Fairness informed practice: how people with intellectual disabilities want to be treated by services responding to domestic violence and abuse

What is it about?

People with intellectual disabilities seek fair treatment. They want it from services that respond to domestic violence and abuse. They want dignity, respect, equal opportunities, and fair care and support. They desire understanding and respect. These things will help them achieve their goals and ambitions. The author learned about the experiences of fairness from talking with seven people with intellectual disabilities. They also learned about experiences of unfairness. The study aims to improve people with intellectual disabilities experience of professional practice. It does so through the introduction of Fairness Informed Practice (FIP). FIP offers a framework for working together with people with intellectual disabilities. FIP is rooted in the participants experience of support from DVA services. FIP could improve the experience of DVA interventions. This could also have a positive impact on people’s lives. Few researchers have asked people with intellectual disabilities about this. Few practice frameworks base DVA interventions on fairness. We need to conduct further research to assess the effectiveness of FIP. Pilot programs and stakeholder discussions are essential. Input from individuals, professionals, and researchers is crucial. Research should explore FIP's relevance to other marginalised groups. These groups often lack support and face discrimination.

Featured Image

Photo by Yume Photography on Unsplash

Photo by Yume Photography on Unsplash