Q132: My young child who has learning disabilities/mental health problems 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 problems that people experience, some forces may provide specialist training for 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 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 need.

For more information please see the websites in related information. There is a link to the 'Help for Victims' website and a Youtube video guide to the website.