Domestic Abuse
and Learning Disabilities.
Domestic abuse affects 4.8% of people (ONS 2024) in the United Kingdom, but individuals with a learning disability often face higher risks and encounter additional barriers when seeking support.
People with learning disabilities may:
- Struggle to recognise abusive behaviour.
- Find it difficult to understand their rights.
- Face challenges accessing support services.
- Miss out on important Domestic Abuse information if it is not in an accessible format.
These barriers can make it more difficult to speak out, seek help, or escape from harmful situations.
Key Facts
- Disabled women (17.5%) were more than twice as likely to experience domestic abuse in the last year, compared to non-disabled women (6.7%)
- Only 21.4% of refuge services offer support for women with learning difficulties.
- People with learning disabilities experience the highest rate of domestic abuse 19.1% (ONS 2021).
- This is nearly three times the rate of the general population.
We can help with:
Advice, Guidance & Training
- Advice & Guidance.
- Training (For professionals & frontline staff).
- Easy Read & Accessible Resources.
- Signposting to statutory services & support.
Find help in Birmingham here.
If you are in immediate risk or danger: Telephone 999 and ask for the Police.
Awareness Training
Midland Mencap is offering face-to-face training designed to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of the intersection between Learning Disabilities, Autism, and Domestic Abuse.
This half-day training session explores:
- The signs of domestic abuse in individuals with Learning Disabilities and or Autism.
- The additional barriers faced in seeking help.
- How to respond effectively.
- What support is available.
This training is for anyone working with, supporting, or coming into contact with individuals with a Learning Disability and/or Autism—whether in health, social care, education, or community settings.
To find out more or express your interest in attending a training session, please contact us via email at:
Note: Places and sessions are extremely limited and we are unfortunately unable to guarantee all applications. Applications for individuals & professionals in direct contact with individuals with a learning disability in the sectors listed above are prioritised. You will receive confirmation via email if successful. Your confirmation email will contain full details of the training date, time and location.