Sexual Coercion within Relationships Affected by Dementia whilst
Living at Home: Co-Designing Awareness Resources
Project Summary
Many people living with dementia and their partners continue to have satisfying intimate relationships. However, changes caused by dementia can sometimes make intimacy more difficult. Research and health and social care services recognise that people living with dementia may be at increased risk of sexual abuse, which is an important safeguarding issue. Meanwhile, sexual coercion from a partner who has dementia remains largely invisible and unaddressed, leaving both the person living with dementia and their partner unsupported. Carers who experience sexual coercion in this context often find it confusing, distressing, and hard to talk about. Some carers also may not understand/identify what they are experiencing and many struggle to find help. Support services are limited; professionals may also feel unsure how to recognise, discuss, or respond to this issue. The main aim of this project is to create a clear, accessible booklet to raise awareness of sexual coercion within relationships affected by dementia. The booklet is aimed at the public and is also intended to be useful for people living with dementia, their partners, family members and professionals working in health and social care. The booklet will be created together with people who have lived and/or professional experience of the topic. Participants will help shape the content, language and presentation. Topics may include intimacy and dementia, consent and decision-making, as well as what to do if sexual pressure is a concern. This approach will help ensure the booklet is respectful, realistic and helpful.
Expected Impact
- The expected impact of this project is to create public awareness of a hidden issue that is rarely talked about. The project aims, by bringing this topic to the surface, to support those currently affected by showing that they are not the only ones facing this problem. It should help people feel more able to come forward to seek support.
- For the wider public, the project should start more open and informed conversations about dementia, relationships, and consent under UK law.
- It is also expected to improve understanding among organisations and professionals, so that responses become more sensitive, practical and informed.
- In the longer term, the project strives to lay the groundwork for better guidance, better training, and stronger support for families affected by dementia.
Priority Areas
- Raising public awareness and addressing stigma and social exclusion
- Supporting families, friends, and unpaid carers
- Building a compassionate, skilled and supported workforce
Partners and Collaborators
- University of Kent
- Symbiosia
Project Team
- Hina Adeel – Family caregiver, person with lived experience, Empower Dementia Network volunteer
- Rasa Mikelytė – Dementia Research Fellow at the University of Kent, specialising in dementia care, social care, and palliative care.
- Caroline Selai – Chartered Psychologist (academic and practitioner), Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) senior accredited and Honorary Associate Professor at UCL.
- Esther Wiskerke – Symbiosia’s Founding Director, community partner organisation.
- Alex Ruck Keene – Project Legal Advisor, a barrister, Professor of Practice at the Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London, Visiting Professor at the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory, University of West London, Visiting Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London and a Research Affiliate at the Essex Autonomy Project, University of Essex.