Mind ~ People with Mental Health Problems
& Crime Victim Services Campaign
At risk, yet dismissed: The campaign story
In 2007, we set out to explore the experiences of people with mental health problems as victims of crime. Our groundbreaking research revealed shockingly high rates of victimisation.
Through our Another Assault campaign, we were successful in gaining policy changes within the Police and Crown Prosecution Service. We also provided toolkits and guides to help services better understand the needs and experiences of people with mental health problems.
Following on from this success, we formed a partnership with Victim Support and several academic institutions to carry out further research into people’s experiences. The two year research project was funded by the Big Lottery Fund and led by Victim Support.
The research investigated whether people with mental health problems are more likely to be victims of crime. It also explored the barriers people with mental health problems face in reporting crime and accessing justice and what helps them, or could help them, to report crime and access justice.
The findings of this research are reported in our October 2013 reportAt risk, yet dismissed. It paint a stark reality. People with mental health problems are at an extremely high risk and much more likely to be victims of crime than the general population. The impact of crime on people with mental health problems is also substantial and is far greater than for those without.
- Read the report At risk, yet dismissed.
At risk, yet dismissed
Being a victim of crime is a horrible experience for anyone to cope with. When you have a mental health problem the impact on your life can be even worse.
The people who are supposed to support you like police and healthcare staff may not believe you, dismiss your experience or even blame you for the crime. This is unacceptable. People with mental health problems have an equal right to justice.
On 7 October, in partnership with Victim Support, we published the report At risk, yet dismissed. It reveals that people with mental health problems are:
- three times more likely to be a victim of crime than the general population
- five times more likely to be a victim of assault and rises to 10 times more likely if you’re a woman
- more likely to be a repeat victim of crime
- far less likely to be satisfied with the service they receive.
We’re calling on the police and commissioners, criminal justice system, healthcare staff, and local and national government to work together and improve services for people with mental health problems who are the victims of crime.
Take action now
- Email today to change this. Tell your local Police and Crime Commissioner and demand they prioritise mental health and improve services for victims living with mental health problems.