Benevolence
Benevolence is a recurrent theme in disability and mental health history. Benevolent practices were often faith-based and rooted in moral standards. Benevolent care provided by the church gave asylum to those individuals whose families were unable to provide care.
Asylums grew rapidly in number and size in the mid- to late-19th century. The term asylum is defined as place of safety or refuge and was an early name for an institution for the blind, the mentally ill, orphans, and so on.
Not all well-intended practices led to outcomes that were beneficial for the individuals receiving that support and care. In some cases, these practices led to abuse and even the deaths of those being cared for.
As you explore the Benevolence timeline, reflect/journal on the following:
- What thoughts and beliefs did the people providing benevolent care have?
- How do you think parents and extended family members felt about their family members being cared for in asylums?
- Can you think of other practices that were/are similar to asylums?
- How do you think this practice could have inadvertently perpetuated exclusion?
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18th Century
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The major provider of benevolent care outside the family was the church. Beginning in the mid-1700s the Grey Nuns in New France provided care at a hospital founded by Saint Marguerite d’Youville in Montréal.
“Since 1737, The Sisters of Charity of Montréal, “Grey Nuns”, have maintained their mission of love, respect, and compassion for poor and deprived people as it was defined by their Foundress, Saint Marguerite d’Youville.”
"About Us", The Grey Nuns of Montréal
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19th Century
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Asylums were built in unpopulated areas far away from any other amenities or services and far away from families. The location of these “places of safety and refuge” made it virtually impossible for families to visit and kept the individuals living there hidden from view.
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The Victoria Lunatic Asylum was British Columbia’s first facility for people with mental illness. The asylum segregated mentally ill people from the general population. The institution closed in 1878 due to overcrowding.
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British Columbia’s first legislation addressing mental illness was passed. People deemed to be “lunatics” could be committed to an insane asylum with a certificate issued by a team of doctors.