Landmark statement on non-recent child sexual abuse
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has published a position statement calling for major changes in the support provided to adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
A new position statement from the Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for significant changes to the way mental health services support adult survivors of non-recent child sexual abuse (NRCSA), recognising that many have experienced inadequate care, re-traumatisation and barriers to disclosure when seeking help.
Published today, Addressing the impact of non-recent child sexual abuse on the mental health of adults (PS04/26) outlines recommendations relating to clinical care, education and training, commissioning, research and policy.
Dr Jo Stubley, who leads our award-winning Trauma Service, has played a key role in the development of the statement. For the past five years, she has co-chaired the College’s working group alongside Dr Maria Podlejska-Eyres, helping to bring together survivors, clinicians and researchers to shape the recommendations.
Commenting on the publication, Dr Stubley said: “This position statement acknowledges that the mental health system has let survivors down through inadequate training in disclosure, insufficient trauma-informed care, which has led to re-traumatisation for many, and an over-emphasis on diagnosis rather than a holistic approach that recognises the impact of child sexual abuse. It is a radical call for change to all professionals working in psychiatry, mental health and health and social care.”
Awareness of this need for change was a key driver behind the development of our Child sexual abuse disclosure: how to support adult survivors (DAA019) course.
Developed in collaboration with the Tavistock Trauma Service, a Lived Experience Advisory Panel of survivors and the Network for the Promotion of Change, this interactive, online course is designed to support professionals in receiving disclosures of child sexual abuse, understanding the impact of trauma, and providing more informed and compassionate support. Reflecting many of the priorities identified in the new position statement, it is uniquely placed to help organisations and services seeking to address the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ recommendations.
“The publication of this statement represents a critical moment for us all,” said Dr Stubley. “It is an opportunity to work together to achieve real system change, and create a healthcare service in which survivors can feel confident to disclose non-recent child sexual abuse, knowing that they will receive the support and treatment that they need.”
Intrigued? Learn more
Child sexual abuse disclosure: how to support adult survivors (DAA019) offers comprehensive guidance, support and resources to support professionals and volunteers who encounter survivors of childhood sexual abuse in their work.
The training can be undertaken at a time, pace and location that suits you.
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