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Risk of forced marriage amongst people with learning disabilities in the UK: Perspectives of South Asian carers
Author(s) -
McCarthy Michelle,
Clawson Rachael,
Patterson Anne,
Fyson Rachel,
Khan Luftha
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12798
Subject(s) - neglect , intellectual disability , forced marriage , psychology , focus group , learning disability , sociology , developmental psychology , gender studies , psychiatry , anthropology
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.