Royal College of Psychiatrists apologises for failing adult survivors of child sexual abuse
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has issued a public apology, acknowledging decades of mismanagement and misdiagnosis of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse within the NHS.
Senior psychiatrists told one outlet that adults who were sexually abused as children are being let down by the NHS, prompting the Royal College of Psychiatrists to issue a formal apology for historic mismanagement. The college’s report criticises a system that prioritises symptom relief over exploring how past abuse continues to affect patients, often resulting in repeated assessments that re-traumatise individuals. Dr Lade Smith, the former president, said victims have endured avoidable harm and that the problem extends beyond psychiatrists to the whole mental-health infrastructure, which is fragmented and offers only brief, discreet episodes of care.
Survivors like Caroline Thompson recounted being misdiagnosed and prescribed medication after decades of hidden trauma. In response, the college has set up a working group, proposes mandatory trauma-informed training for all mental-health staff, and urges the publication of national guidance and service redesign to provide long-term support. Advocacy groups welcomed the apology but stressed that genuine change is essential for survivors to feel safe accessing care.
Why it matters
It highlights systemic gaps in mental-health care for survivors of childhood abuse and calls for reforms that could improve treatment for thousands.
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