Mental health organizations have been criticized for not adequately addressing the risk of violence from a small number of individuals with severe mental illnesses, according to Dr. Sarah Hughes, chief executive of the mental health charity Mind. Her comments come as the public inquiry into the June 2023 Nottingham attacks, in which three people were killed by Valdo Calocane, who was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, prepares to conclude. Calocane was given an indefinite hospital order in 2024 after admitting to manslaughter and attempted murder, citing diminished responsibility due to his mental health condition. The inquiry into the attacks has reviewed the events leading up to the incident, including evidence from local authorities, healthcare professionals, police, and members of Calocane’s family. It was revealed that Calocane had a history of violent behavior, refused to take his medication, and had been sectioned—legally admitted to a psychiatric hospital—four times within two years. His mother described the mental health system as “so broken” during the inquiry, highlighting concerns about how individuals with severe mental illnesses are managed. Dr. Hughes acknowledged that mental health charities have been hesitant to discuss the risk of violence, fearing it might increase stigma and discrimination against those with mental health conditions. She admitted that the sector has "softened the truth" by avoiding difficult conversations about violence, even though a small proportion of people with mental illnesses do commit violent acts. Emma Webber, mother of one of the victims, welcomed Hughes’ statement, saying that the risk of violence had been "deliberately quietened down" in the past. Seena Fazel, a professor of forensic psychiatry at the University of Oxford, explained that people with schizophrenia have a higher risk of violence compared to the general population, even after accounting for factors like socioeconomic status. However, he emphasized that the absolute risk remains low. This risk can increase if other factors are present, such as substance abuse, a history of violence, or being a victim of violence. Fazel noted that effective treatments can help reduce this risk. Dr. Hughes acknowledged the fears within the mental health sector that discussing violence might lead to more restrictive approaches. However, she said the public is now more willing to have these difficult conversations. Mind is preparing to launch a mental health strategy that calls for better support and treatment for people with severe mental illnesses, while also addressing public safety concerns. The strategy includes proposals for more hospital beds, assertive outreach programs, and improved communication between individuals and mental health services.