1. 1 Living a life that is free from abuse People with learning difficulties acting as champions for others

2. 2 I’M THE ONE  Are YOU listening?  I’m the one that school described as hopeless  I’m the one that you described as friendless  I’m the one that kids described as useless  I’M WATCHING  You’re the one who writes my care plan  She’s the one that limits my pocket money  You’re the one who manages my lifestyle  He’s the one who controls what I watch on T.V.  You’re the one who tells me I have a choice  They’re the ones that write my menu  You’re the one that insists I explore my inappropriate behaviour  He’s the one that swears at ME  IS THERE ANYONE THERE?  Because I’m the one whose life you are supporting  I’m the one you are paid to care for  I’m the one who is a challenge  BECAUSE I’M THE ONE WHO IS ASKING YOU TO LISTEN

3. 3 The aims of our session  For us to explain to you what abuse is

4. 4 And talk to each other about what is right and what’s not right  Keeping safe and being grown-up

5. 5 Very important!  Today is not about secrets  It’s about more positive partnerships between all of us  It’s also about respect

6. 6 So what is abuse?  Verbal  This could mean calling people nasty names  Lying to people  Shouting for no reason  Saying bad things about you

7. 7 Abuse is also physical  This is when people hurt you  It’s also when you are locked in and can’t get out

8. 8 Abuse isn’t always in your face  Some people are neglected or ignored  Some people think they can threaten you just because you have a learning difficulty  This isn’t right!

9. 9 Sex is very difficulty to talk about  Sexual abuse does happen  This is our wake-up call to the carers of the world  Some people think they can touch you in ways you don’t want them to, or tell you to do things to them you don’t want to do  It’s not acceptable

10. 10 Money  Abuse can be financial  It’s when your money gets taken away and isn’t recorded or spent on you. Some people think that we are an easy touch, BUT NOT ANY MORE!

11. 11 STOP, LOOK & LISTEN TO ME!  Abuse is always wrong, it is never right  Together we can make the world a better place to live and work.  Both of us have rights and we need to respect that

12. 12 It is wrong for anyone to….  Shout at me, call me names, hit or hurt me  Force me to have sex or abuse my body  Take my things or money away  Lock me in or stop me going out  Treat me like a naughty child

13. 13 It is wrong for anyone to treat me badly because of:  Being a man  Being a woman  My skin colour  My health or disability  My religion  How I communicate

14. 14 No secrets and no hiding place  If you feel abused you must tell someone you trust.  Try saying NO (but this is very hard, especially if you have no words or signs)  Ask for support from someone  Be grown-up about it, SHOUT IT OUT!

15. 15 People with learning difficulties are no different from anyone else  They need to be listened to  They need supporting to tell others difficult things  They want their abuse to stop  They are worried it’s their fault, WELL IT ISN’T!

16. 16 Thank you for listening to us  Please visit the life ways, we’ll be happy to talk to you further. Sue will act as our agent!  Make sure the Human Rights Act(1998) is part of your staff training  Open your eyes and listen to what is happening in your area  Thank you!