Ann Craft Trust
ACTing Against the Abuse of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities

Bullied to death?

Fiona Pilkington, her daughter Francesca and son Anthony were terrorised in their own home over a period of years, targeted because Francesca was disabled and Anthony had severe dyslexia. It is almost beyond belief that despite over 30 calls to the police, the family, obviously vulnerable, did not receive the support they needed, tragically leading Fiona to not only take her own life but that of her daughter also. All too often disabled children and adults are victims of what is commonly termed ‘bullying’ but is in fact more often than not hate crime. The use of the term bullying somehow negates the seriousness of the situation and leads others, like the police in this case, to dismiss complaints and not take action necessary to protect people.  Failing to take action not only leaves the victims vulnerable to further abuse but also sends a message to the perpetrators that their behaviour is acceptable. 

‘We need to see that agencies are working together to support vulnerable families and to recognise the serious impact bullying can have on an individual’s physical, mental and emotional health to prevent this happening again.   This will also send a clear message to those guilty of the abuse that their behaviour will not be tolerated’ says Rachael Clawson, Safeguarding Disabled Children’s Manager, at the Ann Craft Trust.

The Trust is a national registered charity committed to safeguarding disabled children and vulnerable adults from abuse.  They have been campaigning on behalf of people with learning disabilities to have disability hate crime taken seriously and for the relevant agencies to respond appropriately.  ‘The deaths of Fiona and Francesca remind us yet again that we have a long way to go in our work to protect people with learning disabilities’, says Deborah Kitson, CEO at the Ann Craft Trust.
 

Note to Editors

1. The Ann Craft Trust works with staff in the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors to protect disabled children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk from abuse.  We also provide training in all aspects of safeguarding.  www.anncrafttrust.org.
2. For further discussions please contact Deborah Kitson, CEO, Ann Craft Trust or Rachael Clawson, Safeguarding Disabled Children’s Manager, Ann Craft Trust.  

29 September 2009

The Ann Craft Trust is a registered charity No. 1086592 and is a company limited by guarantee No. 4080805. © 2010 Ann Craft Trust: Protecting People with Learning Disabilities from Abuse. All Rights Reserved.

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