Ending seclusion and restraint use in Victoria’s mental health services: The implications for women of the Royal Commission’s recommendations

Abstract

This article discusses the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System relating to the reduction and elimination of the use of seclusion and restraint. The author focuses on the implications of these recommendations for women. She argues that the Royal Commission’s proposals stand to benefit all mental health consumers but did not address the full range of gender-specific experiences and needs of women. The Andrews government has committed to implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations, and the author identifies a range of issues that must be attended to in order to ensure these matters are dealt with.