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Non-LD professionals were often extremely nervous around disclosures and talking with the ISVA increased their knowledge and confidence. This enabled them to respond in an empowering way rather than wanting to take things out of the client’s hands.
In one case, staff within a supported living residence expressed victim-blaming attitudes focused at the survivor’s LD, and the LD ISVA spoke at their team meeting to deliver some training around increased vulnerability to abuse that can be caused by having LD. At other times, the LD ISVA has challenged professionals
who have doubted the survivor’s account by suggesting that their memory or perception of what happened may not be accurate because of their LD.
As section (3) has outlined, the LD ISVA has worked alongside the police to offer ideas about effective communication and ensuring understanding when speaking to a survivor with LD about sensitive and complex matters related to sexual violence. The LD ISVA is also working with other specialist sexual violence services
in the area to consider and improve gaps within services around accessible information.
Some of the key services with whom the ISVA worked, who were involved in clients’ cases, are listed in Table 12.
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