RESEARCH TO PROTECT VULNERABLE PEOPLE FROM SEXUAL ABUSE

Early day motion 1581, tabled 14 July 2003 by Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 69 members.

That this House welcomes the measures in the Sexual Offences Bill [Lords] that will better protect people with mental health problems and learning disabilities from sexual abuse; notes that research estimates that 1,400 people with learning disabilities are victims of sexual abuse each year; understands that there is inadequate research into the nature and extent of the sexual abuse of vulnerable people; expresses concern that poor commissioning practices, lengthy delays and lack of funding mean that therapy and counselling services are not always available to people with mental health problems and learning disabilities in all parts of the country and that there is only one service providing therapy for people with learning disabilities who have been abused; and calls on the Government to invest in additional research into the nature and extent of sexual abuse of people with mental health problems and learning disabilities and to issue guidance on the commissioning of therapy and counselling services for people with mental health problems and learning disabilities who have been abused.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Liberal Democrat 24, DUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Conservative 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1.