The term "mental illness" strikes horror if not terror into members of the general public. It is a term that regularly suffers abuse or misuse by ill-meaning people who use it to the disadvantage of others.

The same is the case with other front line services that are not aware of mental health issues. For instance, a discreet report by an offending police officer to the person who is investigating his case that the victim has a mental issue kills the case. Such regulatory bodies as the IPCC, FOS, and others will benefit from asking some of the following questions:

What is the diagnosis? Who gave the diagnosis? When was it given? Who is the care giver, care co-ordinator or social worker?

Answers to the above questions will clarify whether the subject has a mental health issue or not.