Hidden problem of abuse of children with learning disabilities is revealed
Children with learning disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation than others, shock new research has found.
Their suffering is often hidden as they face additional barriers to protection and to receiving support.
There is also limited awareness that young people with learning disabilities are sexually exploited.
A new report, Unprotected, Overprotected reveals that significant numbers of vulnerable children care not being adequately protected from sexual exploitation because of the false perception that they do not need sex and relationships education or accessible information about how to keep safe online and in the community.
Children and young people with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable to child sexual exploitation
The research, which was commissioned by Comic Relief and undertaken by Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD), Paradigm Research and Coventry University, calls on UK governments to take immediate action.
It highlights the need for more training for professionals and for services to work together to better prevent, identify and provide effective support for these children.
Support for parents and awareness raising in the community is also crucial to making sure that children with learning disabilities are kept safe from sexual exploitation.
Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “This report highlights that children and young people with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable to child sexual exploitation.
“A lack of awareness of the needs of these vulnerable children is playing into the hands of perpetrators of sexual exploitation. Professionals working with children must get training to recognise the risks faced by children with learning disabilities and help them to stay safe.”
Matthew Reed, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said: “As is all too clear from our work with young people, children with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
“They — as is the case with all children — need to be given the knowledge that will help them protect themselves. To understand when they are under threat and what a good relationship is. It is vital that they get the sex and relationship education they need to help keep them safe.”
Chris Creegan, chief executive of Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD), added: “We need a commitment to cross policy working to ensure that all citizens of Scotland who have learning disabilities live longer, healthier lives. Protection from exploitation is fundamental to that commitment.”
