Mulat Asnake (PhD)Sara Wondwossen2024-11-132024-11-132023-06https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/3635The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to investigate the experiences of physical and sexual abuse among mental health service users at Amanuael Mental Specialized and Eka Kotebe General Hospital. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with seventeen participants purposively selected due to their experiences of physical and sexual abuse, as well as staff members who witnessed such abuses. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the audio recordings of the interviews, which were translated into Amharic and then English. The study found that all participants reported experiencing physical and sexual abuse within the studied setting. The most common forms of physical abuse were beatings, while sexual abuse took the form of rape committed by employees. The abuse occurred within wards, toilets, and round rooms. The short- and longterm consequences of the abuse included dissatisfaction with the service, psychological distress, and fear of acceptance. The findings highlight that physical and sexual abuse is prevalent among mental health service users and has a significant impact on their well-being. To prevent future incidents, the study recommends installing cameras in all rooms and near examination rooms. However, it is important to address the root causes of abuse within mental health settings to ensure the safety and well-being of service users. Mental health providers must prioritize the prevention of abuse and maltreatment, and take steps to create a safe and supportive environment for their service users. Key word: Sexual abuse, physical abuse, service users.enSexual abusephysical abuseservice users.Thesis