Sexuality, learning disability and the law: Thinking together

• Start date: 17 Jun 2019

• End date: 2 Jun 2019

• Location: Doughty Street Chambers, 53-54 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LS

Sexuality, learning disability and the law: Thinking together

Capacity, Intimacy, Consent & Harmful Behaviour

This symposium will focus on issues of sexuality of people with learning disabilities, autism, or both, and those who support them.  How to give effect to the right to an intimate life; what are the obstacles and how might they be overcome? The symposium also looks at alternative approaches to addressing harmful sexual behaviour outside the criminal justice system; approaches which nurture healthier relationships.  This event will launch a Network of interested persons and organisations committed to bringing about change in this area.

Download the agenda

The Howard League for Penal Reform hosts annual awards which celebrate and champion work in the community which challenges and changes people for the better. The Howard League believes that projects which help keep people out of the criminal justice system, by providing alternative effective and targeted interventions will reduce the risk of re-offending.

Respond is a London based charity with over 25 years’ experience of working with people with learning disabilities, autism, or both, who are survivors of trauma or abuse.  Its COSA service is a community based initiative which supports those who display harmful sexual behaviours to live safe and fulfilling lives.

Respond was awarded the Howard League for Penal Reform Community Award 2018 in the Restorative Approaches category for its Circles of Support & Accountability (COSA) service. The judging panel commended the service for its innovative work with this “complex and much neglected client group”.

Doughty Street Chambers was established in 1990 and has an international reputation as a first class set of barristers’ chambers. Its ethos is to improve access to justice and promote civil liberties through the law.

This event is free to attend, but places are strictly limited and will be confirmed by email. This event is now fully subscribed, to request a place on the waiting list please email [email protected]