Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 February 2001. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 8 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures are in place to reduce the number of adult victims of sexual abuse being admitted to mental hospitals; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to In the Frame: National Service Framework for mental health.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to reduce the number of adult victims of sexual abuse being admitted to mental hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [148594] Mr. Hutton: Sexual abuse does not have a diagnostic classification of its own, but may be part of other diagnoses under the International Classification of Diseases and related health problems (ICD). Therefore, adults who have been victims of sexual abuse may be admitted to hospital with another condition, but we are not able to separate such cases from the data. We are well aware of the impact which sexual abuse during childhood may have on mental health in later life, a point which is elaborated in the National Service Framework for mental health. The NSF sets out how people should be able to get quicker access to more effective treatments in and through primary care, with support from specialised services where necessary.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 148594; 362 c654W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Abuse Health services Mental health services Mental health Sexual offences Victims
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk