‘Breaking the silence’: Sexual victimisation in an old age psychiatry patient population in Flanders

Background Sexual violence (SV) is linked to mental health problems in adulthood and old age. However, the extent of sexual victimisation in old age psychiatry patients is unknown. Due to insufficient communication skills in both patients and healthcare workers, assessing SV in old age psychiatry patients is challenging. Aims To assess lifetime and sexual victimisation in the past 12‐months, correlates and SV disclosure in an old age psychiatry population. Methods Between July 2019 and March 2020, 100 patients at three old age psychiatry wards across Flanders participated in a face‐to‐face structured interview receiving inpatient treatment. The participation rate was 58%. We applied the WHO definition of SV, encompassing sexual harassment, sexual abuse with physical contact without penetration, and (attempted) rape. Results In 57% of patients (65% F, 42% M) SV occurred during their lifetime and 7% (6% F, 9% M) experienced SV in the past 12‐months. Half of the victims disclosed their SV experience for the first time during the interview. Only two victims had disclosed SV to a mental health care professional before. Conclusions Sexual victimisation appears to be common in old age psychiatry patients, yet it remains largely undetected. Although victims did reveal SV during a face‐to‐face interview to a trained interviewer, they do not seem to spontaneously disclose their experiences to mental health care professionals. In order to provide tailored care for older SV victims, professionals urgently need capacity building through training, screening tools and care procedures. Key Points Sexual victimisation appears to be common in old age psychiatry patients. Over 57% of patients experienced sexual violence (SV) during their lifetime, 7.3% in the past 12‐months Sexual victimisation remains largely undetected in old age psychiatry patients. Only two victims had disclosed SV to a mental health care professional before the interview Victims did reveal SV during a face‐to‐face interview to a trained interviewer. Half of the victims disclosed SV for the first time during the interview To better detect signs, prevent, mitigate and respond to SV in old age psychiatry patients, professionals urgently need capacity building through training, detection tools and care procedures