Mind comments on research into rates of escape from secure hospitals

In response to research by the BBC into the numbers of mental health patients who escape from low-medium secure hospitals, Mind’s Chief Executive Paul Farmer said:

“The vast majority of mental health patients in low to medium secure mental health hospitals have committed no offence at all. The link between violence and mental health problems is grossly exaggerated. Any tragedies that do occur are terrible, but it’s important to recognise that such cases are rare. People with mental health problems are extremely unlikely to be dangerous. In fact, research shows that they are far more likely to be the victims of crime than the perpetrators.

Over the last 30 years the number of homicides by people with mental health problems in England and Wales has fallen by two-thirds. This can be in part attributed to the improvements that we have seen in treatments and care in the community. We need to see greater investment in such earlier intervention so that people get the help and support they need before they reach crisis point.”

***ENDS***

Notes to editors

• Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. www.mind.org.uk
• For more information, interviews and a range of case studies please contact Mind press office on T: 020 8522 1743 M: 07850 788514 E: press@mind.org.uk
• ISDN line available: 020 8221 0817.
• Please note that Mind is not an acronym and should be set in title case.