Sexual assaults in psychiatric in-patient units: The importance of a consitent 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.