What do we know about domestic violence experienced by adults with intellectual disabilities?

What is it about?

Although it has been claimed that people who have intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience and use violence, very little is known about whether this is true for violence in romantic relationships. Our paper is a review of the existing published academic work in this area, and is the first review of this topic. We found that only six papers have ever been published, and only one of these provided an estimate of how many people with intellectual disabilities might be affected by domestic violence. However, this study had several problems with its method which means the true scale of the problem is not known. Five studies looked at how people with intellectual disabilities described their experiences of domestic violence and/or help-seeking. These studies painted a picture very similar to the experiences reported of adults who don't have intellectual disabilities but who did experience domestic violence. Physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual and financial abuse was reported. Also positive and negative help-seeking experiences were reported. However, we don't know whether the experience of adults with intellectual disabilities who seek help for domestic violence, are different to those of adults without intellectual disabilities. Also, we know nothing about adults with intellectual disabilities who may use violence or abuse in their romantic relationships.

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Why is it important?

Our review raises important questions about our understanding and acknowledgement of domestic violence experienced by adults with intellectual disabilities. It also raises more questions that need to be addressed by research and policies. These include: How many people with intellectual disabilities are affected by domestic violence? If domestic violence and abuse used by adults with intellectual disabilities has the same origins as that used by adults who don't have intellectual disabilities. What are the best ways to support victims of domestic violence who have intellectual disabilities? How should we work with adults who have intellectual disabilities who use violence and abuse in their relationships? Without the answers to these questions some of the most vulnerable people are left unsupported, and in the case of perpetrators who are convicted of domestic violence, they may end up serving longer sentences due to the lack of specialist interventions available.

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