A three-year research project carried out by Autism London, MCCH, Kent Police and the Tizard Centre, University of Kent has now reached its conclusion. This is an opportunity to share the findings and recommendations which have been made.
Monday 11th November, 1.30-4.30 at Kent Police Training School (attendance likely to be predominantly police and community safety agencies)
Wednesday 27th November, 1.30-4.30 Corn Exchange Rochester (attendance likely to be family and paid carers, social services and health professionals)
Thursday 5th December, 10.30-3.30 King Charles Hotel, Gillingham (attendance is people with learning disabilities and autism- an accessible conference)
Please note in addition to these events there will also be a conference on the 7th January 2014 at LSE (this is intended to be an academic and policy conference), more information on this event and booking arrangements to follow soon.
The research based in Medway and Kent looked at:
- how many people with autism and learning disabilities are victimised.
- the characteristics of victims and what happens to them.
- who perpetrators are.
- barriers to reporting incidents and getting support.
- the impact that the experiences and fears of victimisation has on wellbeing.
- what the police find difficult in responding to reports
Almost half the people surveyed told researchers that bad things happened to them when out and about in the community. This included physical attacks, threats, verbal abuse and damage to property. This resulted in making changes to their daily lives to avoid further incidents.
For more information or to complete a booking form for these events please see MCCH website: http://www.mcch.org.uk/livinginfear/index.aspx