Stigmatization and Marginalization of Forensic Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

In this article, we will explore evidence for structural and public stigmatization and marginalization of forensic psychiatric patients within mental health services and the human rights justice system. It can be argued that patients in secure and forensic services (often referred to as mentally disordered offenders) are potentially the most marginalized and extensively stigmatized of all patient cohorts, and that the extent to which they are discriminated against should not be under-estimated. We will also consider the potential for breaches of the Human Rights Act (1998) and associated injustices which may present in the treatment of these individuals, and how praxis can be improved so that harms are remedied and well-being and mutual respect improved.