People with learning disabilities may find it difficult to fit in with mainstream society. This can be for a number of reasons, as they may face prejudice and discrimination in their everyday lives. They might not have the ability to effectively communicate with other people. They may not understand certain aspects of social etiquette, or they may simply find it difficult to access their local communities and community services. In short, they are not always adequately protected like other people in society as they are sometimes excluded from it.
Vulnerable Adults
It is for this reason that people with learning disabilities may be classed as vulnerable. Their vulnerability might be due to their learning disability, physical disability, sensory impairment or illness. Generally, a vulnerable person is someone who is aged over 18, but may not have the ability to not only look after themselves, but may also be at risk because they can’t protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
They may be at risk in their own homes, in their local communities or whilst using public transport. It has been suggested that vulnerable people are actually less at risk from crime in general, but they are more at risk from actually being attacked than other people. It is thought that people with learning disabilities also have an increased risk of becoming victims of sexual abuse, and they may also be less able to defend themselves against violence.
Access To Justice
A vulnerable person may be seen as an easy target, seemingly less protected and helpless in the face of attack, bullying or abuse. However, another problem exists in that a vulnerable person that has become a victim of crime may not have the ability to or knowledge of how to tell someone or report such crime to the authorities. And, even in instances where a crime has been reported, there have been cases where a number of obstacles have stood in the way of the victim having access to justice.
UK Government Booklet - 'Keep Safe'
There are a number of government initiatives and self-advocacy groups that have been set up to help improve access to justice for people with learning disabilities. They also focus on helping vulnerable people protect themselves from crime, as well as encouraging the reporting of crime to the police.
Under Mencap’s accessible writing guidelines, the UK Government published a booklet for vulnerable people and their carers entitled ‘Keep Safe’. It advises ways in which vulnerable people, including learning disabled, can help to reinforce their personal safety, whether in their homes, entering into their local communities or travelling around.
The booklet gives pointers on how to deal with certain risky circumstances as well as how to cope with incidents of crime such as attacks, mugging, abuse or harassment. This advice includes ways to improve home security, as well as ways to make sure that there is always a way to contact someone if you should ever need help. It also gives advice on how to go about daily activities safely, such as using cash machines, and giving out personal information on the phone.
VoiceUK is one such group working to help vulnerable learning-disabled people obtain better and easier access to justice if they become victims of crime. They, alongside other disabled charities such as Ann Craft Trust, Respond, Mencap and Sense, often work alongside the government to help put together policies that will give people with learning disabilities greater protection and the means to help protect themselves against crime, neglect and abuse.
Your email won't be published. Comments are moderated before appearing.