Between the criminal justice and healthcare sectors: responsibilities in securing healthcare needs for people with intellectual disabilities after an investigative interview

Abstract

ABSTRACT People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD) who are victims of physical or sexual abuse are interviewed at Barnahus as part of a police investigation in Norway. Barnahus is responsible for ensuring victims receive the help they need to cope with such experiences. There is, however, limited knowledge of how the justice and healthcare sectors collaborate in cases of this kind. This study aims to describe the collaboration between the justice and healthcare sectors in healthcare needs after an investigative interview. A document study was conducted that included 10 real-life cases investigated by the Norwegian police. Five structured interviews with healthcare professionals were also conducted. The analysis shows that informal collaboration between the justice and healthcare sectors depends on specific persons in the organizations. Treatment or healthcare service is offered either by the Barnahus consultant or the primary or secondary healthcare system. There are no formal guidelines and procedures in this collaboration. The Barnahus’ responsibility for ensuring PWIDD receive the help they require to cope with abusive experiences depends on the services involved before the incident. Such disparities in services offered require further study. This can enable us to provide the highest attainable healthcare services to PWIDD after an abusive experience.