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'I know it was every week, but I can’t be sure if it was every day': domestic violence and women with learning disabilities.

McCarthy, Michelle, Hunt, Siobhan, Milne-Skillman, Karen (2017) 'I know it was every week, but I can’t be sure if it was every day': domestic violence and women with learning disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30 (2). pp. 269-282. ISSN 1360-2322. E-ISSN 1468-3148. (doi:10.1111/jar.12237) (KAR id:53890)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Domestic 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 METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Interpretive 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.

RESULTS: The 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.

CONCLUSIONS: Health and social care professionals have a clear remit to help women with learning disabilities to avoid and escape violent relationships.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/jar.12237
Projects: Domestic violence and women with learning disabilities
Uncontrolled keywords: domestic violence; disabled women; qualitative methodology
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ1236 Women and the state. Women's rights. Women's political activity
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV3008 People with mental disabilities
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Funders: [UNSPECIFIED] NIHR SSCR
Depositing User: Michelle McCarthy
Date Deposited: 29 Jan 2016 17:45 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 13:32 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/53890 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

McCarthy, Michelle.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1358-2516
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Hunt, Siobhan.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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