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Williams, Helen and Jobe, Alison (2026) Understanding Attrition in Sexual Offence Cases when the Victim has a Learning Disability and/or Autism. Police Practice and Research. pp. 1-19. ISSN 1477-271X

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Abstract

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.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Rape, attrition, learning disabilities, autism, police decision-making.
Depositing User: Helen Williams
URI: https://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/20173

Further Details

More Information

Uncontrolled Keywords
Rape, attrition, learning disabilities, autism, police decision-making.
Depositing User

Identifiers

Item ID
20173
Identification Number
ISSN
1477-271X

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Helen Williams

Catalogue record

Date Deposited
27 Apr 2026 15:00
Last Modified
06 Jun 2026 13:06

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