Event summary: A focus on domestic violence and forced marriage in adults with a learning disability

Abstract

The North Thames Special Interest Group Annual Study Day was held in the BPS London Office in December. The day consisted of a business meeting and two presentations from Professor Michelle McCarthy, an expert in the area of sexuality and relationships in individuals with a learning disability. The first presentation focused on the issue of domestic violence affecting women with a learning disability. The second raised awareness of forced marriage of individuals with a learning disability. Both presentations discussed the characteristics, risk factors and considerations for clinicians to be aware of.■This article describes a meeting that many psychology professionals working within learning disability services attended in the North London area.■There was a business meeting in the morning and two presentations by Michelle McCarthy in the afternoon. Michelle McCarthy has done a lot of research on sexuality and relationships for people with a learning disability.■She talked about two dangers that can affect people with a learning disability (domestic violence and forced marriage). The article summarises what the authors learned from both presentations.