Who are we ? Why are we ?

Sexual abuse is a fundamental infringement of psychological and physical integrity and of basic human rights. For too long it has been hidden from view behind ignorance, denial and an inability to competently respond. Today, at last, it is beginning to be generally accepted that sexual abuse does occur, and that we must do all we can to prevent it.
People with learning disabilities are not the only victims in the story of abuse, but studies show they are exposed to at least the same and probably more risk of abuse as/than other people and that they require at least the same level of protection and access to redress (cfr. Report Council of Europe, Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field : Safeguarding adults and children with disabilities against abuse).
People with learning disabilities, their parents and related professionals do not always know how to prevent sexual abuse and how to seek or provide help when abuse does occur. Yet the right response and support is vitally necessary.
Under the auspices of the Daphne Programme of the European Commission, EASPD, the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities was given the opportunity to develop and launch a

"Knowledge Centre for the Prevention of
and Response to Sexual Abuse
of People with a Learning Disability".

Purpose of the knowledge centre
International partners from 9 European countries have been working together to map out the situation in different countries. The knowledge centre offers information about key issues and findings with regard to sexual abuse, and creates the opportunity to exchange ideas and develop networks of advice and support. It is also a dissemination centre and also a means to enhance awareness. It is open to people with a learning disability, their parents and related professionals.
The information presented here can be considered as a starting point of the development of common frameworks and models of good practice in the future.
A variety of information : richness and weaknesses
A great deal of information has been compiled. It is grouped into distinct but interlinked categories. There is a wide variety of sources - from services, legal frameworks, literature, research and a previous Daphne Project. Each partner and country has a different perspective and context and therefore it is not a straightforward task to make comparisons. Nevertheless, there are some key themes which are already emerging, and EASPD is determined to continue to work on adding more coherent information. The information will of course never be completed and continually evolving.
Contact us
If you would like to contact us, please email EASPD at . EASPD can only commit itself to reply to your request on a weekly basis (see § EASPD at the search of new funding).
International Project Team
Core Project Partners :

  • Phil Madden, Home Farm Trust (United Kingdom)
  • Brian O'Donnell and Maria Walls, National Federation of Voluntary Bodies (Ireland)
  • Kurt Öhe, Arbeits- und Arbeitsintegrationsgesellshaft - Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg (Austria)
  • Aymeric Audiau, Union Nationale des Associations de Parents et Amis de Personnes Handicapées Mentales (France)
  • Prof. Dr. Geert Van Hove, Ghent University, Department of Special Education (Belgium)
  • Luk Zelderloo and Joan Lesseliers, EASPD (Belgium)

Experts :

  • Erik De Belie, Ghent University, Department of Special Education (Belgium)
  • Carla Ivens, Confidentiality Centre for Child Abuse Vlaams-Brabant (Belgium)
  • Dr. Michelle McCarthy, Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury (United Kingdom)
  • Prof. Dr. Patricia Noonan-Walsh, University College Dublin, Centre for the Study of Developmental Disabilities (Ireland)
  • Greet Conix, VMG - Vormingswerk voor en met Mentaal Gehandicapten (Belgium)
  • Dirk Paelinck and Hadewijch Schepens, VIBEG - VormingsInstituut voor Begeleiding van Gehandicapten (Belgium)

Associated Partners :

  • James Churchill and Jane Livingstone, ARC - Association for Residential Care (United Kingdom)
  • Els Asselman and Lieve De Ridder, TAU group (Belgium)
  • Ákos Pordán, Hand in Hand Foundation (Hungary)
  • Paco Molina Cortegana, Paz Y Bien (Spain)
  • António Martins Rodrigues, Elo Social (Portugal)
  • Trees Dekeyser, MPI Wagenschot (Belgium)
  • Frank Cuyt, Vlaams Welzijnsverbond (Belgium)
  • Raymond Ceccotto, Foundation APHEM (Luxemburg)

EASPD at the search of new funding
At present stage EASPD can only commit itself to an annual update of key information and to respond to enquiries on a weekly basis. However those looking for new connections and ideas can use the knowledge centre NOW for this purpose. The ambition is to do more, but much has already been achieved. EASPD hopes to further engage people in offering advice and supplying relevant information.
Proposed Daphne Project 2003
On 10 February 2003, a grant application under the "Daphne programme for preventive measures to fight violence against children, young people and women" was submitted by EASPD to DG Justice and Home Affairs of the European Commission.
Although the new application builds on the established EASPD knowledge centre to combat sexual abuse, it mainly focuses on "Safeguarding people with learning disabilities against sexual violence - with particular reference to the experiences and insights of families". The project application starts from the conclusions and recommendations of a 2002 report of the Council of Europe: "Safeguarding adults & children with disabilities against abuse", a research lead by Professor Hilary Brown of the Centre for Social and Psychological Development, Canterbury University college, UK.