Allegations of Abuse
in Institutions |
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Mental health providers say the
incidents described in a report into psychiatric institutions before 1992
will never be forgotten. 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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