A report obtained by the BBC shows yet again shocking information about a historical child abuse case at two former NHS mental health units in West Sussex.

Police have revealed that upon investigation, they have spoken to 12 alleged victims, and believe there are many more.

Former patients, as young as nine at the time, have said they were repeatedly sexually assaulted by staff at Larchwood and Colwood in Haywards Heath. The attacks at the two NHS facilities, designed to provide in-patient therapy and education for vulnerable children with neurodiverse or mental health conditions, occurred during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s - before the units then closed in the early 2000s.

Revealing horror of historical abuse

Police investigations are unravelling the truth of what happened at the NHS units.

One victim told the BBC that he was sent to Larchwood in the late 1970s after experiencing significant difficulties at home and school and tried to take his own life. During an exclusive interview with the BBC, he described the abuse he endured at the hands of a male member of staff.

He described how the abuse continued over time, with the perpetrator appearing confident that his actions would not be questioned or discovered due to his position within the institution.

Further victims speak up

Others who were child patients at Larchwood or Colwood between the 1970s and 1990s have spoken to the BBC and allege they were also sexually abused by staff. One woman remembered her time at Colwood in the late 1990s as being marked by poor standards of care, neglect and physical mistreatment, alongside the wider culture of abuse.

In addition to allegations of sexual abuse, accounts have emerged of violent incidents involving staff members. One former patient described witnessing a member of staff physically assaulting a young girl, resulting in her being forcefully thrown across the room.

These accounts paint a picture of institutions where vulnerable children were not only failed in their care but exposed to significant harm.

Sussex Police Inquiry

Several potential suspects have been identified by Sussex Police, none of which are believed to be currently working in positions that pose any ongoing risk to the public, but no arrests have been made at this stage.

Detective Inspector Cheryl Lewendon said the force still have a lot of people they are trying to identify, and want to speak to as many people as possible who were present during these times.

Police have also addressed concerns that earlier allegations, made in the 1990s and 2000s, were not adequately investigated. It has been recognised that previous inquiries were handled in isolation and that lessons have since been learned about the importance of examining abuse allegations in a broader and more joined-up way.

How Switalskis Can Help

At Switalskis, we understand how difficult talking about abuse can be. Unfortunately, we see time after time of BBC investigations and legal cases that show a pattern where victims are not heard, and failures to take allegations seriously.

Our experienced child abuse solicitors have extensive experience supporting cases of historical abuse at the hands of those who were supposed to protect them. We work with survivors and families who feel let down, ignored and retraumatised by the way their allegations were handled.

We can help support you by listening carefully to your story and explaining your legal options clearly  so you feel informed and supported. Our nationally recognised abuse team are here to help you understand your rights and take the next step when you feel ready.

To speak with one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 08001380 458 or contact us through the website.