Evaluating the 'Just US' Programme
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the ‘Just US’ Programme: Getting the right support for victims of sexual violence who have a learning disability.
IRAS ID
246893
Contact name
Berni Kelly
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
This project is an evaluation of the Just US programme for adult victims of sexual violence who have a learning disability. Despite concern about high numbers of adults with a learning disability who are victims of sexual violence, there is limited knowledge of their experiences and how well therapeutic programmes meet their specific needs. The Just US counselling programme, which is led by Positive Futures in partnership with Nexus (NI Rape Crisis Association), aims to address these gaps in knowledge. This counselling programme is being delivered over 18 weeks and is available for up to 25 victims of sexual violence who have a learning disability.The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Just US programme. The specific objectives of the research are to examine: participant experience of the counselling programme; the impact it has on their wellbeing; the extent to which it addresses their support needs; and how the programme could be further developed for wider use.
Data on participant wellbeing will be collected during and at the end of the counselling programme using an adapted version of the CORE tool (a validated psychological tool measuring wellbeing and risk). Semi-structured interviews with programme participants will then explore their experience of the programme and their views on its effectiveness at its mid and end points. An interview will also be conducted with three staff delivering the programme.
Given the lack of previous research in this area, the research should help to develop understanding of how best to meet the therapeutic support needs adult victims of sexual violence who have a learning disability. It is anticipated that the research findings will inform the developments of policy and services to more effectively meet the specific needs of these victims of sexual violence.
Summary of Results
The Just Us project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot therapeutic counselling programme for victims of sexual violence who have a learning disability based. Given the lack of research on therapeutic interventions for people with learning disabilities who have experienced sexual violence, this evaluation of the programme makes an important contribution to this field of research and practice.The 18-week counselling programme delivered by Nexus was open to adults aged between 18-64 years who had experienced sexual violence and were assessed as having a learning disability and/or autism. A total of 30 referrals were made to the programme and, following early withdrawals, 13 people completed the programme. Ten of these these programme participants took part in the evaluation. The evaluation involved two interviews with these participants (at mid and end point) and three focus groups with counsellors (beginning, mid and end point). The study also involved the administration of CORE LD (a validated instrument for measuring wellbeing and risk) to monitor participant wellbeing and risk. The evaluation team collaborated with two Project Advocates (adults with learning disabilities with experience of sexual violence) to co-design and pilot the interview and focus group questions.
The findings provide rich insight into the experiences of participants and counsellors and the aspects of the counselling programme that were most valued by people with learning disabilities. The evaluation clearly highlighted the value of counselling for people with learning disabilities who have experienced sexual violence, with high levels of self-reported satisfaction with the process and outcomes of the programme. All of the participants stated that they would recommend it to other people with learning disabilities who had experienced sexual violence and, in some cases, reported the impact of the programme to be ‘life changing’. Recruiting experienced counsellors who had an active interest in adapting their approach to enable person-centred and inclusive approaches for people with learning disabilities was crucial. Training on disability issues for counsellors delivered by disabled people and a leading disabled person’s organisation was also a key aspect of the programme’s success. In addition, the programme was flexible in its design offering a longer programme of counselling than usually offered and facilitating additional sessions for any missed appointments.
The evaluation concluded that future counselling programmes for people with learning disabilities who have experienced sexual violence should be co-designed in partnership with people with learning disabilities, widely advertised to referral agencies and offered in a range of areas to increase opportunities for those living across urban and rural areas. Some participants with learning disabilities may also need practical support to attend counselling programmes, including assistance with transport. These counselling programmes should also be adequately resourced to allow a longer time period for completion and use of person-centresd, accessible and creative approaches to counselling.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
18/NI/0110
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion