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Allegations of Abuse
in Institutions |
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Mental health providers say the
incidents described in a report into psychiatric institutions before 1992
should never be forgotten, but it is time to move on. A report by principal Family Court
judge Patrick Mahony outlines the testimonial of around 500 people who were
in state-run institutions from the 1940s until 1992. Patients described rape
and sexual abuse, being forced to sleep in crowded dormitories, spending the
day in smoke filled rooms infested with rats and cockroaches and of being
lined up naked to be hosed down before being forced into cold showers and
baths. Pregnant women were given shock treatment which put their babies at
risk. One patient said if they complained they were told no one would believe
them. Judy Clements, chief executive of
the Mental Health Foundation, says some of the former patients are scarred
for life by their experiences and while some will find relief through
therapy, most will suffer with the memories forever. She says it is important
that Attorney-General Michael Cullen
says the Government will consider how to address the abuses. He says
compensation would be demeaning for some former patients.
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