up three years ago to help those in psychiatric institutions
until late 1992 to come to terms with the experience. The Confidential Forum was set up
by the Government with a focus on reconciliation rather than truth, blame or
compensation. Almost 500 people attended
hearings, and the report paints a bleak picture of their experiences. Most of those involved were
patients at places like Kingseat and Cherry Farm between the 1940s and 90s,
and they had no choice over their admission or treatment. The report details their fear,
humiliation, beatings, sexual misconduct and abuse, and over-medication. The Government's welcomed the
report and is to extend support services to all former patients in State care
during the period.
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