Confidential Forum

Acknowledging the Pain of the Past

Te Aiotanga - Report of the Confidential Forum for Former in Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals is a major milestone in the history of psychiatric institutionalisation in New Zealand. It places on public record the perspective of patients and their families the experience of treatment received in psychiatric hospitals between the 1940's-1990s. The stories of loss, pain, grief, experimentation, abuse, neglect and isolation serves as a perpetual record that the institutionalisation of any groups of vulnerable people seriously compromises human rights. Using similar principles of restorative justice and influences of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission this unique process has respectfully listened to the real stories about the experience of institutional culture from 493 people. The generosity, courage and dignity of those who participated and those who administered the process is evident in the report and provides New Zealand with the ability to move forward with a mental health system that is based on human rights.

Balance NZ bipolar and depression network website has and insightful article by Anne Helm who was a member of the forum.