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Shock Treatment: The Gay Therapy Scandal

New evidence reveals how the NHS subjected hundreds of LGBT+ people to controversial electric shock therapies. Survivors now want answers on how it was allowed to happen.

Hayley Hassall uncovers one of the darkest and least-known chapters in British medical history — the use of electric shock therapies to try to change trans and gay people. For decades, experts used these methods to associate same-sex desire and gender preference with pain. Many victims from educational establishments and the criminal justice system were coerced into accepting the treatment. Now a small group of survivors are seeking apologies from the NHS and state institutions who were responsible for carrying out procedures which they say have blighted their lives for decades.

9 months left to watch

29 minutes

Last on

Mon 5 Jan 2026 01:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Reporter Hayley Hassall
Producer Zack Adesina
Editor Mike Lewis
Series Editor Gail Champion

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