‘I Know it was Every Week, but I Can't be Sure if it was Every Day: Domestic Violence and Women with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

BackgroundDomestic violence against women is well researched in the general population, but much less so in relation to women with learning disabilities. This qualitative research study interviewed 15 women with learning disabilities who had experienced domestic violence about their experiences, the impact of the violence on them and their children, their coping strategies and help seeking behaviour.Materials and methodsSemistructured in‐depth interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Inter‐pretive Phenomenological Analysis. A service user advisory group helped at particular stages, notably at the formative stage and with dissemination, especially the production of accessible materials, including a DVD.ResultsThe violence experienced by many of the women was severe and frequent. It impacted negatively on their physical and psychological well‐being. The women's awareness of refuges and others sources of help was generally low.ConclusionsHealthcare and social care professionals have a clear remit to help women with learning disabilities to avoid and escape violent relationships.

“Put bluntly, they are targeted by the worst creeps society has to offer”: Police and professionals' views and actions relating to domestic violence and women with intellectual disabilities

“…Lea and Lynn (2012) identified the poor use of Police language in reports, often discrediting the victims and colluding with the alleged abuser. There is evidence to suggest that women with intellectual disabilities also experience poor outcomes, with Walter-Brice et al (2012) and McCarthy et al (2015) reporting minimal Police response and a lack of prompt, positive action. There is evidence to suggest that women with intellectual disabilities also experience poor outcomes, with Walter-Brice et al (2012) and McCarthy et al (2015) reporting minimal Police response and a lack of prompt, positive action.…”

“…That which does exist indicates that they experience high levels of domestic violence from partners, resulting in profound emotional and psychological distress (McCarthy, Hunt, & Milne-Skillman, 2015;Walter-Brice, Cox, Priest, & Thompson, 2012). That which does exist indicates that they experience high levels of domestic violence from partners, resulting in profound emotional and psychological distress (McCarthy, Hunt, & Milne-Skillman, 2015;Walter-Brice, Cox, Priest, & Thompson, 2012).…”

“…That which does exist indicates that they experience high levels of domestic violence from partners, resulting in profound emotional and psychological distress (McCarthy, Hunt, & Milne-Skillman, 2015;Walter-Brice, Cox, Priest, & Thompson, 2012). Abuse typically escalates during pregnancy (McCarthy et al, 2015), which is reflective of the general population (Mezey & Bewley, 1997). Abuse typically escalates during pregnancy (McCarthy et al, 2015), which is reflective of the general population (Mezey & Bewley, 1997).…”

“…In domestic violence cases, it is often the woman's home that the perpetrator moves into(McCarthy et al, 2015) and refuses to leave when asked. Whilst leaving a violent relationship is obviously a good thing, sometimes it comes at such a high price (leaving their homes, all possessions, pets, friends, family, neighbours, community) that the women themselves question it.…”

‘What kind of abuse is him spitting in my food?’: reflections on the similarities between disability hate crime, so-called ‘mate’ crime and domestic violence against women with intellectual disabilities

“…The interviews with the women were lengthy, enabling them to talk in detail about the domestic violence they had experienced. Details of the findings can be found elsewhere (McCarthy, Hunt, and Milne-Skillman 2017).…”