An audit of investigations into allegations of abuse involving adults with intellectual disability

Background The present paper describes the results of an audit of referrals to a psychology service requesting specialist assistance in the investigation of allegations of abuse. Methods The referrals were over a 2-year period and case notes and records were reviewed to analyse the nature of the allegation, the characteristics of the victims or perpetrators, and the process of the investigation and its outcome. Results Twenty-six people were referred for investigation into allegations of sexual or physical abuse. The referrals were for assistance with an investigative interview (n = 12), capacity to give consent to a sexual relationship (n = 8) and competence to give evidence in court (n = 6). The referrals were all in relation to adults, covering a range of ages and degrees of intellectual disability. Conclusions The process of the investigations suggested that a number of barriers still exist which can make decision-making in relation to the alleged abuse extremely difficult. Resolution of the allegations through the criminal justice system was also problematic.