I Can Get Through It: Books Beyond Words tell stories in pictures to help people with intellectual disabilities explore and understand their own experiences

By Sheila Hollins, Valerie Sinason and Christiana Horrocks

This book tells the story of a woman with learning disabilities. She is attacked by a man. We learn what happens to her and how she gets help.

Sadly, a lot of people are sexually abused, perhaps as many as 1,500 every year just in the UK. It can happen anywhere – in someone’s home, in a hostel or residential home, at a day centre or a social club, on transport or wherever people with learning disabilities are. Typically the abuse is by someone known to the victim, and it is not an isolated incident. The book shows that it is possible to find help and ‘get through it’.

I Can Get Through It is one of the Books Beyond Words series of books that tell stories in pictures to help people with intellectual disabilities (sometimes called learning disabilities) and communication difficulties to explore and understand their own experiences.

Guidelines are provided (as text at the back) for carers and supporters, health and other professionals who provide support to people with intellectual disabilities. There is also a suggested storyline and recommended helpful organisations and further resources.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books Beyond Words
• Release date: Feb 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781874439196

Sheila Hollins

Sheila Hollins, editor of the Books Beyond Words series, is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry of Disability at St. George’s, University of London, and sits in the House of Lords. She is a past President and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and President of the British Medical Association, 2012–2013.