Women who use secure services: applying the literature to women with learning disabilities

This paper aims to review research of relevance to women with learning disabilities, focusing in particular on literature which is applicable to women with learning disabilities who use forensic services.

Research involving women with learning disabilities over the past 30 years was sought out and reviewed, and literature relating to women living in locked wards (including those without learning disabilities) was focused upon. Related themes such as the BPD diagnosis, self injury, and aggression are explored.

The author found very little research relating to women with learning disabilities who use secure services, particularly which included quotes from the women themselves.

The author recommends that more research in this area is needed, primarily research which includes the voices of women service users themselves.

This paper will be relevant to all staff who work with women in secure services.