Are LGBT Survivors Speaking Out Against NHS Shock Therapy?

Recent investigations have revealed that over 250 individuals were subjected to Electric Shock Aversion Therapy (ESAT) in NHS hospitals between 1965 and 1973, a practice intended to change sexual preferences and gender identities. Survivors have come forward to recount their harrowing experiences, prompting government investigations and calls for formal apologies from the NHS.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The issue of ESAT is gaining renewed attention as more survivors share their traumatic experiences from decades past. The government has announced plans to investigate the historical use of ESAT in NHS facilities, recognising the need for accountability and justice for those affected. Survivors are calling for formal apologies from both the NHS and the government, as well as a comprehensive ban on conversion practices in the UK, which remain legal despite widespread condemnation.

Key takeaways

Over 250 people received ESAT in NHS hospitals from 1965 to 1973.
Survivors report severe physical and psychological trauma from the treatment.
The government plans to investigate the historical use of ESAT.
Calls for formal apologies from the NHS and government are growing.
Conversion practices remain legal in the UK despite pledges to end them.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline detailing the historical context and significant events related to the use of ESAT in the NHS:

1965-1973: More than 250 individuals undergo ESAT in NHS hospitals across the UK.
2017: NHS England and the Royal College of Psychiatrists pledge to cease conversion therapy practices.
October 2023: The BBC investigation reveals the scale of ESAT and prompts government action to investigate its historical use.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent BBC investigation has unveiled the extent of ESAT's application on individuals, with survivor accounts shedding light on the severe physical and psychological effects experienced. It highlights the urgent need for recognition and accountability from the NHS and government.

What was already established

It has been known for years that conversion therapies, including ESAT, were used in the UK, but the scale and specific details of their implementation had not been fully documented or understood until now. Historical perspectives on these practices have been critiqued for their ethical implications.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The revelations surrounding ESAT have stirred public outrage and concern about the ethical implications of past NHS practices. Survivors are seeking recognition and support for their suffering, and the need for a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy is becoming increasingly urgent. This could lead to changes in how mental health services are regulated and delivered, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, especially those in the healthcare and counselling sectors, these findings may prompt a reevaluation of practices regarding mental health treatment and the ethical guidelines that govern them. Organizations may need to implement stricter standards to avoid any semblance of coercive or harmful practices.

Policy and regulation

The investigation's findings could catalyse significant policy changes, including the long-awaited ban on conversion practices. The government has indicated a commitment to addressing these historical injustices, which may lead to new legislation aimed at protecting individuals from coercive therapies.

Numbers that matter

250+: The number of individuals reportedly treated with ESAT in NHS hospitals from 1965 to 1973.
1,000: Estimated cases of ESAT across the UK, according to research by Prof Hel Spandler.
3: The number of survivors featured in the BBC investigation, sharing their traumatic experiences.
73: The number of individuals treated at the Crumpsall Hospital trial, the largest known study of ESAT.
50 years: The duration since the last reported ESAT treatments in the UK.

Definitions and jargon buster

Electric Shock Aversion Therapy (ESAT): A controversial practice used to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through painful electric shocks.
Conversion practices: Therapeutic or pseudo-therapeutic practices aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, often involving coercion and psychological harm.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to severe anxiety, flashbacks, and other symptoms.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, attention will be focused on the government's investigation into the historical use of ESAT. Survivors and advocacy groups will likely push for public hearings and testimonies to bring greater awareness to this issue.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Further developments may include the drafting of legislation to ban conversion practices and the implementation of policies aimed at supporting survivors. Advocacy efforts will continue to gain momentum, urging for formal apologies and reparations.

Signals to watch

Government announcements regarding the investigation's findings.
Progress on the proposed legislation to ban conversion practices.
Public response and advocacy movements pushing for justice and recognition for survivors.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the government's response to the investigation and proposed legislation.
Support advocacy groups working to protect LGBTQ+ rights.
Engage in discussions about mental health and ethical treatment practices.

Don’t

Ignore the historical context and implications of conversion therapy practices.
Dismiss the experiences of survivors as isolated incidents.
Assume that the issue has been resolved without legislative action.

Checklist

Research the history of conversion practices in the UK.
Familiarise yourself with the current legal status of conversion therapy.
Identify local LGBTQ+ advocacy organisations to support.
Monitor announcements from the government regarding the planned ban on conversion practices.
Engage with mental health services that prioritise ethical treatment standards.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the investigation into ESAT is a crucial step towards acknowledging past injustices, uncertainties remain regarding the full extent of the practice and its psychological impact on survivors. Many treatments were not formally recorded, leading to difficulties in establishing a comprehensive understanding of its use in the UK. Additionally, the ongoing legality of conversion practices raises concerns about the potential for similar abuses to continue in unregulated environments.

Bottom line

The revelations surrounding Electric Shock Aversion Therapy have opened a critical dialogue about the historical treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK. As the government commits to investigating these practices, the urgency for a formal apology and comprehensive ban on conversion practices grows. The experiences of survivors highlight the need for ethical standards in mental health treatment and the importance of protecting individual rights.

FAQs

What is Electric Shock Aversion Therapy (ESAT)?

ESAT is a controversial treatment aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity by inflicting painful electric shocks to create negative associations with same-sex attraction.

How many people underwent ESAT in the UK?

Recent investigations have revealed that more than 250 individuals were subjected to ESAT in NHS hospitals between 1965 and 1973, with estimates suggesting the actual number may be closer to 1,000.

Are conversion practices still legal in the UK?

Yes, conversion practices remain legal in the UK, despite pledges from the government and NHS to ban such practices. Ongoing advocacy efforts aim to address this issue and protect individuals from coercive treatments.