Learning Disabilities and Autism Toolkit
We have developed a toolkit for supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced sexual violence.
The creation of the toolkit was funded by the Three Guineas Trust and the Somerset Discovery Fund, managed by the Somerset Community Foundation.
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- Learning disabilities and autism toolkit
Explaining trauma
Trauma is a lasting emotional response that can occur following a frightening or harmful experience. Experiencing a traumatic event can cause strong physical, emotional and behavioural reactions. This can include depression, low self-esteem, self-blame and guilt
Responses to trauma
An experience of trauma can have a profound impact on the brain producing a number of different responses. Everyone’s experience is unique, but there are some common responses shared by many victim-survivors.
Seeking further support – healing and recovery
When seeking further support or signposting, its important to remember that different things work for different people. Always try to offer the person you are working with options on what might suit them best.
Making services accessible
Based on SARSAS’ learning, feedback from the people we support and the views of our lived experience advisory group, we have put together hints and tips for working with autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Responding to disclosures
Rape and sexual violence are traumatic events that can have profound psychological, physical, and emotional impacts.
Autistic people and people with learning disabilities may have additional barriers that prevent them from being able to talk about what has happened to them.
The latest from our news and blogs
Bad Experience, not Bad Character: campaign win
Earlier this year, Rape Crisis, along with Centre for Women’s Justice, End Violence Against Women Coalition, Imkaan and Rights of Women, launched a joint #BadExperiencesNotBadCharacter campaign.
Taking the first step: what to expect at our free monthly support sessions
Did you know that SARSAS now offers free, monthly support sessions in Bristol? These sessions are designed to be low-pressure, supportive, and led by your needs. Whether you stay for five minutes or the full session, you’ll be met with warmth, understanding, and respect.
