Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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How do we prevent another Winterbourne? A literature review
- Author:
- WRIGHT Sally
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 7(6), 2013, pp.3-14.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the precipitants of physical and psychological abuse of individuals with intellectual disabilities in order to understand why mistreatment continues to be prevalent. In particular, the importance of contributing factors were explored such as challenging behaviour and lack of staff training, in an attempt to prevent another “Winterbourne”. Design/methodology/approach – A literature search using the search terms “Intellectual disability”, “learning disability”, “abuse”, “challenging behaviour” and “residential” was conducted. Articles were included using the criteria: adults with intellectual disabilities, concentration on neglect and physical abuse, abuse by staff members and articles written within the last 15 years. Using these criteria, a total of 19 articles were isolated. Additional articles were located through reference to citation lists. In total, 31 relevant articles were identified. Findings – The majority of research agrees that a meaningful increase in risk of abuse does exist for individuals with intellectual disabilities. There is a lack of recent empirical evidence discussing the incidence of abuse, potential causes and the long-term impact of staff training in reducing the incidence of abuse. These gaps may be due to the subjective definition of abuse, the current “reactive” approach to abuse, the ability of perpetrators to hide mistreatment and difficulty in quantifying the difference that increased staff training has on performance. More research is required to adequately protect individuals with intellectual disabilities in the residential setting. Originality/value – The paper highlights gaps in the current literature and identifies potential areas that could be improved in order to reduce the prevalence of abuse in residential care. (Edited publisher abstract)
Looking into abuse: research by people with learning disabilities
- Author:
- LOOKING INTO ABUSE RESEARCH TEAM
- Publisher:
- University of Glamorgan
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 118
A participatory research project which aimed to develop better ways for people with learning disabilities to find support after being abused and to prevent abuse. The research questions asked were: What do people with learning disabilties understand by abuse?; what are their views about abuse?; What help and support do they need to keep safe?; and what is the best way to help someone who has been abused? The study also wanted to learn more about how participatory research could work effectively. For the first part of the study, data were gathered from people with learning disabilities in Wales by means of individual interviews (n= 14), focus groups (47 people in 7 groups) and questionnaires (n=107). Data indicated that participants were aware of a range of different types of abuse and aware of the negative effects it can have on people but whilst they can identify strategies that could help to keep people safe and support them if they are abused, there seems to be a lack of education regarding personal safety issues. In addition they do not always feel that they are listened to and/ or believed. The study also identified important issues to consider when undertaking participatory research. These included: building and maintaining relationships, issues relating to how people are employed, practical issues such as money and accessibility and time. (Original abstract)
Winterbourne - why it happened and how to prevent it happening again.
- Author:
- COTTIS Tamsin
- Journal article citation:
- Community Living, 26(4), 2013, pp.20-21.
- Publisher:
- Hexagon Publishing
Respond has been commissioned by the Department of Health to provide support for the patients abused in Winterbourne View Hospital. The author describes how Respond is looking forward to playing their part in preventing such scandals ever happening again. (Publisher abstract)
Does familiarity breed contempt? A conceptual and theoretical analysis of 'mate crime'
- Author:
- DOHERTY Gerard
- Publisher:
- Howard League for Penal Reform
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 34
- Place of publication:
- London
In this article for the Howard League for Penal Reform based on his 2013 John Sunley Prize winning masters dissertation, the author critically assesses the usefulness of the concept of ‘mate crime’, as a means of understanding offending behaviour against disabled people. The phenomenon of ‘mate crime’ occurs when crimes are committed against disabled people by those they consider to be their friends. The research found that familiarity was not a bar to hate crime offending, and that the concept of ‘mate crime’ is of significance in understanding the nature of targeted violence against disabled people. Includes are brief details of the nine unlawful killings which were subject to case analysis, eight of which led to convictions of murder for at least one of the perpetrators involved and one led to convictions of manslaughter. (Original abstract)
How do people with intellectual disabilities view abuse and abusers?
- Authors:
- NORWAY Ruth, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 17(4), 2013, pp.361-375.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
This article explores the views of people with learning disabilities regarding abuse. Data were gathered via individual interviews (n = 14) and focus groups (7 groups involving 47 people in total), which were then analysed via a process of sorting statements into themes followed by group discussion and analysis of these themes. Participants expressed a range of views regarding abuse, some of which revealed strong emotions: a number of participants indicated that abuse could make people feel as though their lives are not worth living. The study found that people with intellectual disabilities can discuss their feelings around abuse and recognise the impact this has on their lives. There is, however, a need for improved responses to disclosures of abuse and the provision of ongoing support to address psychological issues. (Edited publisher abstract)
The challenge of a “triple diagnosis”: identifying and serving homeless Canadian adults with a dual diagnosis
- Authors:
- LOUGHEED Donna C., FARRELL Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 2013, pp.230-235.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Adults with both a mental illness and intellectual disability (in Canada, a “dual diagnosis”) and who reside in shelters for the homeless are vulnerable and at risk for physical, sexual, and financial abuse. Their mental illnesses are difficult to diagnose and treat, and their intellectual impairments are difficult to ascertain. The authors review the existing literature on homelessness and intellectual disability, and use this and their extensive clinical experience with the homeless in a large Canadian city to identify and extrapolate reasons for the challenges facing both these individuals and the agencies and organizations that serve them. Challenges to providing appropriate services include, identifying and linking with these adults; recognizing the implications of the level of the intellectual delay and the mental illness on the individual's ability to cope, and stay safe; understanding the wants and needs of the individual; expanding the mandate of the agencies and professionals wanting to serve this group; and developing policy that will both provide appropriate support of the individual, but also provide protection, if necessary by legal means. They further suggest that focal services should be based on the following characteristics: flexibility, meeting the client where he or she lives, consideration of capacity to consent in order to avoid neglect issues, and understanding of the lifelong and pervasive effects of intellectual delay in all facets of life. Though the population discussed is resident in Canada, these issues apply to individuals in other countries, as well, where there are concerns about these vulnerable adults with a “triple diagnosis.” (Edited publisher abstract)
Researching policy and practice to safeguard people with intellectual disabilities from abuse: some methodological challenges
- Authors:
- NORTHWAY Ruth, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 2013, pp.188-195.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Abuse of adults with intellectual disabilities can and does occur in many places, and as a result, many countries have instituted policies and enacted laws to address this problem. However, research concerning the impact of such policies on abuse remains largely limited to quantitative studies from the perspective of governmental or other authorities and is generally focused on one area or country. The authors highlight the need for an international research agenda that includes participatory research that both facilitates the active involvement of and investment in people with intellectual disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Keeping safe and providing support: a participatory survey about abuse and people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- NORTHWAY Ruth, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 2013, pp.236-244.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
As part of a broader 3-year participatory research study, a questionnaire was distributed to 47 participants with intellectual disabilities attending an event and as a postal survey across Wales to examine what help people with intellectual disabilities feel they need to keep safe and, if they are abused, what support they need. From this, 107 (56%) usable questionnaires were returned. Respondents identified most strategies for keeping safe as being useful but were more likely to identify personal strategies rather than actions other people could take. When abuse does occur, having a trusted person to speak to and one who will believe you were viewed as the most important aspects. The authors noted that people with intellectual disabilities can identify personal safety strategies and their views and experiences should inform personal safety courses and staff training. They recommend that effective circles of support need to be developed both to protect against abuse and to provide support should it occur. (Edited publisher abstract)
The abuse of vulnerable adults at Winterbourne View Hospital: the lessons to be learned
- Author:
- PLOMIN Joe
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 15(4), 2013, pp.182-191.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article seeks to consider the lessons from the abuse of a number of patients with learning disabilities or autism and challenging behaviour over a number of years at Winterbourne View private hospital in the outskirts of Bristol. The abuse persisted, irrespective of a number of attempts to alert a broad range of regulatory authorities and health professionals about the situation. The article provides a detailed analysis of the lessons for professionals responsible for adult protection by one of the journalists most responsible for exposing the abuse at Winterbourne View private hospital. Drawing on information the BBC uncovered during the making of its two films about the subject, the author shares details of relevance to professionals responsible for adult protection and considers the implications of the catastrophic failure to protect vulnerable people. This article shows how the lessons from the abuse at Winterbourne View have permeated only to some areas and professionals, not necessarily to where those lessons are most needed. The author suggests that further efforts are required to prevent another, similar scandal happening elsewhere in the UK. (Edited publisher abstract)
Winterbourne – questions should be asked at the highest level
- Authors:
- CITARELLA Vic, FLYNN Margaret
- Journal article citation:
- Community Living, 26(1), 2013, pp.18-19.
- Publisher:
- Hexagon Publishing
This article summarises the findings from the serious case review related to Winterbourne View Hospital. Castlebeck Ltd, the owner of Winterbourne View Hospital, took the financial rewards without any accountability. It placed adults with learning disabilities and autism under the supervision of poorly paid and untrained staff. It did not challenge the frequency with which physical restraint were deployed. It also failed to act on the complaints and concerns of patients, relatives or of visiting professionals. The article concludes that although the sentencing of staff will bring the criminal justice process to a legal conclusion, this will not address the more urgent issue of corporate responsibility at the highest level.