People's experiences

"Being picked on and judged and hated is very depressing... even now the bullies have gone I still feel I am not really entitled to live here. As if I am rubbish."

"I asked for a place of safety - it went horrible wrong. I was arrested and held naked in a police cell covered in urine, no food, little to drink."

"I invited people into my house and they basically drugged me and stole things. I don't know whether to report it or not because basically I feel that I made a mistake. I ended up … in a secure unit and I felt so stupid. I can't see if my reporting this to the police would help, or would it cause me further problems with the people who robbed me? I felt very confused about it, I was going to kill myself... I'm confused whether it's too late and I don't know who to go to talk about it."

"Initially, the Housing Authority acted as if I was making a fuss over nothing - the incidents wouldn't bother me if I wasn't a nutter."

"The police officer actually said that the client was probably imagining it or trying to get attention."

"My mental health deteriorated every time he assaulted me and I was disbelieved - which made me less and less credible."

"It is very difficult for people with mental health problems to overcome their personal anxieties, phobias, low self esteem and sense of isolation and make a complaint. Fear of consequences is another factor."
Support worker

"Most service users are all too aware that any complaint they make will not be taken seriously. When unwell it is difficult enough to summon the strength to complain without having to fight to be heard."
Advocacy worker

"It is my experience that people with mental health issues are seen as unreliable witnesses and therefore prosecutions are not followed through."
Support worker

"Someone who has attempted suicide on a number of occasions shouldn't be cross-examined on that when the charge is assault."
Victim Support officer

"Service users tend not to report crimes to the police. They don't think it is worth it - many claim it was their own fault that the incident happened. A lot of the time, many service users are lonely and invite strangers into their homes for company. Nine out of ten times this leads to some form of crime or abuse"
Support worker

Tell us about your experiences

We are still keen to gather information on people's experiences. If you would like to share your experiences then please contact the Campaigns team via action@mind.org.uk or by calling 020 8215 2424.
 

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