Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Self-harm by people with learning difficulties: something to be expected or investigated?
- Authors:
- JONES Victoria, DAVIES Rachel, JENKINS Rob
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 19(5), August 2004, pp.487-500.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
A review of the literature exploring self-harm highlights variations in the way it is understood. A marked difference in approach appears to relate to the presence of a learning difficulty in the person utilizing self-harm. Linkage with abuse has been given credence as one possible explanation for self-harming behaviour in the general population and yet has received little consideration within literature regarding people with learning difficulties. This paper proposes that it is oppression and abuse which provide the context in which self-harm is used by many people with learning difficulties. Continually ignoring the 'message' in self-harm is to further traumatize individuals. Therefore a challenge is posed to look beyond existing responses to the use of self-harm by people with learning difficulties.
An exploratory study of a computer-assisted abuse awareness and safety planning program for men with disabilities: the Men's Safer and Stronger Program
- Authors:
- OSCHWALD Mary, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation, 14(2), 2015, pp.88-109.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Interpersonal violence (IPV) is a serious and often unrecognized problem for men with disabilities (MWD). However, abuse awareness programs and outcome measures have not been systematically evaluated in MWD. This article reports findings from an exploratory study (n = 31) of the Safer and Stronger Program for Men with Disabilities (Men's SSP), an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) abuse awareness programme. The study aimed to examine the sensitivity of the Men's SSP ACASI and its embedded self-reflective items for measuring IPV experience of MWD, and to collect preliminary data on the reliability of a battery of safety- and abuse-related measures when completed by MWD. Most men participating in the study reported multiple disabilities, the most frequent being intellectual or cognitive disabilities, mobility or physical disabilities, and mental health disabilities. Preliminary findings suggest the programme is sensitive toward detecting abuse and it allows MWD to privately and independently self-identify IPV experiences. Preliminary psychometric data on a battery of abuse and safety awareness outcome measures suggest that they are reliable in this population. (Publisher abstract)
Development of an abuse screening tool for women with disabilties
- Authors:
- CURRY Mary Ann, POWERS Laurie E., OSCHWALD Mark
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Aggression Maltreatment and Trauma, 8(4), 2003, pp.123-141.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Women with disabilities are at increased risk for violence, including forms of abuse that can be experienced by all women as well as forms unique to women with disabilities, such as abuse by personal assistants. The purpose of this study was to develop an abuse-screening tool unique to women with disabilities. The tool, which was based on previous research, was field-tested with 47 women who experienced physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Final refinement of the tool's wording and formatting was accomplished through focus groups and individual interviews. Women with disabilities were receptive to participating in screening, which facilitated the identification of abuse and risk factors. Recommendations for abuse screening and risk assessment with women who have disabilities are presented. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580)
Towards a national framework for tackling adult abuse
- Authors:
- AMBACHE Jeremy, DAVEY Ian
- Journal article citation:
- Professional Social Work, November 1997, p.20.
- Publisher:
- British Association of Social Workers
There are signs that social services agencies and national government are taking the abuse of vulnerable adults more seriously. With speculation that the Government is about to publish a Green Paper on the subject, the authors explain how policies on abuse have already evolved.
Residential care for adults
- Author:
- KELLY Des
- Journal article citation:
- Research Matters, April 1997, pp.32-34.
- Publisher:
- Community Care
Describes how there are practices which can protect adults in residential settings from abuse, and prevent institutions from becoming dehumanising. Looks at how despite years of inquiry reports, they are still all too rare.
Recognizing abuse and neglect in people with severe cognitive and/or communication impairments
- Author:
- BALADERIAN Nora J.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 9(2), 1997, pp.93-104.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This article highlights the lack of information about protective services to the developmentally disabled population in the USA and lack of coordination between agencies serving people with developmental disabilities and those providing protective services. Discusses the signs and symptoms of abuse in the developmentally disabled population, the alternative communication strategies required when interviewing, and the special skills needed for case assessment. The author ends with a series of federal, state, and community level policy recommendations.
Inter-agency policy and procedures relating to abuse of vulnerable adults
- Author:
- KNOWSLEY. Social Services Department
- Publisher:
- Knowsley. Social Services Department
- Publication year:
- 1996
- Pagination:
- 20p.
- Place of publication:
- Kirkby
Policy and procedure document applying to all agencies in Knowsley working with vulnerable adults who may be at risk of abuse. Provides a framework for those involved to respond. Intended as a guide to staff to ensure a consistent response so that the various agencies involved work together.
Violence and abuse in the lives of people with disabilities: the end of silent acceptance
- Author:
- SOBSEY Dick
- Publisher:
- Paul H. Brookes
- Publication year:
- 1994
- Pagination:
- 466p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Baltimore, MD
Looks at the nature of abuse of people with disabilities and why it occurs. Goes on to deal with: detecting instances where abuse may be occurring; identifying important risk factors of abuse; combating abuse by altering specific social conditions; helping to heal the consequences of abuse; and ending the harmful violence cycle within which people with disabilities can become trapped.
Abuse of children and adults with disabilities
- Author:
- WESTCOTT Helen L
- Publisher:
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
- Publication year:
- 1993
- Pagination:
- 60p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Research report. Outlines the study method, provides details about the interviewees and goes on to describe the findings of the study. Discusses these, and where appropriate relates them to existing research, practice and policy literature. Draws conclusions and makes recommendations.
Hidden in plain sight: inquiry into disability-related harassment
- Author:
- EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
- Publisher:
- Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 231p.
- Place of publication:
- Manchester
An inquiry was launched by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to investigate the causes of disability-related harassment and examine how organisations such as local authorities are working to prevent and eliminate it. Disability-related harassment is defined as unwanted, exploitative or abusive conduct against disabled people. Part one of the report provides the background to the inquiry, including the current legislative and policy framework. Part two examines 10 serious cases where disabled people had died or were seriously injured due to harassment. For each case the public authorities involved gave evidence about: their awareness of the harassment; their handling of the case; what they could have done differently; and whether they had put into practice any measures to help them avoid similar tragedies in the future. The report summarises the findings for each case, looking at what happened; the response; prosecution; and the review process. Part 3 of the report looks at the wider problem of harassment, indicators of prevalence and draws on submissions made by people who have experiencing harassment. Part 4 looks at how organisations such as police, local authorities, schools and housing providers currently deal with harassment when reported. It identifies examples of good practice and common problem areas. The conclusion sets out a manifesto for change and provides key recommendations.