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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)
‘Love makes me feel good inside and my heart is fixed’: what adults with intellectual disabilities have to say about love and relationships
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, early cite May 2021,
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supported, in their desire to form loving relationships. This paper sought to explore with them what kinds of support they wanted in the 21st Century. Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 adults with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom. Results: Participants placed a high value on having a partner and being supported to maintain and develop a loving relationship. The factors which constrained them in achieving this included a lack of social opportunities, barriers created by social care services and limits on them exercising autonomy. Facilitating factors included access to specialist dating agencies, strong family and staff support and opportunities to learn about relationships. Conclusions: The importance of a loving relationship as a source of pleasure and meaning in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities who are often disadvantaged in many other spheres of life is emphasised. (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)