CCHR Holds Event for the International Day of Protest Against Electroshock

The Tennessee Chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR Tennessee) held a special event to brief volunteers near the anniversary of the International Day of Protest Against Electroshock.

CCHR is known as an advocate for human rights, especially as relates to patients’ rights in the field of mental health. It has long fought to restore basic inalienable human rights to the field of mental health, including, but not limited to, full informed consent regarding the medical legitimacy of psychiatric diagnosis, the risks of psychiatric treatments, the right to all available medical alternatives and the right to refuse any treatment considered harmful.

The International Day of Protest Against Electroshock began in 2015 when ECT survivors and supporters around the world staged coordinated protests against the practice of psychiatric electroshock treatment, according to ectjustice.com. The protests were originated by electroshock survivor and MindFreedom Ireland co-founder, Mary Maddock, who said, “Electroshock is a barbaric assault on the individual.  As a young mother after the birth of my daughter, I was subjected to 16 sessions of it and suffered permanent memory loss as a result. I have spoken to many others who have received it both in Ireland and abroad and all have received permanent brain damage.  MindFreedom Ireland is calling for the total abolition of electroshock.”