More support needed for victims of sex abuse, says RCN

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today called for more support to address the mental health needs of adults who have been sexually abused.

The RCN issued their call at their annual Mental Health Forum at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast on Friday.

Chair of the RCN Mental Health Forum, PJ Taylor, said: “Today is World Mental Health Day, which is the perfect opportunity to highlight some of the mental health problems we face in Northern Ireland.

“It has been shown that a history of sexual abuse can lead to more medical problems, lower health status and more medical procedures. However, in terms of mental health, the effects of high levels of anxiety and depression can lead to self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug abuse, self-harm and anti-social behaviour.

“In Northern Ireland, we are over-dependent on the voluntary sector to service the needs of those who have been sexually abused and there is a waiting list of nine months to a year."

Mr Taylor said more staff training was needed in dealing with such issues and that good support structures also needed to be put in place for nurses working in this area since they are often traumatised themselves by the details of individual cases.

(MB)