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Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in those with Learning Difficulties,

in 2014 on how forces should deal with those who giving examples. Such guidance/information should
have mental health/learning disabilities which be incorporated into police and other professionals’
indicates that benefits of adopting the guidance training to generate more understanding of how learning
include: difficulties and other disabilities can impact upon a
person’s perception of and involvement in the criminal

C • an improved operational response to victims/ justice system.
witnesses (and criminals) who have LD;
A Conclusion
P • improved working relationships with agencies who

I will be (or are already) involved with individuals Overall, websites which provide services/facilities for
those with LD do not make links or information clear
with LD and increase reporting of offences/
T victimization; and what help is available is often linked with other
A disabilities or ‘added on’ to comply with legislation
L • a change in police culture to view those with LD rather than to ensure services are easily accessible and
about potential vulnerability and needs; and
importantly identifiable.

P • overall benefits include increased victim or Bibliography
U witness satisfaction as well as being able to defend • A Prevalence Study of Sexual Abuse of Adults by
organizations from criticisms, legal action or
N complaints. McCarthy & Thompson (1997)
I
S HMIC’s various reports into child protection, • Sexual Violence Against Women with LD by
McCarthy, et al, (1998)
custody and thematic reviews all indicated the need
H for forces to ensure there is sufficient provision of
M appropriate adults for those who are vulnerable • The impact of alleged abuse on behavior in adults with

E (including LD); such should be used when police severe intellectual disabilities. Murphy et al (2007).
engage with witnesses or victims with suspected or
N identified LD; the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorate • Drawing a line between consented and abusive sexual
T published recommendations in January 2014 on the experiences. McCarthy M (2003)
treatment of offenders but could be applicable to
victims and/or witnesses: • Exploring the incidence, risk factors, nature and
monitoring of adult protection alerts. Cambridge P et al
• criminal justice’s agencies should jointly adopt a (2006)
definition of learning disability; and
• Clinical effects of sexual abuse on people with learning
• both the police and Crown Prosecution Service disability Sequeira & Hollins. (2003)
(CPS) should ensure police decision-makers and
CPS lawyers are provided with information about • The psychological impact of abuse on men and women
learning disability when making decisions about with severe intellectual disabilities. Rowsell, A., et al
charging/prosecution [this again may be reflective of (2013)
how witnesses/victims will be managed both before
and after any court proceedings]; Read this article to raise awareness and provide insight
into this difficult area of criminality; click onto my
The National Autistic Society (UK) has produced a website http://www.whatiscriminology.co.uk to see other
guide for criminal justice professionals (2011) which articles related to criminology and criminal justice.
discusses how to recognize signs of autism and
provides information on how those with autism and
LD interact with the criminal justice system
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