Neglect of people with intellectual disabilities: a failure to act?

Evidence from numerous studies strongly suggests that many people with intellectual disabilities have greater health needs and also have restricted access to health care compared to the general population. Given this evidence and that this has existed for some time, when does failure to act on this knowledge constitute a form of abuse? The motivation for this article emerged from both observations made during a wider study on abuse policies and practice and a growing awareness that abuse literature is not fully engaged with a broader definition of neglect. This article considers these issues with reference to the wider context of duties of care, freedom of choice and the attitudes of staff that shape responses to abuse. Practitioners are challenged to consider what can be done to overcome neglect with specific reference to the neglect of health needs.