Fighting for Ben, a family’s story

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to study themes of abuse and mistreatment of people with a learning disability. Personal stories of lived experience such as this are important pieces of learning and information for practitioners. This case study is intended to add to the limited available knowledge base of lived experience, offering insight into safeguarding in practice.Design/methodology/approachThis is a single case study highlighting lived experiences written by and from the perspective of a sibling of a person with a learning disability who has experienced abuse in the social-care system.FindingsStructural ongoing abuse occurs and has occurred in the social care system. How we respond to this as a system and societally is a multi-layered challenge that underpins the ability to ensure the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable peers.Originality/valueCase studies such as this are limited, with underpinning themes that are all too common. The case study adds to literature that gives insight and perspective into experiences of systems, and of systemic failures to act.