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Supporting women’s sexual safety in acute mental health settings

Last Reviewed: 04/10/2022
womens safety in mental health

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Sexual safety in mental health settings is being increasingly recognised as a complex issue and a crucial aspect of organisational and practice responsibilities. However, concerns have been raised in relation to sexual safety for service users admitted to mental health inpatient wards in the UK. While sexual safety is a concern for everyone, the experiences and nature of concerns may vary across different groups and between individuals. It is also acknowledged that although interest in sexual safety is increasing, there remains limited evidence available from the perspectives of those who use mental health services. This article defines sexual safety and discusses its various components, and discusses a project that was undertaken to explore women’s perspectives and experiences of sexual safety in inpatient mental health settings. It also provides recommendations for maintaining sexual safety in clinical practice.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to enhance your understanding of the various components of sexual safety

to learn about women's perspectives and experiences of sexual safety in inpatient mental health settings

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers).

Authors

Marie Davis

Assistant Forensic Psychologist - Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, England

Julie McGarry

(bank) Domestic Abuse and Sexual Safety Lead - Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, England

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

Supporting women’s sexual safety in acute mental health settings

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 2 Nov 2024.
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Last Reviewed: 04/10/2022