Putting women in the picture: Alliance urges gender focus in implementation of historic mental health reforms

The Women’s Mental Health Alliance today welcomed the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, but expressed disappointment that it did not address the specific needs of women and girls.˜We commend the Commission for highlighting the role of inequality in shaping mental health and wellbeing,’ said Mischa Barr, Policy & Health Promotion Manager at Women’s Health Victoria and Chair of the Women’s Mental Health Alliance. ˜Yet we know women and girls experience higher rates of mental ill-health than men and boys “ for a range of reasons “ so we were surprised not to see this reflected in the Royal Commission’s recommendations.’The Alliance welcomed the Commission’s strong position on the need for action to address gender-based violence in mental health facilities.More information on the Women’s Mental Health Alliance here.