Get the Facts About the Torturous Electric Shock of Vulnerable NSW Children and Adults
In response to growing concerns about psychiatric treatments including electric shock, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is displaying its Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibition in Sydney again, following a high level of community interest and engagement during its previous showing. This free-to-attend exhibit provides the public with facts about the potential dangers of psychiatric drugs, electric shock, and physical restraint—treatments that can place vulnerable adults and children at significant risk of harm, and even death.
This is a critical exhibit for anyone concerned about psychiatric practices in NSW including the use of electric shock which most people think is already banned.
The use of electric shock (ECT- electroconvulsive therapy) involves administering hundreds of volts of electricity to the brain to induce a seizure. Not only can it be given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly in NSW, it can be given up to 4 times in one session. ECT can cause serious side effects including heart attack, stroke, permanent memory loss, and, in some cases, death.
For years peak world bodies have called for a ban on forced electric shock without consent and to ban its use on children:
- In 2005, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, "There are no indications for the use of ECT on minors, and hence this should be prohibited through legislation." And in 2023, the United Nations (UN) and WHO stated together, "ECT is not recommended for children, and this should be prohibited through legislation." ECT remains legal for use on NSW children.
- Electric shock can also be given against a person's wishes in NSW, despite a 2013 report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment that defined procedures such as electric shock without the consent of the patient as a form of torture.
- In 2019, the United Nations directly told Australia it should, "Prohibit the use of non-consensual electroconvulsive therapy on the basis of any form of impairment." Nearly 6 years later and NSW has not implemented this ban.
- And in 2021, the World Health Organization stated that forced electric shock is one of the coercive psychiatric practices which needs to be eliminated.
Despite these experts instructions and warnings, forced electric shock orders made by the NSW Mental Health Tribunal continue, with 366 made in 2023/24 alone. A further three forced electric shock orders were made for children, one for a 15-year-old and two for 17-year-olds.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to sign a petition calling for a ban on the use of electric shock in NSW. Free copies of CCHR's documentaries will be available.
The exhibition features informational panels and audiovisual presentations, including interviews with psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors, lawyers, and survivors of psychiatric mistreatment. It covers the dark history of psychiatry right through to modern-day psychiatry with its alarming rate of psychiatric drug prescriptions to children as well as the use of electric shock, psychosurgery, restraint and seclusion. It highlights the need for fully informed consent when psychiatric treatments are proposed, ensuring that patients and their families are fully aware of the potential dangerous and even deadly risks before agreeing to any intervention.
The free-to-attend Psychiatry: An Industry of Death exhibition will be open to the public for 2 days from Friday 31st January 2025 at the below times:
Exhibition Details:
- Dates: Friday, 31 January 2025 (10am to 9pm) and Saturday, 1st February (10am to 7pm).
- Venue: Embassy Conference Centre, 826 George Street, Sydney (corner of George and Regent Streets, near Central Station)
- Footage Rating: MA15+ (Strong Themes, Surgical Procedures)
