Page 48 - June July 2017

Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in those with Learning Difficulties

reported, to be ignored or considered false/ • when recruiting staff/volunteers, ensure attention is
inaccurate. The study clearly indicates that in order given to the values/attitudes which they hold relating to
to provide support, listening to and not judging those sexual abuse; and
who disclose abuse (or potential abuse) is essential.
• develop effective citizen and self-advocacy for those
Understanding firstly how those with LD with LD. C
communicate with others is important; terminology
should be non-ambiguous; some with LD may (5) Recommendations for public authorities, i.e. local A
appear abrupt and it is vital that those who support authorities, health and police P
victims of abuse are understanding. Not placing I
one’s own interpretation onto a victim is essential; A research project in Wales had the following aims:
the independent living Council in Surrey produced develop ways for people with learning disabilities so T
a guide to be given to careers of those with LD. they could find support following (and help to prevent) A
Page eight and onwards provides useful tips on abuse as well as to disseminate findings. The paper L
communicating with individuals who have LD. “Looking into Abuse” noted recommendations in order
However, many guides do not provide specific and to ensure agencies have an awareness and understanding
detailed information in relation to identifying sexual of, as well as respond to, those with learning disabilities/ P
(or other types of) abuse; furthermore, easy-read or difficulties; these included inter alia: U
pictorial guides aimed at those with LD are often
difficult to find online requiring searches on websites • personal safety courses being more widely available for N
through a multitude of links which can prove those with learning disabilities and which should include I
frustrating even for a person without LD and so may more than just sexual abuse including; S
prove even more so individuals with difficulties.
• courses should be part of a wider aim of helping people H
Dr. McCarthy, from the Tizzard Centre, wrote “it is with LD to develop increased resilience; M
clear that regarding the prevention of male violence E
to women with [LD] action needs to be taken at • when people with LD disclose abuse they must be
the individual and collective, practice and policy listened to, believed, appropriate action taken and N
levels” and that “women with [LD] need to be support given; T
enabled to develop higher levels of self-esteem and
assertiveness in all areas of their lives. McCarthy • people with LD who have been abused should
also argues LD services should recognize their own have greater access to counseling/other therapeutic
role and responsibility to help women lead fuller interventions as soon as is appropriate after the abuse
and independent lives; sex education needs more although it should also be available to those disclosing
emphasis on women’s sexual pleasure and autonomy years after the event.
as well as ensuring at policy level the following
actions may reduce women’s risk of sexual abuse • further research be undertaken regarding the
whilst in LD services: relationship between abuse and suicidal thoughts in
people with LD concerning the effectiveness of various
• stopping the [then] current practice of placing men post-abuse therapeutic interventions.
with very mild/borderline LD who have a history of
sexual offending in services for those with LD; • consideration be given as to how such understanding
can be achieved and the role that people with LD should
• increase women-only residential services for those play in raising awareness.
who are vulnerable or simply prefer to be in single-
sex environments; Before the College of Policing come into effect, the
National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) provided
much of the guidance, research, etc. including guidance
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