The sexual abuse of people with learning difficulties: the problem and possible solutions
| Pages | 6-13 |
| Published date | 01 September 2003 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200300020 |
| Date | 01 September 2003 |
| Author | Alison Tarrant |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
6© Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Limited The Journal of Adult Protection Volume 5 Issue 3 • September 2003
For the past year Mencap has been running a vigorous
campaign to gain better protection for people with learning
difficulties from sexual abuse. The campaign was initiated in
response to two key factors. First, the advisory group to the
Home Office on sexual offences presented its report, Setting the
Boundaries, which has a considerable focus on the protection of
vulnerable adults (Home Office, 2000). Second, Mencap had
recently been approached by a number of individuals in direct
contact with people with learning difficulties who had suffered
abuse. Their stories were deeply shocking and brought the
effects of abuse into sharp focus. They highlighted the
shortcomings of the current legal situation and the need for
legislative reform.
Mencap believes that people with learning difficulties have
an absolute right to have a private life and to take part in sexual
activity if they choose and if they consent. However, it is also
clear that people have a right to live their lives free from fear,
threat or abuse.
Who is at risk from abuse?
There can be no doubt that the risk of sexual abuse is a serious
one to people with learning difficulties. People with disabilities
are four times more likely to experience sexual abuse than
others in the general population and there is considerable
evidence to suggest that people with learning difficulties are
most at risk. In terms of numbers, research suggests that at
least 1,400 adults who have learning difficulties are likely to be
reported as victims of sexual abuse each year in the UK (Brown
et al, 1995), but this figure, although startling, can give us no
The sexual abuse of people
with learning difficulties:
the problem and possible
solutions Alison Tarrant
Former Policy Officer, MENCAP
key words
sexual abuse
people with learning difficulties
criminal justice
unreliable witnesses
abstract
This article explores the law
relating to the sexual abuse of
people with learning difficulties and
proposes a number of key changes
that need to take place in order to
offer people with learning
difficulties greater protection from
abuse.
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