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Sexual abuse in adulthood: Ongoing risks for people with learning disabilities
Author(s) -
Brown Hilary,
Turk Vicky
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
child abuse review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1099-0852
pISSN - 0952-9136
DOI - 10.1002/car.2380030106
Subject(s) - sexual abuse , workforce , learning disability , psychology , medical education , clinical psychology , psychiatry , suicide prevention , medicine , poison control , medical emergency , political science , law
This paper reports findings of a 3‐year research programme into the sexual abuse of adults with learning disabilities conducted at the University of Kent. Inconsistent reporting to and by services can be seen in the results, including lack of agreed practice around consent to sexual activities between service users. Abuse is also perpetrated by staff, volunteers, family members and other known and trusted adults. Thus both definition and detection are important competencies for services to develop. Abuse reported was predominantly perpetrated by men on both women and men with learning disabilities, and the gender issues raised by tackling sexual abuse in unequal staff teams, with their male style of management and a female workforce, are considered. Outcomes of the reporting process are considered and services for adults are urged to take a more proactive stance.