Women with learning disabilities at increased risk of violence from men
However, a Glasgow-based charity says women with additional support needs are often unable to access the support which is currently available
Last updated 15th Mar 2023
Women and girls with learning disabilities in Scotland are being regularly targeted and subject to abuse and violence by a wide range of male perpetrators.
That’s according to a new report released by the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD).
The charity is launching the publication at its conference in Glasgow today (Wednesday 15th March 2023) to address gender-based violence and learning disability.
The report, Unequal, Unheard, Unjust: But Not Hidden Anymore, reveals the extent of abuse experienced by women with learning disabilities in Scotland; this includes exploitation by the sex industry.
'Invisibility of women with learning disabilities'
The research, which took place over one year and was funded by a Scottish Government programme, was carried out by SCLD alongside People First (Scotland), a collective self-advocacy organisation run by and for adults with learning disabilities.
The "invisibility of women with learning disabilities" when it comes to policy and legislation to eradicate gender-based violence in Scotland is highlighted as an issue that must be addressed "as a matter of urgency".
There are no figures available to help tackle the problem since the Scottish Government and local authorities do not collect consistent data about women with learning disabilities who have experienced gender-based violence.
Fear of negative assumptions
SCLD’s research reveals that often women with learning disabilities don’t report gender-based violence because they fear negative assumptions about their abilities and heavy-handed and inappropriate legislative processes such as guardianship, adult support and protection, and child protection.
Michelle Mair, Gender-Based Violence Project Adviser for SCLD said: "We know from the women we work with that gender-based violence is a huge issue. However, we have uncovered a glaring void when it comes to Scottish statistics.
“It’s clear that women and girls with learning disabilities are more likely to experience abuse than their non-disabled counterparts because of their perceived vulnerability and exposure to potential perpetrators, including family members, care staff and partners.
"Abuse can begin in childhood and continue for many years, well into adulthood.
“We found that it can take some time for women with learning disabilities to recognise what has happened to them and report the abuse due to a lack of appropriate relationship, sexual health and parenthood education being provided.
“This is compounded by the fact that if women do decide to come forward they may not be believed.
"The fact they do not have the same access to support and services as non-disabled women in the same situation is a massive problem, a violation of human rights and a barrier to justice.”
'Lacking in training'
When it comes to the police and other professionals, states the report, they often lack the training to work with women with learning disabilities and perpetrators are very rarely prosecuted and convicted.
Michelle concluded: "We recommend a number of measures including the Scottish Government establishing a national advocacy service for disabled women, including women with learning disabilities, who have experienced gender-based violence, to help them access support and justice.
“There’s a lot being done to raise awareness of, and address, gender-based violence towards women but it’s clear there is a huge gap in policy, legislation and support when it comes to violence against women and girls with learning disabilities.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights and is totally unacceptable."
"The Scottish Government is fully committed to tackling this issue. We are currently implementing ‘Equally Safe’, Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls."
“SCLD is funded through Delivering Equally Safe to ensure that women and girls with learning disabilities, and the services who support them, better understand and are more able to recognise, report and address Gender Based Violence."
“We will continue working in partnership with SCLD and People First (Scotland), who facilitate the Scottish Government’s Gender-Based Violence and Learning Disability Steering Group, to explore the findings of this report."
“Scottish Government representatives at the conference will carefully consider discussions and take any findings on board.”