Historical information

In a medical context, restraint is defined as forcible confinement or control of a subject, as of a confused, disoriented, psychotic, or irrational person.
It is also an intentional restriction of a person’s voluntary movement or behaviour.
Within the mental health sector restraint belts were used frequently particularly before the invention of psychotropic drugs.

Significance

The leather restraint belt is significant as an intact example of restraint devices used in the earlier decades of Victorian mental health institutions.

Physical description

The black and tan leather belt consists of two parts.
The first wraps around the waist and is secured with a brass buckle and perforated holes.
The second consists of two small belts attached to the main belt.
These also have brass buckles and perforated holes and secured at the wrist.

Inscriptions & markings

No serial numbers, manufacturer details or personal markings.