Abstract

People with learning disabilities and/or autism are disproportionately vulnerable to sexual victimisation but are less likely to have access to criminal justice. This article presents findings from analysis of 35 police case files for sexual offences in which the victim/survivor had a learning disability and/or autism. The presence of gatekeepers, undermining evidence, and communication difficulties are key factors in police decisions to mark these cases for no further action. We argue that people with learning disabilities and/or autism, reporting sexual violence, are subject to both rape myths and disability myths which hinder their engagement with criminal justice and damage police perceptions of their credibility. The operationalisation of such myths in police decision-making works to discriminate against individuals and exacerbate vulnerability to future victimisation. Despite a recent focus on justice for victim/survivors of sexual violence, we identify areas where further change is needed to make this accessible for people with additional needs.