‘All in this together’: an evaluation of joint training on the abuse of adults with learning disabilities

Abstract

The authors were involved in planning and delivering a multi-agency training programme on the abuse of adults with learning disabilities as part of an ongoing programme of research and development into the sexual abuse of adults with learning disabilities. The training took place after work had been carried out to develop a formal policy on abuse of this client group and focused on issues of investigation and interviewing as an important first stage towards implementing the policy. A coherent strategy requires clearly targeted training, adequate information and guidance for staff and clarity about roles within and between agencies. In this case it seemed that all these were in place except the formal allocation of named policed officers to take on the role of investigating cases involving the abuse of vulnerable adults.