Unprotected, overprotected: Meeting the needs of young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation

Although child sexual exploitation (CSE) can, by its very nature, be difficult to detect, a growing body of evidence has given some indication of the extent of CSE, the different forms it takes, and its impact on victims. Research focused on CSE in relation to specific groups of young people – including those with learning disabilities – has, however, been limited.

To address this knowledge gap and to usefully inform policy and practice development, Comic Relief commissioned a UK-wide study, the main aim of which was to increase understanding of how to meet the needs of young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, CSE. The findings of this project are presented in this report, Unprotected, overprotected.