‘I AM MORE THAN ONE THING’: A guiding paper by Imkaan, Positively UK and Rape Crisis England and Wales on women and mental health
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
Methods
)
Parameters of the Work
Literature Review
2
3
4
5
Health impact of violence against women and girls
Overlapping and intersecting areas of marginalisation
7
Gaps in statutory responses
National policy context
REGIONAL CASE STUDIES Women’s experiences of support services Challenges and barriers to seeking help
10
Responses of professionals
Women’s suggestions for improving support
Local policy context
COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE
LONDON (ISLINGTON)
LONDON (ISLINGTON) (continued)
SHEFFIELD
SHEFFIELD (continued)
Women’s sector perspectives A lack of statutory service understanding of the impact of violence on women’s mental health:
A lack of gendered analysis in local mental health policies
Specific gaps in mainstream understanding of mental health support needs for particular vulnerable groups
Restrictive thresholds for accessing appropriate support
Lack of consistent care
A lack of policy level recognition of women’s services as key to improving mental health
Concerns about funding and commissioning processes
Suggestions for improving current practice
Key issues emerging from local interviews and focus groups
CONCLUDING COMMENTS AND RECOMENDATIONS
12
Recommendations
Promising practice example of a third sector women’s specialist service that provides emotional support to women
Promising practice example of a specialist sexual violence service
Promising practice example of a peer support project
REFERENCES
Local Policy