A need for consistency: policy response to crime and abuse against people with learning disabilities
| Pages | 15-24 |
| Published date | 01 February 2001 |
| Date | 01 February 2001 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200100003 |
| Author | Jane Evans,Christopher Williams |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
The Journal of Adult Protection Volume 3 Issue 1 • February 2001 © Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Limited 15
key words
learning disability
crime
policy
abuse
abstract
Using data from a survey of
social services departments, this
paper looks at how local authorities
are addressing the needs of people
with learning disabilities for
protection from crime and abuse
within the context of adult
protection developments. Previous
research indicated that victimisation
of this group was less likely to be
treated seriously by key agencies.
Here, the situation is reassessed.
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Throughout the 1990s, concern increased about the abuse of
‘vulnerable’ people, including those with learning disabilities.
There has been significant progress. Responsible journalism,
notably from The Independent, started to develop public
awareness and attitudes. In August 1997 Community Care
ran a highly effective campaign, A Fair Hearing, about people
with learning disabilities and the judicial process. Other
positive changes stemmed from research (for example,
Brown et al, 1995; Sanders et al, 1996; Williams, 1995), and
improved practice and training (Brown & Craft, 1992). This
was reinforced by the work of advocacy organisations such
as VOICE, VIA, People First and Mencap (1997), which
culminated in changes in the law (Home Office, 1998) and
generic Government guidance (DoH, 2000). But what has
been the outcome in relation to local authority service policies?
This paper addresses that question, and is based on a
survey of 88 replies from local authority social services
departments, district councils and health trusts. The survey
aimed to discover what policy changes had been made by
those charged with a duty to care for adults seen as vulnerable,
especially in relation to those with learning disabilities, and
what service providers considered priorities for the future.
The paper outlines some of the recent relevant literature and
key findings. It then discusses in more depth significant
differences in the conceptualisations of the problem within
policy documents, and how these perspectives relate to
A need for consistency:
policy response to crime
and abuse against people
with learning disabilities Jane Evans
Research Assistant, Education and
International Development, Institute of
Education, University of London
Christopher Williams
Lecturer, Education and International
Development, Institute of Education,
University of London
Research paper
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