Page 16 - SafeLinkEvaluation

Although DVA (specifically, intimate partner abuse) in conjunction with SV is common (~24.8%, ONS, 2018) in the general population, people with LD can be especially vulnerable because they are often reliant on their partners
to provide care. The case below illustrates an example of this problem.
Case example: vulnerability to abuse by carers going unrecognised
One of the LD ISVA’s clients, ‘Amy’ had a partner who did not have an LD. This partner had taken on a caring ‘parental’ role making appointments for Amy.
The LD ISVA said
“That can disguise a lot of controlling behaviour.
When the safeguarding process was started, the partner was brought into decisions as if they were her carer. There was sexual abuse happening, but that was
being overlooked. And I think that was shaped by
her having a LD.”
Many clients were reliant on benefits and faced significant financial difficulties.
10/41 (24.4%) said they had some or significant financial difficulties. 4/41 (9.8%) also had insecure housing. The case below illustrates such an example.
Case example: support with housing
One client, ‘Jill’, who has a movement disorder as well as an LD
and mental ill health has wanted to move home for a long time due to feeling unsafe at home. But finding the right placement for Jill has been difficult, because accommodation is unsuitable for her additional needs.
The LD ISVA said,
“For a lot of people, it would be ‘do you want to go
into a refuge or not?’ For her, that wasn’t an option. Going through the process takes longer, the system puts added stress on the person by making them stay where they are, taking away some choices.”
14 | Safe Link