Q132: My child, who has learning disabilities / mental health issues, has been the victim of a sexual assault, what support is available and how will the police deal with us?
A disability should not prevent a person's ability to report a crime. Due to the variety of special needs/mental health issues that people experience, some forces may provide specialist training for police officers.
However, when a case is reported involving a person with such problems, every effort will be made to ensure that they are treated fairly and sensitively and the evidence that they offer is obtained in a manner that allows it to be used in future criminal proceedings. If, for example, communication aids are needed by an individual then these will be provided to enable them to make their disclosure. Likewise, the force will cater for any other specific needs.