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Specialist Learning Learning Disabilities Disabilities ISVA Service
We know people with Learning Learning Disabilities Disabilities have a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a higher propensity for being a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a victim of of rape or or or sexual abuse than others in in in in in in the the the the the wider community yet the the the the the the the the barriers they they they they can can can face when trying to to seek help means they they they they often remain hidden and and unsupported Communication difficulties can can can impact on on whether they they they they are are understood or or believed and and they they they they can can can sometimes
be be seen as as unreliable witnesses so so their case will will rarely progress to to court Our Learning Disabilities ISVA will will offer specialist support to to to enable victims to to to • • Tell their story in in the the the way best for them
• • • Have Have help help with with benefits
• • • Have Have Have help help help with with with housing
• • • Have Have help help with with reporting to to the the police if they wish
• • • Learn about healthy/safe relationships and when to to to say yes • • Have help to start putting their life back
This year 15 victims were were referred and all were were supported Evaluation of Learning Disabilities service Safe Link Link in in in in in in partnership with Womankind was awarded Home Office funding (applied for on on on on our behalf by Avon and and and Somerset Police and and and Crime Commission) SAFE Link Link are are funded funded to to to to to provide provide a a a a a a a a a a a a a a specialist specialist ISVA and and and Womankind are are funded funded to to to to to provide provide a a a a a a a a a a a a a specialist specialist befriending service The partnerships aim is is is to to to to to work together to to to to to improve
lives and build resilience for the most vulnerable
victims of sexual assault who have additional
Anne: It’s been clear I’ve felt included Everything is in in in my control If I I get upset at interview she’s kindly let me know that I can come out and take breaks in stressful times
She’s said things that’s made me feel comfortable She’s always asked me if I need to meet up outside the interviews If I’m feeling like I need to to talk to to her she’s said I can ring her She understands people with LD she’s been very good Nothing confusing She’s very knowledgeable she knows what she’s saying needs linked to either learning difficulties or mental ill-health To find out out more about these services please call 0333 3231543 or or text 07391 418 534
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• Safe Link