Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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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)
Blowing the whistle on abuse of adults with learning disabilities
- Author:
- CALCRAFT Rebecca
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 9(2), May 2007, pp.15-29.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Whistle-blowing is the act of speaking out about wrong doing in the workplace. This paper explores the experience of whistle-blowing on abuse in social care settings and looks at how whistle-blowing can help to protect people with learning disabilities from abuse. It outlines some of the relevant literature and discusses some of the key findings from interviews carried out for research into the ethical and practical dilemmas of whistle-blowing about the abuse of people with learning disabilities in a social care setting.
Abuse of people with learning disabilities: everyone's responsibility
- Authors:
- DAVIES Rachel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Llais, 75, Winter 2005, pp.17-20.
- Publisher:
- Learning Disability Wales
Reports on a 2-year study into issues surrounding protection of vulnerable adults. The study looked at how the policies that existed to protect people are applied in practice, and also at the training staff have in preventin abuse. The study included focus groups with staff.
Taken with a pinch of salt
- Author:
- -
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 10.4.03, 2003, pp.46-47.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Looks at the case of a man with learning difficulties, whose sexual assault allegations were not taken seriously by the police.
Views and values of developmental disabilities and domestic violence/sexual assault support professionals regarding the prevention and handling of situations of abuse
- Authors:
- HICKSON Linda, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 2013, pp.207-214.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The perspectives of 55 support professionals working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities I/DD in were assessed relative to those of 16 support professionals working in the area of domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) in the United States regarding various aspects of abuse prevention and the risk factors that may contribute to the vulnerability of people with I/DD to abuse. Participants in both groups included psychologists, social workers, supervisors, and directors or coordinators of services. Their responses to a set of decision-making scenarios involving abuse were also compared. Results indicated that both groups were almost unanimous in their belief that it was important to provide abuse prevention training to individuals with I/DD, their families, and their service providers. However, the DV/SA support professionals saw people with I/DD as generally more vulnerable to abuse than did the I/DD support professionals. Furthermore, the DV/SA support professionals placed more importance on environmental and cultural sources of vulnerability than did I/DD support professionals, who emphasized characteristics of the potential victim, such as self-empowerment. Finally, the two groups showed different patterns of responses to some decision-making situations. Taken as a whole, the findings support the need to develop effective interventions and to foster increased communication and collaboration among I/DD and DV/SA support professionals. (Edited publisher abstract)
Abuse in care? The identification of early indicators of the abuse of people with learning disabilities in residential settings
- Authors:
- MARSLAND Dave, OAKES Peter, WHITE Caroline
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 9(4), November 2007, pp.6-20.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Although 'No Secrets' suggests that adult protection practices should seek to prevent abuse, it can be argued that such practice predominately focuses on pursuing effective abuse that has already happened, rather than preventing abuse. This article reports on research which sought to contribute to the prevention of abuse, through the identification of 'early indicators'.
Responding to the abuse of people with learning disabilities: the role of the police
- Authors:
- DAVIES Rachel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 8(1), May 2006, pp.11-19.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article reports on a Welsh qualitative study into the attitudes and opinions of police officers involved in abuse investigations of people with learning disabilities. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with police officers regarding their experiences of involvement in vulnerable adult protection and views on the role of the police. Findings are presented according to key themes: structure for abuse work, joint investigator training with social services, understanding the needs of people with learning disabilities, the legislative context for abuse work and sharing good practice and striving for a consistent response.
Evaluation of the effect of an open learning course on Staff knowledge and attitudes towards the sexual abuse of adults with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- HOGG James, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(1), 2001, pp.12-29.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
An open learning course, 'Approaches to Sexual Abuse of Adults with Learning Disabilities', was undertaken with a range of staff working with adults with learning disabilities. Using a specially designed questionnaire based on the research and practice literature on sexual abuse, the present authors evaluated the impact of the course on staff knowledge of: sexual abuse, and its antecedents and consequences; the procedures to be followed once abuse is suspected; and the practices most likely to minimise abuse. The effect of the course on attitudes was also assessed. Staff knowledge of sexual abuse was significantly increased following completion of the course. Staff attitudes at the outset of the course tended to be highly consistent with the values and practices reflected in the course material. However, changes in acceptance of formal practices to deal with abuse, confidence in having the skills to deal with incidents and awareness of the vulnerability of people with learning disabilities to abuse were all enhanced.
The trouble with kids: an account of problems experienced with local children by people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- WHITTELL Bridget, RAMCHARAN Paul
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 28(1), March 2000, pp.21-24.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Recent research carried out in North Wales which has been funded by the Wales Office for Research and Development has focused attention on the everyday lives of a small number of people with learning disabilities living in the community. Although many positive stories and experiences have emerged, negative incidents of abuse and victimisation have also been experienced by the majority of participants. This article concentrates on incidents of abuse and victimisation which have involved children as the perpetrators, drawing upon the experiences of a married couple who participated in this research.
The understanding that care staff bring to abuse
- Author:
- PARLEY Fiona
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 12(1), February 2010, pp.13-26.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This research study investigated care staff views relating to vulnerability and abuse of adults with learning difficulties. In the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were used with a sample of 20 care staff working across the statutory and the independent care sector. The findings indicated that there is a lack of clarity regarding what constitutes abuse. Almost all respondents named sexual abuse and physical abuse, fewer named verbal abuse or psychological/emotional abuse and still fewer named financial abuse or neglect. No one spontaneously mentioned human rights infringement. Prompts regarding bullying and harassment elicited very variable responses. In particular there was a feeling that people with learning disabilities will never be free of bullying and harassment. Power, authority and control were all used by respondents to describe the need to have the ability to manage challenging situations. It was evident that unqualified staff in particular had observed behaviour that they considered abusive, yet they did not feel that they could speak out against it. The author concludes that further investigation relating to rights infringement, neglect, bullying and harassment is warranted in order that greater awareness may lead to improved safety for these vulnerable adults.