Health
Mind chief says mental health sector failed to acknowledge violence risk
Dr Sarah Hughes said anti-stigma efforts led charities to soften truths about rare but severe risks.
The short version
- Dr Sarah Hughes, chief executive of the charity Mind, stated that mental health organizations have avoided acknowledging the risk of violence posed by a minority of people with severe illnesses due to fears of causing stigma.[The Guardian]
- The comments were made ahead of the conclusion of the inquiry into the June 2023 Nottingham killings by Valdo Calocane, who had paranoid schizophrenia and a prior history of violent incidents.[The Guardian]
- Mind is preparing to publish a new strategy intended to balance treatment and support with public safety, including hospital capacity and assertive outreach.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Mind chief executive Dr Sarah Hughes said the charity sector softened the truth and failed to acknowledge that violence can occur in certain circumstances.[The Guardian]
- The remarks came as the public inquiry examined the June 2023 Nottingham attacks, in which Valdo Calocane killed three people and attempted to murder three others.[The Guardian]
- Calocane, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was sentenced in 2024 to an indefinite hospital order for manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility and attempted murder.[The Guardian]
- Forensic psychiatry professor Seena Fazel noted that while schizophrenia carries an elevated risk of violence, the absolute risk remains small and manageable with existing treatments.[The Guardian]
- Mind is preparing a strategy addressing public safety, hospital bed capacity, assertive outreach, and service accountability.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.