Sexual exploitation: needs of young people with learning disabilities

This mixed methods research aims to increase understandings of how to meet the needs of young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, child sexual exploitation.

The findings show young people with learning disabilities are vulnerable to sexual exploitation due to factors that include social isolation and a lack of awareness amongst professionals, and face a number of challenges to disclosing abuse, including negative responses from professionals. Gaps are identified in national policy and guidance, and young people with disabilities are often not specifically considered in local multi-agency arrangements for child sexual exploitation.

Keywords: Child Sexual Exploitation; Learning Disability