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‘I know it was every week, but I can't be sure if it was every day: domestic violence and women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, HUNT Siobhan, MILNE-SKILLMAN Karen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30(2), 2017, pp.269-282.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Domestic violence against women is well researched in the general population, but much less so in relation to women with learning disabilities. This qualitative research study interviewed 15 women with learning disabilities who had experienced domestic violence about their experiences, the impact of the violence on them and their children, their coping strategies and help seeking behaviour. Materials and methods: Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Inter-pretive Phenomenological Analysis. A service user advisory group helped at particular stages, notably at the formative stage and with dissemination, especially the production of accessible materials, including a DVD. Results: The violence experienced by many of the women was severe and frequent. It impacted negatively on their physical and psychological well-being. The women's awareness of refuges and others sources of help was generally low. Conclusions: Healthcare and social care professionals have a clear remit to help women with learning disabilities to avoid and escape violent relationships. (Edited publisher abstract)
Domestic violence and women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, HUNT Siobhan, MILNE-SKILLMAN Karen
- Publisher:
- NIHR School for Social Care Research
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 4
Summarises the findings of a study on women’s experience of domestic violence. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 women with mild and moderate learning disabilities who had experienced domestic violence in the previous five years, and had left the violent relationship. The study also draws on an online nationwide survey of care practitioners and police across the UK, exploring their experience of working with women with learning disabilities who had lived with domestic violence, their views on the women’s vulnerability and their reasons for leaving/staying in a violent relationship. The women interviewed reported that the domestic violence they experienced was often severe (including the use of weapons, and violence during pregnancy), frequent and over long periods of time. All forms of domestic violence were reported – physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, coercive control- and typically women would experience multiple forms at the same time. The psychological impact on the women was considerable. All reported low self-esteem and self-worth and many reported developing mental health problems (most commonly anxiety and depression). Some began to self-harm and a minority had had suicidal thoughts and/or had attempted suicide. The husbands or boyfriends of the women in the study did not usually have learning disabilities themselves, but did tend to have other problems such as mental health difficulties, drug and alcohol problems, be unemployed and/or have criminal records. (Edited publisher abstract)
Don't put up with it! Domestic violence and women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, MILNE-SKILLMAN Karen, HUNT Siobhan
- Publisher:
- Media2u
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 15 minutes 27 seconds
- Place of publication:
- Romsey
A video, made with and for women with learning disabilities in the UK, which describes what domestic violence is and tells women how they can get help. It is based on research which interviewed women with mild to moderate learning disabilities who had been in abusive relationships to explore their experiences and the attitudes and practices of the professionals involved. The video includes interviews with women discussing what they understand about domestic violence. A range of professionals also provide information on the services and support available to women with learning disabilities. These include the police; access to legal advice; help available form healthcare and social services, information about Independent Advocacy Services; and information about the women's refuge Beverley Lewis House in London. (Edited publisher abstract)