RP.17.07
Preventing gender-based violence in inpatient mental health units
January 2020
This project explored and documented the experiences of gender-based violence occurring in mental health inpatient units to inform recommendations for how policy and practice can be improved to make these environments safe for women.
The project investigated the circumstances in which gender-based violence is occurring as a result of mental health inpatient stays and what could have prevented the violence from occurring. The research used as its foundation the involvement of women who have experienced violence and drew on their knowledge to provide recommendations for future prevention and to promote the best interests and safety of women.
The project was informed by two research questions:
- What are the experiences of gender-based violence for women staying in adult mental health inpatient units?
- How can these experiences inform and improve policy and service delivery?
The Research report includes Guidelines for ensuring women’s safety in mental health inpatient units.
Researchers
Project lead
Dr Juliet Watson, RMIT University (Early Career Researcher)
Research expertise
Dr Chris Maylea, RMIT University
A/Prof Suellen Murray, RMIT University
A/Prof Russell Roberts, Charles Sturt University
Practice expertise
Mental Health Legal Centre Inc.
NorthWestern Mental Health
Victoria Legal Aid
Downloads
Presentations
Safe for women? Preventing gender-based violence in mental health inpatient units
Drawing on findings from ANROWS research led by Dr Juliet Watson of RMIT University titled “Preventing gender-based violence in mental health inpatient units”, this panel of advocates, researchers and practitioners discuss: women’s experiences of gender-based violence in inpatient mental health units, how current practices are not keeping women safe and what changes can be made to improve mental health inpatient services.
Priority populations
Women with disability (as explicit topic).
Budget
$123,645
Funded by Australian Commonwealth, state and territory governments under ANROWS’s 2017 core grant round.
find out more
Contact ANROWS
PO Box Q389, Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230
Email: [email protected]