The voices of young people with learning disabilities who have been sexually exploited in the UK – Unprotected and/or over protected

In the UK child sexual exploitation has received considerable attention in the last few years, with a growing body of evidence being developed. This literature points to an increased risk for children and young people with... [ view full abstract ]

In the UK child sexual exploitation has received considerable attention in the last few years, with a growing body of evidence being developed. This literature points to an increased risk for children and young people with learning disabilities, yet no study has specifically focused on this group. Little is known about how best to: protect, identify or support those who are recognised as being at risk of, or experiencing, sexual exploitation.

This UK study aimed to:
- Examine current support,
- Explore the views of practitioners, managers and policymakers as to the enablers and barriers to good practice,
- Understand the needs of young people with learning disabilities and gather their views on current support,
- Identify gaps in current provision, policy and evidence.

As part of this wider study, 27 young people with learning disabilities aged 12 – 23 who had experienced, or were at risk of, sexual exploitation were interviewed using an accessible schedule. The interviews explored the support the young people had received. Although not asked directly about their experiences of exploitation, many chose to talk about this which has increased our understanding of how disabled young people come to be exploited and how they understand their exploitation.

The paper will focus on the voices of the young people who highlight how we can better protect, identify and support young people with learning disabilities from exploitation. The young people identified how they were either too overprotected, or not protected at all by the processes and structures which dominated their lives. They also shared how their need for friendships, relationships, inclusion and a sense of self-worth created vulnerabilities. The young people expressed that child-centred approaches and a trusted support worker helped them to understand exploitation and rebuild their lives. Implications for policy and practice will be explored.