THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITES: RESULTS OF A TWO YEAR INCIDENCE SURVEY

Abstract

This paper reports the results of the largest survey to date of the sexual abuse of adults with learning disabilities. Existing knowledge is reviewed in the light of complex methodological and definition issues that exist and limit any work undertaken. The few existing studies of sexual abuse of adults with learning disabilities are described. Details of the current survey of sexual abuse carried out by the University of Kent and funded by the Rowntree Foundation are then provided. Detailed results of the survey are presented followed by a discussion of their implications and comparability with previous research.