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Starke M, Larsson A, Punzi E. People with intellectual disability and their risk of exposure to violence: Identification and prevention - a literature review. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2024:17446295241252472. [PMID: 38714505 DOI: 10.1177/17446295241252472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the literature review was to identify knowledge and knowledge gaps concerning risks of violence toward children, youth, adults and elderly with intellectual disabilities, and how risks can be identified and prevented. The research revealed that children, youths and adults labelled with intellectual disabilities are more exposed to violence than others and that the target group lack knowledge about risks of violence and what it means to be exposed to violence. It was also found that professionals who work with people with intellectual disabilities may lack knowledge about violence, and those who work with violence lack knowledge about intellectual disabilities. There is thus a need to further elaborate routines to identify exposure to violence, and to identify the target group and a need to create collaborative teams with professionals who have in-depth knowledge of violence, and those who have in-depth knowledge about the target group.
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Limoncin E, Gaudio B, Sansone A, Jannini TB, Ciocca G, Mollaioli D, Jannini EA. The role of metaverse on sexual health of people with disabilities: narrative review. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00807-0. [PMID: 38129693 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Metaverse is the implementation of an Internet-based hypothetical meta-universe, which should facilitate an immersive experience in meeting people, working, shopping and other leisure activities. Immersive reality makes it possible to feel involved in a virtual environment using the mechanism of the "embodied simulations", i.e., the capacity to evoke a sense of presence in a specific reality, whether real or imagined. The growing interest in the metaverse suggests exploring how this new kind of communicative space could be used to provide and guarantee sexual entertainment and/or education for people with disabilities. Through a thematic analysis, we aimed to define the theoretical framework and analyze scientific literature on this subject. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive picture of the use of metaverse as a tool for sexuality, and of the possible benefits of such technologies for people with disabilities. To this end, we have also discussed a major topic, related to the Sexual Assistants, examining how their possible application can be implemented within the context of augmented reality. Our study further explores the importance of the metaverse in sexual education. Finally, we addressed the issue of cyber security as well as possible threats and negative consequences linked to metaverse misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Limoncin
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Benedetta Gaudio
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Section of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso B Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Mollaioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Section of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Majeed-Ariss R, Mattison M, Rodriguez PM, White C. Exploring the similarities and differences amongst service users with and without learning disabilities attending Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2023; 36:1288-1296. [PMID: 37503887 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with learning disabilities are over-represented amongst Sexual Assault Referral Centre service users. This work aims to explore the similarities and differences between service users with and without learning disabilities. METHOD Medical notes of 52 service users likely to have a learning disability were compared with 52 service users not likely to have a learning disability (according to the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire); all of whom attended Saint Marys SARC for a forensic medical examination during a 12-month period. RESULTS Significant associations were found between the likelihood of learning disability and relationship to perpetrator; location of assault; alcohol use; time taken to present to SARC; domestic violence; self-harm; suicide attempts and mental health service involvement. CONCLUSIONS People with learning disabilities in the sexually assaulted population are more likely to present with intersecting vulnerabilities emphasising the need for timely, accessible and appropriate patient-centred care for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabiya Majeed-Ariss
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Pablo M Rodriguez
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Catherine White
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Institute for Addressing Strangulation Sexual Offences, Manchester, UK
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Majeed-Ariss R, Smith DM, Mohamed L, Wood L, White C. The impact of COVID19 pandemic and government enforced lockdowns on levels of attendance and context of sexual assaults reported at Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 97:102550. [PMID: 37331248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Globally, government enforced lockdowns were one measure introduced to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The impact of these social movement restrictions on victims of sexual assault and their access of sexual assault services needed clarity. This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on: Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) attendance; characteristics of clients; characteristics of alleged perpetrators and nature of sexual assaults. Routinely collected data from the Saint Mary's SARC in the North West of England over two financial years, April 2019-March 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and April 2020-March 2021 (during COVID-19), were analysed. Compared to the pre COVID-19 year, monthly SARC attendance for children and adults decreased during national lockdowns and increased as restrictions lifted. Ethnicity of clients was significantly different during COVID-19 with more South Asian adults and more bi-racial children attending. Attendance of adults aged over 57 years also significantly increased during COVID-19. A significant increase in adults meeting alleged perpetrators online and a significant decrease in alleged perpetrators being a sex worker client were also identified. Finally, a significant increase in not-recorded data for health characteristics of adult and child clients was noted. While this study has illuminated some changes in the vulnerability profile of clients attending SARC during COVID-19 and its associated lockdowns, it has also highlighted shortcomings in changes to usual care introduced in the challenging and changing context of a global pandemic. These findings in parallel usefully recommend areas in need of service improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabiya Majeed-Ariss
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, York Place, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
| | - Debbie M Smith
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Laila Mohamed
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, York Place, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Lauren Wood
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Catherine White
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, York Place, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK; Institute for Addressing Strangulation Sexual Offences, UK
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Varese F, White C, Longden E, Charalambous C, Meehan K, Partington I, Ashman E, Marsh L, Yule E, Mohamed L, Chevous J, Harewood E, Gronlund T, Jones AM, Malik S, Maxwell C, Perot C, Sephton S, Taggart D, Tooze L, Majeed-Ariss R. Top 10 priorities for Sexual Violence and Abuse Research: indings of the James Lind Alliance Sexual Violence Priority Setting Partnership. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e062961. [PMID: 36806139 PMCID: PMC9944274 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish a James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) to identify research priorities relevant to the health and social care needs of adults with lived experience of recent and/or historical sexual violence/abuse. PARTICIPANTS Adults (aged 18+ years) with lived experience of sexual violence/abuse (ie, 'survivors') were consulted for this PSP, alongside healthcare and social care professionals who support survivors across the public, voluntary, community, independent practice and social enterprise sectors. METHODS In line with standard JLA PSP methodology, participants completed an initial online survey to propose research questions relevant to the health and social care needs of survivors. Research questions unanswered by current evidence were identified, and a second online survey was deployed to identify respondents' priorities from this list. Questions prioritised through the second survey were presented at a consensus meeting with key stakeholders to agree the top 10 research priorities using a modified nominal group technique approach. RESULTS 223 participants (54% survivors) provided 484 suggested questions. Seventy-five unique questions unanswered by research were identified and subsequently ranked by 343 participants (60% survivors). A consensus meeting with 31 stakeholders (42% survivors) examined the top-ranking priorities from the second survey and agreed the top 10 research priorities. These included research into forms of support and recovery outcomes valued by survivors, how to best support people of colour/black, Asian and minority ethnic and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) survivors, improving access to high-quality psychological therapies, reducing public misconceptions/stigma, the impact of involvement in the criminal justice system on well-being, and how physical and mental health services can become more 'trauma informed'. CONCLUSIONS These research priorities identify crucial gaps in the existing evidence to better support adult survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Researchers and funders should prioritise further work in these priority areas identified by survivors and the professionals who support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Catherine White
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor Longden
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Christina Charalambous
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Meehan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Imogen Partington
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Efa Ashman
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lowri Marsh
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Yule
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Laila Mohamed
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jane Chevous
- Survivors Voices, Reshapers Community Interest Company, Suffolk, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Harewood
- The Lighthouse, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Toto Gronlund
- James Lind Alliance, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Jones
- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
- The Prosper Study, Risk, Abuse and Violence (RAV) Research Programme, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Samira Malik
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte Maxwell
- Department of Professional Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Concetta Perot
- Survivors Voices, Reshapers Community Interest Company, Suffolk, UK
| | | | - Daniel Taggart
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | | | - Rabiya Majeed-Ariss
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Eid K, Torkildsen Ø, Aarseth J, Celius EG, Cortese M, Holmøy T, Kapali A, Myhr KM, Torkildsen CF, Wergeland S, Gilhus NE, Bjørk MH. Abuse and revictimization in adulthood in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study during pregnancy. J Neurol 2022; 269:5901-5909. [PMID: 35780399 PMCID: PMC9553842 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge concerning exposure to abuse in adulthood and in pregnancy in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is sparse. OBJECTIVE To determine the occurrence of adult abuse and abuse in relation to pregnancy in women with MS and their risk of revictimization (repeated abuse as adults after childhood abuse). METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised pregnant women from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort study. Information on abuse was acquired through self-completed questionnaires. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS We identified 106 women with MS at enrollment through linkage with national health registries. The reference group consisted of 77,278 women without MS. Twenty-seven women (26%) with MS reported any adult abuse compared to 15,491 women (20%) without MS, aOR 1.33 (0.85-2.09). Twenty-two (21%) women with MS reported systematic emotional abuse compared to 13% without MS, aOR 1.75 (1.08-2.83). Ten women (10%) with MS reported sexual abuse, compared to 6% without MS, aOR 1.72 (0.89-3.33). More women with MS reported rape as an adult, aOR 2.37 (1.02-5.49). Women with MS had higher risk of revictimization as adults, after childhood abuse, aOR 2.23 (1.22-4.10). The risk of abuse during pregnancy or 6 months preceding pregnancy was similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Women with MS had increased occurrence of systematic emotional abuse, rape, and revictimization as adults, compared to women without MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Eid
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 71, 5053, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Øivind Torkildsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-SysMed, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Aarseth
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-SysMed, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- The Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Registry and Biobank, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elisabeth G Celius
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianna Cortese
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Trygve Holmøy
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Akash Kapali
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell-Morten Myhr
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-SysMed, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Cecilie F Torkildsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Stig Wergeland
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-SysMed, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- The Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Registry and Biobank, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 71, 5053, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marte-Helene Bjørk
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 71, 5053, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Luong R, Parkin JA, Cunningham N. Acute concomitant injury and intoxication in complainants of recent sexual assault: A review. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 92:102448. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kahonde CK, Johns R. Knowledge, perceptions and experiences of risk to sexual violence among adults with intellectual disabilities in Cape Town, South Africa. Afr J Disabil 2022; 11:837. [PMID: 35399700 PMCID: PMC8991188 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v11i0.837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with intellectual disabilities are at high risk to sexual violence, yet minimal research has been conducted in South Africa to understand this phenomenon, especially seeking perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities themselves. Objectives This study aimed to explore and describe the knowledge and awareness of risk to sexual violence among adults with intellectual disabilities and to understand their perceptions and experiences of risk. Method An exploratory qualitative approach was appropriate as there is lack of literature on this subject. Focus group discussions were used as the method of data collection. The method of conducting focus group discussions and data collection instruments were adapted to suit the communication and cognitive abilities of the adults. Twenty-seven adults participated in the study and they were divided into six groups of four to five participants in each group. Results The adults’ responses revealed that they had some knowledge of risks to sexual violence, but they also had knowledge gaps and some erroneous knowledge and perceptions that could put them at high risk. The experiences they shared showed that the risk of sexual violence is high among women with intellectual disabilities. Conclusion Further research is needed to inform a community approach which includes people with intellectual disabilities, their families, services providers and community members as an intervention to empower and protect people with intellectual disabilities from sexual violence. To achieve this, we recommend an ecological framework as a guiding tool in both the research processes and the implementation of the outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callista K Kahonde
- Department of Global Health, Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Johns
- Consultant for Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability, Cape Town, South Africa
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Repeat attenders are disproportionately vulnerable: An exploration of revictimisation at Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 80:102158. [PMID: 33892331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being a victim of sexual assault is linked to many psychological and physical health problems. Experiencing one episode of assault is a risk factor for revictimisation. Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides aftercare for clients in Greater Manchester and Cheshire who have suffered sexual assault and rape, with physical, psychological and sexual health services. AIMS This work's primary aim was to establish the prevalence of re-attendance of adults for a forensic medical examination to Saint Mary's SARC. The secondary aim was to identify the characteristics and vulnerabilities of clients who re-attended Saint Mary's SARC during a twelve-month period. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 42 sets of forensic medical notes for repeat attenders in 2017 was performed. A control sample of 42 single attenders from 2017 was randomly selected for comparison. RESULTS A total of 740 adult clients attended Saint Mary's for a forensic medical examination in 2017, 5.7% of whom had previously attended. Amongst these clients, significantly higher numbers experienced unemployment (p < 0.001), recent mental health complaints (p < 0.001), previous self-harm (p < 0.001), and previous suicide attempts (p = 0.001). There was a significantly larger number of repeat attenders who scored below the threshold that indicates likelihood of having a learning disability (p = 0.008). All clients who disclosed a history of alcohol abuse were repeat attenders. Repeat attenders were more likely to receive safeguarding than single attenders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of repeat attenders at Saint Mary's SARC is lower than reported in many other studies. However consistent with the wider literature, this demographic showed higher level of vulnerability, and higher likelihood of receiving safeguarding. SARC staff and services should be prepared to attend to the additional needs of this group. Powered.
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Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Adults with Intellectual Disability: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041980. [PMID: 33670753 PMCID: PMC7921934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the results of a systematic review on the prevalence of sexual abuse experienced in adulthood by individuals with intellectual disability. An electronic and manual search of academic journals was performed on four databases via EBSCO Host: Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL Full-Text. In addition, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science (core collection) were searched. After an initial selection of 1037 documents, 25 articles remained for quantitative synthesis. The combined prevalence of sexual abuse in adults with intellectual disability was 32.9% (95% CI: 22.7–43.0) and sensitivity analysis revealed that the prevalence was not outweighed by a single study. Overall, the United Kingdom had the highest prevalence (r = 34.1%), and the USA had the lowest (r = 15.2%). The overall prevalence in females was lower (r = 31.8%) than that in males (r = 39.9%). Subgroup analyses revealed that prevalence of sexual abuse was higher in institutionalized individuals. The most prevalent profile of abuser is of a peer with intellectual disability. Prevalence increases from mild to severe levels of intellectual disability and decreases in profound levels. It is also more prevalent when the informant is the individual with intellectual disability than when someone else reports abuse. In sum, one in three adults with intellectual disability suffers sexual abuse in adulthood. Special attention should be paid for early detection and intervention in high risk situations.
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Baert S, Gilles C, Van Belle S, Bicanic I, Roelens K, Keygnaert I. Piloting sexual assault care centres in Belgium: who do they reach and what care is offered? Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1935592. [PMID: 34367523 PMCID: PMC8317926 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1935592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual assault (SA) is highly prevalent in Belgium. In order to mitigate the negative consequences for victims of acute SA, Sexual Assault Care Centres (SACCs) were piloted from October 2017 to October 2018 in three Belgian hospitals. SACCs offer medical and psychological care, forensic examination and the possibility to report to the police at the SACC. OBJECTIVE Aiming to improve SACC services, we quantitatively assessed the number and characteristics of victims attending the SACC, the SA they experienced, and the care they received over 12 months upon admission. METHOD Data on victims presenting at the SACC were routinely collected in electronic patient files by the SACC personnel between 25 October 2017 and 31 October 2019. These data were analysed in IBM SPSS Statistics 25. RESULTS Within the first year 931 victims attended the SACCs. Mean age was 24.5 years (SD = 12.8), and one-third were under 18. The majority were female (90.5%) and 63.1% presented for rape. About one-third of the victims were considered vulnerable due to previous SA (35.6%), prior psychiatric consultation (38.7%) or disability (8.5%). The assailant was known to the victim in 59.2% of the cases. Of all SACC presentations, 35.2% self-referred to the SACC while 40.9% were referred by the police. Two out of three victims attended the SACC within 72 h post-assault. Respectively 74.7% of victims received medical care, 60.6% a forensic examination, 50.2% psychological care, and 68.7% reported to the police. CONCLUSION Despite the absence of promotion campaigns, the SACCs received a high number of victims during the pilot year. Use of acute and follow-up services was high, although new approaches to offer more accessible psychological support should be explored. The big proportion of vulnerable victims warrants careful monitoring and adaptation of care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saar Baert
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christine Gilles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint-Pierre University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Van Belle
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Iva Bicanic
- National Psychotrauma Center for Children and Youth, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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