Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience grooming and coercive control, yet face more barriers to accessing services and support
In this blog, Meena Kumari (H.O.P.E Training) examines the alarming statistics that demonstrate the critical need for tailored support and proactive measures to protect neurodiverse individuals from grooming and coercive control.
Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience grooming and coercive and controlling behaviour but face more barriers to accessing appropriate services and support. These harmful experiences can be profoundly damaging, exacerbating the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.
When I got the email from Jill at Neurodiverse connection asking H.O.P.E to collaborate on a series of webinars looking at neurodivergent experiences of Coercive and controlling behaviour and grooming, how could I turn it down? H.O.P.E was set up in 2008 to Help Other People Everyday - this means helping all, not just a select few in society.
As a neurodivergent person myself working on this type of project to raise awareness and support survivors to access help means so much to me. I know that services need support too, to improve their understanding and their offer. I hope this work will raise awareness, provide education, and foster a supportive environment, to play a vital role in empowering and protecting neurodivergent members of our community.
Coercive and controlling behaviour refers to a pattern of acts employed by an individual to dominate, manipulate, or control another person. It includes a range of behaviours such as intimidation, isolation, financial and economic control, surveillance, and psychological abuse. This insidious form of abuse can occur in various types of relationships, including intimate partnerships, and familial settings.
Grooming involves building trust and establishing emotional connections with an individual for the purpose of exploiting or manipulating them, often leading to sexual abuse or exploitation. Groomers may employ deceptive tactics, such as gaining the trust of the victim or their family, isolating the victim, or gradually introducing inappropriate behaviours.
Statistics demonstrate the magnitude of the issue and emphasize the need for targeted support and intervention.
Research indicates that sexual violence affects about 30% of women in the general population and between two to three times as much for autistic women
—(Cazalis et al. 2022)
According to a study by the Crime Survey for England and Wales, it was estimated that 2.3 million people aged 16 to 59 experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2019.
Additionally, the Office for National Statistics reported that between March 2019 and March 2020, there were 842,813 domestic abuse-related incidents recorded by the police in England and Wales.
Young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in England and Wales approximately one in five young people (aged 16-24) have experienced domestic abuse in some form (ONS, 2021). SafeLives Insights dataset reveals that two in five children (41%) in families where there is domestic abuse have been living with that abuse since they were born. For some children, this exposure to abuse does not only start early, but persists into later childhood. Of all the children in their dataset who had been living with abuse for their whole lives, over a third (37%) were more than five years old. Combined with information on the percentage of all children who have been exposed to domestic abuse in their homes, Safelives estimate that at least one child in every reception school class has been living with abuse for their whole life.
Research indicates that sexual violence affects about 30% of women in the general population and between two to three times as much for autistic women (Cazalis et al. 2022)
In 2019 Age UK stated that 280,000 people aged 60 to 74 experienced domestic abuse. Like younger people, older people may be subjected to domestic abuse that is physical, sexual, emotional, or economic. Perpetrators will use a range of behaviours to exert power and control. But there are also some important age-related differences that specifically affect victim-survivors as they age.
These alarming figures highlight the need for tailored support and proactive measures to protect neurodiverse individuals from this form of abuse.
Talking openly about coercive and controlling behaviour and grooming is crucial for several reasons:
Raising Awareness: By discussing these issues, we create awareness among the general public, professionals, and potential victims. Increased awareness helps identify signs of abuse and provides resources for early intervention and support.
Challenging Stigma: Open dialogue helps challenge societal stereotypes and stigmas associated with experiencing abuse. This contributes to a more inclusive and accepting society, reducing the barriers that prevent victims from coming forward or seeking help.
Promoting Education and Training: It is essential to provide education and training to professionals, including educators, healthcare workers, and law enforcement, to ensure they have the knowledge and tools necessary to recognise and support neurodivergent individuals impacted by coercive control and grooming.
Providing Supportive Networks: Creating safe spaces and support networks for neurodivergent individuals affected by abuse can be transformative.
Support groups, helplines, and community organizations play a crucial role in empowering survivors and offering assistance throughout their journey to healing and recovery.
Together, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
If you are neurodivergent and experiencing domestic abuse, please know there are services out there to help you and you are not alone.
If you are a care and support agency, school, or other service provider – what training and safeguards to you have in place to raise awareness of these issues?
If you are a domestic abuse service – how are you tailoring your offer to meet the needs of neurodivergent people?
