The following pages contain a range of information and resources to enable the mental health sector to address the needs of survivors of child sexual abuse; similarly the higher education sector in ensuring that sexual abuse informs the pre-registration curriculum of mental health professionals. This includes an overview of current violence and abuse policy, it's implementation and comprehensive training resources for organisations and their staff.

Use the links below to read more.

1. Setting the scene

a)  Mental Health Services perspective

b)  Prevalence in Mental Health Services

c)  Impact and consequences of child sexual abuse

2. Violence and abuse mental health policy

a)  Rationale

b)  Policy detail

c)  Format of the abuse question in mental health assessments

d)  Survivor perspective

e)  Staff training in child sexual abuse

3.Policy implementation with central support (up to 31/3/10)

a)  Pilot process

b)  National rollout

c)  Higher Education sector

4. Way forward on implementation (from 1/10/10 onwards)

a)  Fundamental principles

b)  Planning for implementation

c)  Delivery of staff training in child sexual abuse:

d)  Materials for trainers

e)  Materials for all staff post-training

f)   Materials for staff in learning disability services post-training

g)  Clinical issues relating to child sexual abuse

h)  Higher Education sector

The National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU) is the agency charged with supporting the implementation of mental health policy in England by the Department of Health in collaboration with the NHS, Local Authorities and other major stakeholders.