Domestic violence against women with learning disabilities

Introduction

Domestic violence against women is a common social phenomenon, which has profound implications for the individuals concerned, as well as wider social consequences. Little or nothing is known about the experiences of women with learning disabilities in relation to domestic violence and this study aimed to fill that knowledge gap.

This study used a mixed methods design: predominantly semi-structured in-depth interviews (but also focus groups, where appropriate) with a cohort of women with learning disabilities who had current or recent experience of domestic violence; and surveys of women’s refuges, police domestic violence units and social workers involved in adult and child protection and safeguarding in England.

User involvement was an important aspect of the study and the project worked in collaboration with groups of women with learning disabilities at key stages of the study.