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Shock Therapy for Sexuality: Survivors Demand Inquiry
17 Sep
Summary
- LGBT+ individuals were subjected to electric shock aversion therapy.
- The discredited treatment occurred in NHS hospitals during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Survivors report lasting physical and emotional trauma from the experiences.
Survivors of a discredited electric shock therapy, used in attempts to change their sexuality, are calling for a government inquiry into historical practices. BBC revelations uncovered that over 260 individuals were subjected to this controversial treatment in NHS hospitals during the 1960s and 1970s.
These individuals, now elderly, described experiencing significant physical and emotional trauma as a result of the therapy. The treatment involved showing patients images linked to same-sex attraction while administering painful electric shocks.
While the government has committed to drafting legislation to ban aversion therapy, survivors express disappointment that they have yet to receive an apology. They are demanding accountability for these experiences, highlighting the ongoing impact of this 'scandal'.
