Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 32(2) April 1998 : 206-213

This study ascertained the responses of staff in a New Zealand psychiatric inpatient unit to the knowledge that patients had been subjected to sexual or physical abuse, in childhood or adulthood. The medical records of 100 consecutive admissions were examined and staff response was measured in terms of acquiring information about previous treatment for, or disclosure of, abuse; providing information, support or counselling during hospitalisation; reporting to legal authorities; and referring for ongoing abuse counselling. Of the 100 inpatients, 57 were men and 43 were women (mean age was 37.6 years). Results showed that 32 disclosed abuse, of which 44% were men and 56% were women. Eleven files included documentation of previous treatment or disclosure; none were reported to have received support, counselling or information while in hospital; and three referrals were made for ongoing counselling. Discussion includes recommendations regarding the need for unit policies that ensure routine abuse inquiry and staff training concerning response to abuse disclosures.