The impact of abuse on men and women with severe learning disabilities and their families

So far, little systematic attention has been paid to the impact of abuse on men and women with severe learning disabilities. Using the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (American Psychiatric Association 1994) and questions about changes in skills and ‘challenging behaviours’, we interviewed parents to collect information about the effects of the abuse experienced by 18 people with severe learning disabilities. The consequences for the survivors were profound and long-lasting, and it was found that their parents and siblings were also deeply affected. Very limited formal support was offered to the men and women who had been abused, or to their families. The implications for assessments of the impact of abuse on people with severe learning disabilities and for service provision are highlighted.