This report investigates and documents experiences of gender-based violence occurring in adult mental health inpatient units and perpetrated against women, in order to inform how policy and practice can be improved to make these environments safe for women.

This was explored through the following two research questions:

1. What are the experiences of gender-based violence for women staying in adult inpatient mental health units?
2. How can these experiences inform and improve policy and service delivery?

Based in Victoria, the study involved:

• in-depth interviews with 11 women who had experienced gender-based violence during a stay in a mental health inpatient unit;
• workshops with service providers; and
• an analysis of relevant policies from across Australia.

The report includes recommendations for policy and practice.