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March 7, 2026BJPsych Bulletin0 citationsOpen Access

Patients’ experiences of sexual violence in psychiatric in-patient care: systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies

YDYue DengJBJoanne ButlerSOSian Oram

Key Points

  • This research aims to explore patients' experiences of sexual violence in psychiatric in-patient settings and the contributing factors.
  • Conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies
  • Analyzed patients' accounts of experiences and challenges
  • Identified themes related to ward cultures and safeguarding practices
  • Inadequate safeguarding measures lead to persistent risks of sexual violence
  • Ward cultures often normalize harm and discourage safe disclosure
  • There is a significant need for trauma-informed and gender-sensitive practices

Abstract

Sexual violence in psychiatric in-patient care is enabled by ward cultures that normalise harm, weak safeguarding and gendered power imbalances. Urgent action is needed to implement trauma-informed, gender-sensitive practices and secure spatial boundaries and consistent incident responses, alongside policies that enable safe disclosure and accountability.

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Cite This Study

Deng et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69abc1765af8044f7a4ea214https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2026.10222
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