On the ground insights from disability professionals supporting people with intellectual disability who have experienced sexual violence
The Journal of Adult Protection
ISSN: 1466-8203
Article publication date: 15 November 2018
Issue publication date: 23 November 2018
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-structured interviews 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
Citation
Fraser-Barbour, E.F. (2018), "On the ground insights from disability professionals supporting people with intellectual disability who have experienced sexual violence", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 20 No. 5/6, pp. 207-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-04-2018-0006
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited