Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Risk of forced marriage amongst people with learning disabilities in the UK: perspectives of South Asian carers
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(1), 2021, pp.200-210.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: People with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of forced marriage compared to those without intellectual disabilities. In the UK, this risk is particularly, though not exclusively, associated with South Asian communities and is linked to the desire to secure long‐term care. Method: Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with South Asian parents and family carers (n = 22) of adults with intellectual disability and the resultant data thematically analysed. Results: Although securing care for their intellectually disabled relative was identified as a key motivator for forced marriage, other important themes also emerged. These included cultural and religious beliefs about disability and marriage, and limited understanding of relevant laws. Factors militating against forced marriage were also identified, including fears of abuse and neglect. Conclusions: Implications for the provision of services and the need for improved access to information on forced marriage of people with intellectual disabilities are highlighted. (Edited publisher abstract)
Brick by brick: building up our knowledge base on the abuse of adults with learning disabilities
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 19(3), 2014, pp.130-133.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This commentary encourages readers to take a broad view of abuse of people with learning disabilities and to use all the knowledge available to support individuals, whilst at the same time demanding social changes. Design/methodology/approach: Whilst acknowledging the continued importance of research studies specifically focused on the topic of abuse, this commentary reviews information about abuse of adults with learning disabilities from other sources, e.g., through service audits, studies on sexual and personal relationships. Findings: Having many sources of information about abuse against people with learning disabilities is a good thing, but there are some problems associated with this. First, some forms of abuse appear to be easier to find out about than others, and second, the difficult question of how the information can be used to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Sexual awareness
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 23.12.92, 1992, pp.62-64.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
Describes the AIDS Awareness/Sex Education Project in North West Hertfordshire HA which operates in three large hospitals for people with learning difficulties and explains the design of the project, which is to make people with learning difficulties less vulnerable to sexual exploitation and HIV infection.
‘What kind of abuse is him spitting in my food?’: reflections on the similarities between disability hate crime, so-called ‘mate’ crime and domestic violence against women with intellectual disabilities
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 32(4), 2017, pp.595-600.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Domestic violence against women with learning disabilities is a wholly under-researched topic. A recent study indicated that there are strong parallels between domestic violence, disability hate crime and ‘mate’ crime. This article explores these similarities and argues that rather than treating them as discrete phenomena, we need to make the connections and re-affirm the commitment that feminist scholars and activists made long ago, namely to take violence committed in private as seriously as that committed in public. (Publisher abstract)
What are the support needs of women with learning disabilities who have been abused?
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 21(1), 2016, pp.39-42.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: In discussing some of the issues arising from the article by Angela Olsen and Catherine Carter, the purpose of this paper is to draw readers’ attention to the various support needs women with learning disabilities may have. Design/methodology/approach: Critical analysis based on review of literature and the author’s research and practice-based experience. Findings: Women with learning disabilities have similar support needs to other women who have experienced violence and abuse. However, in order to get their needs met, they need access to information, support from professionals and to share experiences with other women. Originality/value: This commentary encourages readers to view the abuse of women with learning disabilities in a broad social context and to use all the knowledge available to protect and empower individuals, whilst at the same time demanding social changes to end discrimination and abuse. (Publisher abstract)
Sex and the 3 Rs: rights, risks and responsibilities: a sex education pack for working with people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, THOMPSON David
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 156p., 65p., ill.
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
- Edition:
- Rev. ed.
A sex education package for working with people with learning difficulties. This pack contains ideas and materials for delivering sex education covering recent policy and legislative changes. Like its predecessor, this training resource is aimed primarily at those working with adults with learning disabilities, however parts of it can be adapted for use with younger people. It contains ideas and materials covering a wide range of specific issues and problems for direct sex education work, both on an individual and group basis. Containing many suggestions for wider service responses, this pack aims to assist staff in providing realistic support to people with learning disabilities.
Teaching difficulties
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, THOMPSON David
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 28.5.92, 1992, pp.ii-iii.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Explains how to teach people with learning difficulties about safer sex and the dangers of HIV and AIDS, stressing the need to appreciate power imbalances in sexual relationships.
'All I wanted was a happy life': the struggles of women with learning disabilities to raise their children while also experiencing domestic violence
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gender-Based Violence, 3(1), 2019, pp.101-118.
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
Women with learning disabilities are especially vulnerable to domestic violence from partners. The lives of mothers with learning disabilities who experience domestic violence are very challenging. This in-depth qualitative study of six mothers with learning disabilities in the UK uses interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the impact of domestic violence on the women and children. The women reported violent conceptions and violent pregnancies, perpetrators sabotaging the mother–child bond, living with a broad spectrum of abuse and their feelings about having their children removed from their care. Recommendations are made for professional and informal support of these women. (Edited publisher abstract)
‘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)