The increased risk of sexual abuse of autistic children

It is reported in the media on a fairly regular basis that autism rates in children are increasing in the UK.

It is now widely understood that some children may be more vulnerable to abuse than others. There are several different reasons for this. For example, an autistic child might have difficulty understanding other people’s motives or find it difficult to understand and interpret other people’s thoughts and feelings. They might struggle to identify if someone is being genuinely friendly or pretending to take advantage of them. They might also experience difficulties with social interaction or communication and may not understand the concept of danger. A  child with autism might also withdraw socially which might leave them isolated and more vulnerable to abuse.  

If they are unfortunately the victim of abuse, they may also be less able to recognise it as abuse or find it more difficult to report it to a third party. 

The perpetrator of abuse can be family or friends but can also be from outside their family unit and unfortunately can include professionals and volunteers who are supposed to care for them. 

An example of this is the recent criminal case involving a North Yorkshire school worker Acasia Welburn, aged 26, who was recently imprisoned for two and a half years. The court heard that she had made contact on social media with a teenage boy under the age of 16 who was autistic. She had then sent him messages including sexual messages and images. She then met the victim on a regular basis for sexual intercourse in her car and flat. She pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.     

We have also previously blogged about reported abuse including violence, neglect and sexual abuse at residential children’s homes in Doncaster operated by the Hesley Group. The Hesley Group provide specialist residential, supported living and education services for young people and adults and adults in South Yorkshire, Scunthorpe and York.  Two homes operated by them are subject to an ongoing South Yorkshire Police and Doncaster Safeguarding Partnership complex child abuse investigation which is called Operation Lemur Alpha. 

There have also been multiple reports over the years of council run boarding schools and independent special schools for boys with behavioural and learning difficulties where there has been widespread abuse of pupils by staff at the school.   

Jordans solicitors are acting on behalf of vulnerable children and young adults whom it is alleged were sexually abused in a number of different types of institutions. 

Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.
We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

Justice for child abuse survivors should be accessible no matter how long ago it happened. That’s why we fought for a landmark change in the law, which allows an abuse claim to be brought before a court regardless of when it took place.

If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team.