Being believed, being heard – Stories of compulsory mental health treatment in Victoria

Victoria Legal Aid and the Independent Mental Health Advocacy service (IMHA) is pleased to announce the release a new report, Being believed, being heard – Stories of compulsory mental health treatment in Victoria.

About the report

This report is the result of a five-month project and tells the stories of 16 lived experience experts who have been subject to compulsory mental health treatment in Victoria, delivered as part of the review of compulsory treatment criteria and alignment of decision-making laws. It is also intended to inform broader mental health and wellbeing systems reform.

The report highlights the key themes and solutions identified by the project participants, including the lasting impacts of compulsory treatment, the challenges to accessing supports and services consumers want and need, as well as the barriers to the effective use of supported decision-making mechanisms.

Through this event, we will reflect on the stories and solutions outlined to consider the role of consumer leadership in mental health reform, and how ongoing systems reform can further strengthen supported decision-making in Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system.