Introduction

1. Introduction Participants The research will explore the views and experiences of people with learning disabilities and autism over the age of 16 most of whom live in Medway. The research is in partnership with Kent Police. Medway police personnel will be asked to participate in elements of the research. Living in Fear- Better Outcomes for people with Learning Disabilities and AutismDr Julie Beadle-Brown, Colin Guest and Lisa Richardson Data collection As more people with disabilities are supported in the community, the issue of personal safety increases in salience. Autism London’s National Helpline has found many people live in fear of victimisation. Medway’s Forum for adults with learning disabilities reported the experiences of 100 people who were victims of harassment and bullying. Fifty per cent said they continued to live in fear. Valuing People Now (DoH, 2009) reported that people with learning disabilities and their families wanted ‘to be allowed to live in safety and to be taken seriously when they complain about abuse or report a crime against them”. In 2009, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, concluded that there is a ‘severe under reporting of incidents’ and a ‘serious scarcity of robust and representative national level data’. Researchers commented that the terminology around targeted violence and hostility is ill defined, and that the there is ‘particular confusion over the language of hate crimes’. This study also noted the paucity of research in this area. Two years on the commissions Hidden in Plain Sight (2011) report describes a ‘culture of disbelief and systemic institutional failures’ that prevent such incidents from being dealt with effectively. Aim & Design This three year research programme aims to explore the views and experiences of people with autism (ASC) and/or learning disabilities (LD), establishing the prevalence and nature of victimisation as well as the characteristics of people who experience victimisation and the impact on their quality of life. It will also explore the views and experiences of the police in dealing with victimisation of this group. The project findings will be used to develop training and awareness raising campaigns for the police and community safety partnerships, service providers and for the general community. Progress Report The project is approaching it’s final year. We are about to begin analysis of the data collected so far. Reports and the dissemination of findings will be planned for July 2013.