Page 43 - June July 2017

Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in those with Learning Difficulties,

with learning disabilities. feelings of guilt and shame or a lack of approachable
and trustworthy people to whom they can discuss abuse
Prevalence has limited statistical evidence in especially where abusers are within positions of trust/
the UK; Barnardos note in their 2015 report on authority will be likely to impact upon disclosure.
identified sexual exploitation of young people that Mencap write that abusers tend to be male and work
14% of the children in their study had diagnosed hard to gain positions of trust, seeking employment in
learning difficulties. Cambridge et al state actual areas where vulnerable people are likely to rely solely
C data is “relatively incomplete and fragmented” or mainly on careers; this provides ample and often
A and thus any data is likely to be an under-estimate unimpeded access to their victims. According to a report
P (estimates vary between 10% and 80%. The Health by the NSPCC, children with disabilities will be likely

I & Social Care Information Centre publishes annual to be abused by a family member (when compared with
statistics on vulnerable adults; in their 2011 report,
non-disabled children); in addition, the report highlights
T the statistics on sexual abuse of vulnerable adults other research which indicates that a significant number
A was 11%; in 2012, the figure was 9% and similar in of children with harmful sexual behavior have learning
L 2013 (at 9.2%). However, changes to the method and disabilities although cautions over interpretation of
terminology (safeguarding adults), sexual abuse is
findings is advised.
now combined with discrimination and institutional
P abuse; nonetheless, the [albeit combined] figure is Barnardos’ 2015 report highlighted several factors in
U 9% for 2014/15. Additionally, the geographic region relation to why children [and possibly adults] with LD
are more likely to be at risk from sexual exploitation/
with the highest percentage of [combined] abuse is
N the southwest (12%). abuse:
I
S (1) Risk/threat of harm and by whom • impairment-related factors, including capacity to
consent, difficulties associated with recognising
H The risk of abuse, harassment or neglect of those exploitation or risk, impulsive behaviors and needs
M with learning (and other) disabilities is higher than associated with a different understanding of social cues,

E within the general population; according to Mencap interaction and communication;
in Behind Closed Doors, the reasons as to why
N disabled groups are at greater risk include: • society’s treatment of people with LD, including
T overprotection, disempowerment, isolation and not
• higher levels of low self-esteem and greater considering individuals as sexual beings which in turn
dependency on others, i.e. care staff and services leads to little attention given provide information on
over long periods; healthy sexual relationships;

• lack of social awareness or education to detect or • a lack of knowledge, understanding and awareness
anticipate abusive situations; of sexual exploitation of those with LD among
professionals, parents and careers, and the wider
• higher levels of fear to which leads to being unable community;
to challenge abuse and/or those who are acting
inappropriately; • a lack of identification of LD and focus on behavioral
issues over the identification of exploitation or learning
• lacking capacity to consent to sexual relations or needs;
being unable to recognize they have been victims of
abuse or fear to report abuse despite recognition they • a lack of understanding relating to consent and
have been the victims of abuse. the capacity to provide this as well as a lack of
understanding around professionals’ abilities to assess
A number of victims will have communication consent;
difficulties whilst others fear disbelief; further,
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