Development of Pict-O-Stat: violence – focus on experiences of violence and a survey that can be completed by the individuals themselves
| Date | 12 June 2017 |
| Pages | 146-157 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-08-2016-0018 |
| Published date | 12 June 2017 |
| Author | Kerstin Kristensen,Anders Möller |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection,Safeguarding,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Abuse |
Development of Pict-O-Stat: violence –
focus on experiences of violence and a
survey that can be completed by the
individuals themselves
Kerstin Kristensen and Anders Möller
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to find a method that makes it possible for people with intellectual
disabilities to independently contribute to population-based research in areas that is sensitive. It is important
to be able to answer questionnaires independently in research areas that are sensitive because the informant
maybe does not want to ask for help to answer a questionnaire about sexual violence, domestic violence,etc.
Maybe they not even have talked to anyone about their experiences and then have to tell a staff/relative that
helps them to complete the survey is probably unthinkable.
Design/methodology/approach –To participate in a survey about sensitive issues independently the
questions and the methods have to be adapted to the informant’s skills and needs. The questions written in
“difficult Swedish”were transcribed into simple language and then tested whether the target group
understood the words that describe violent acts. After adjustments another small group tested the method,
an Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI). After they had completed the survey informants were
interviewed about what it was like to participate in the survey.
Findings –Preliminary results show that it is possible to independently answer population-based
questionnaires, even about sensitive issues, if the researcher offers the possibility to use a web-based ACASI.
An ACASI can be used on accessible computers and tablets and can have the same questions that only have
to be translated into both easy language and alternative format, such as questions with both text and images
and listen to the questions read.
Originality/value –Researchers can include people with intellectual disabilities, they just need to give them a
chance. It is possible if they translate their questions into an easy language and include alternative format,
i.e. using both text and images and be able to listen to the questions and answers, by, for example, using a
web-based ACASI.
Keywords Violence, Survey, Domestic violence, Learning/intellectual disabilities, Abuse, Questionnaire,
ACASI, Independently
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
It is known thatpeople without an intellectual disability are subject to violence, and it is unlikely that
people with anintellectual disability would differ in this respect. The differentiating circumstance for
the latter group is that they are often dependent on others in their daily life, and they can find it
difficultto comprehendwhat violenceis, and how to avoid it.It is therefore important to identifywhen
the risk is high to be subjected to violence, i.e. in which context and by whom.
Dependency is an important issue as it increases vulnerability. It must therefore be taken into
account that people with an intellectual disability can be subjected to violence, not only by
partners and ex-partners, but also by other people such as carers, acquaintances, colleagues,
family members, etc. In short, by any person within the dependency circle.
Received 30 August 2016
Revised 24 February 2017
13 March 2017
Accepted 23 March 2017
Kerstin Kristensen is a
Method Developer at
KvinnofridsAkademin,
Gothenburg, Sweden.
Anders Möller is a Professor
Emeritus at the Department of
Social Science, Ersta Skondal
Hogskola, Göteborg, Sweden.
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THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
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VOL. 19 NO. 3 2017, pp. 146-157, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203 DOI 10.1108/JAP-08-2016-0018
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