Chapter 16 - The Relationship Between Violence and Mental Health Inequality in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities

Summary

The illegal killing of George Floyd led to Black Lives Matter protests around the world and energised the call for discrimination to be addressed in society. In this chapter we explore evidence of mental health inequalities in those from BAME communities and acknowledge that some groups in society, who may or may not identify as BAME, such as asylum seekers travellers and the LGBTQ+ community, also face discrimination. We mention the theory of intersectionality, racial gaslighting and the detrimental impact of austerity on health outcomes. Readers are reminded of the historical reports into the deaths of Michael Martin, Joseph Watts and David ‘Rocky’ Bennett and of the 2002 Sainsburys Centre review which identified a ‘circle of fear’. The finding of the independent review of the MHA and the recently published rapid review of ethnic health disparities by the NHS Race and Health Observatory are highlighted. NHS England and NHS Improvement’s Advancing Mental Health Equalities Strategy, the RCPsych equality action plan, and The Patient and Carers Race Equalities Framework (PCREF) are explained. Stereotyping of black males and the disproportionate use of force (including tasers), is discussed and the authors call for the implementation of mandatory training covering the nature of discrimination.