Victims of sexual abuse to be given lifetime mental health care

NHS England has announced that victims of sexual abuse will receive a lifetime of mental health care to help cope with the trauma.

NHS England’s Strategic direction for sexual assault and abuse services, which is backed by investment of £4 million per year, has been developed with survivors and victims of these crimes, alongside government and charities. As part of the plans, Sexual Assault Referral Centres will be integrated across community services and improved provision for men.

The strategy will also include easier access to treatment centres for combined physical and mental health treatment, a commitment that any victim and survivor of sexual assault or abuse will get trauma care throughout their lifetime and better access to information for the public on available services, how to access care and guidance to understand the long term impact of trauma. It will also provide support and guidance for all community services to join up care and prevent victims falling through the gaps between organisations.

Kate Davies, NHS England director of Sexual Assault Services, said: “The physical and emotional impact of sexual crimes lasts a lifetime, so it’s important that survivors can get the help they need, whenever they need it. The physical effect of these crimes is so shocking that it can be easy to overlook the long-term mental health needs, which may be less visible but not less harmful. Across England, the NHS is expanding care for people with mental ill health, whatever their condition, and our new guarantee of personal, joined-up and life-long care for those who have suffered sexual assault and abuse, will build on excellent progress to address a big gap in care.”

Jackie Doyle-Price, Minister for Mental Health and Inequalities, said: “The scars left by sexual violence may not always be visible, but they can be profound and long lasting – it is my priority that we have the best possible support available for survivors. NHS England’s new sexual assault strategy and the commitment within it to provide care that is better signposted, more joined up and long lasting is essential so that all survivors can access the support they need for as long as they need it. The more confident survivors are that they will get the right care and treatment, the better.”