Sexual assaults in psychiatric in-patient units: the importance of a consistent approach

Abstract

Aims and Method In order to establish whether there is consistency in the management of sexual assault allegations in a psychiatric in-patient unit, and to assess quality of data recording, a manual search of 177 case notes included in an audit project, carried out between October 1997 and May 1999 was carried out. Each recorded allegation was noted on a standard form. Results There was little consistency between cases, and data recording was patchy. Clinical Implications There is no accurate method of recording or monitoring alleged sexual assault in the trust studied. In spite of a policy document, these cases are dealt with ad hoc.