Intimate relationships in forensic ID population
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The pursuit of intimacy: The experiences of male offenders with intellectual disabilities
IRAS ID
350036
Contact name
Tina Hamilton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Southern HSC Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 0 months, 29 days
Research summary
The research question to be addressed is how do male forensic clients with intellectual disabilities experience and manage intimate relationships? The relevance of this topic is that intimate relationships are considered a fulfilling part of human life and can support individuals' physical and mental wellbeing. However, intimacy can be complex within offending populations, given that intimate relationships could encourage offending or individuals may offend to achieve intimacy. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, this topic has never been explored within this particular population before. This research could contribute to policy and service development to ascertain how this population can be supported to achieve fulfilling intimate relationships within the context of positive risk management.
Given the homogenous sample to be used in the study, only males over the age of 18, with a diagnosed intellectual disability and offending history would be eligible to take part. The study will be conducted over a single site in the Southern Trust. It is anticipated the study will last 3-4 weeks, including providing participants with information regarding the study, seeking informed consent and participating in a semi-structured interview(s).
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
25/NI/0042
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion