On the ground insights from disability professionals supporting people with intellectual disability who have experienced sexual violence
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-04-2018-0006 |
| Published date | 10 December 2018 |
| Pages | 207-220 |
| Date | 10 December 2018 |
| Author | Ellen Frances Fraser-Barbour |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection,Safeguarding,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Abuse |
On the ground insights from disability
professionals supporting people with
intellectual disability who have
experienced sexual violence
Ellen Frances Fraser-Barbour
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is report on a study exploring the views of service providers, both within
disability service sectors and in mainstream violence response sectors, about ways of effectively supporting
people with intellectual disability who may be experiencing abuse and violence.
Design/methodology/approach –Semi-structuredinterviews were conducted with seven participants and
analysed both thematically and in more depth from a socio-ecological perspective.
Findings –Participants highlighted five key factors facilitating or hindering professionals working with
individuals with intellectual disability who may be experiencing abuse and violence: connecting clients with
services and establishing a rapport; access to information about histories of trauma; policy context;
inaccessibility and unavailability of mainstream violence response services; client understanding of what
happens “next”after identification of harm.
Originality/value –Overall the study indicates a strong need for the development of resources, information
and tools designed to educate and enhance the understanding of professionals supporting people with ID
and to better facilitate learning and understanding for people with ID regarding what happens “after”
disclosure of sexual violence or other experiences of harm.
Keywords Learning/intellectual disabilities, Safeguarding, Service provision, Trauma-informed,
Sexual abuse, Disability sector, Supportive responses
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
In the past 20 years there have been several media reports, government inquiries and research
reports in Australia, highlighting the prevalence of harm and abuse in the lives of people with disability
(Krnjacki et al., 2016; Hughes et al., 2012; Brownlie et al., 2007; Brownridge, 2006; Family and
Community Development Committee, 2016; Office of the Public Advocate, 2015). This has also
been the case internationally (Hahn et al., 2014; Hughes et al., 2012), and there has been particular
reference to people with intellectual disability or complex communication needs (Eastgate et al.,
2011; Frohmader, 2002; Peckham, 2007; Bryen et al., 2003; Collier et al., 2004). However, the focus
has primarily been on preventing abuse with little investigation into responses and redress. Of the
research papers found, few canvased the views of disability professionals who are on the ground
supporting people with ID in their daily lives, or indeed people with disability themselves. This is a
significant gap given the role disability professionals play in the lives of people with disability, and given
that many people with ID have significantly more professionals and healthcare workers involved in
their lives than they do informal supports such as a family or friends (Hall and Hewson, 2006;
Forrester Jones et al., 2006). It is also important to realise that people with disability experience
significantly more barriers to participation in social life, healthcare, education, employment and other
aspects of life (National People with Disability and Carer Council (NPDCC), 2009).
Received 11 April 2018
Revised 21 September 2018
Accepted 25 September 2018
Ellen Frances Fraser-Barbour is
based at the Flinders
University, Adelaide, Australia.
DOI 10.1108/JAP-04-2018-0006 VOL. 20 NO. 5/6 2018, pp. 207-220, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203
j
THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
j
PAG E 2 0 7
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