Transcript Domestic violence and women with learning disabilities

Domestic violence and women
with learning disabilities
Michelle McCarthy
•
Background
Domestic violence against women is a common social phenomenon, which has profound implications for the
individuals concerned, as well as wider social consequences. Little or nothing is known about the experiences
of women with learning disabilities in relation to domestic violence and this study aims to fill that gap in our
knowledge.
Aims
- to explore the experiences and social care needs of women with learning disabilities who have
experienced domestic violence
- to investigate the capacity of women’s refuges (and other domestic violence support services) to respond
to women with learning disabilities
- to investigate the capacity of police domestic violence units to respond to women with learning disabilities
- to investigate attitudes and practices of professionals involved in safeguarding children (where the mother
has learning disabilities and has experienced domestic violence) and vulnerable adults.
Methods
This study will use a mixed methods design: predominantly semi-structured in-depth interviews (but also
focus groups, where appropriate) with a cohort of women with learning disabilities who have current or
recent experience of domestic violence; and surveys of women’s refuges, police domestic violence units and
social workers involved in adult and child protection and safeguarding in England (to be followed up by
interviews of key personnel where possible). User involvement is an important aspect of the study and the
aim is to work in collaboration with groups of women with learning disabilities at key stages of the study.
Timescale
The study will begin in late summer of 2012 and run for 2 years.
Funding
A research grant has been awarded from NIHR School of Social Care Research.