To what extent can postcolonial theory elucidate the phenomenological experiences of treatment under Mental Health Act 1983 and inform the law.

The project considers how postcolonial theory can help illuminate the experiences of people who are admitted into mental health hospitals under the Mental Health Act 1983. In particular it considers Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's theory of epistemic violence, representation and silencing of the subaltern. The thesis analyses reflective autobiographical accounts of people who have been treated in mental health hospitals within the UK. It considers where experiences of silencing and epistemic violence occur within those accounts. The research uses phenomenological inquiry to analyse autobiographical accounts of those who have been treated in mental health hospitals. Ultimately, it hopes to uncover whether the law hinders, supports or discourages epistemic violence and silencing in those accounts. The thesis hopes to offer insightful considerations for law, practice or policy improvements within this area of law.