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	Almost 5,000 disabled adults have been sexually abused in England in the past two years, figures show.</p>
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	The NSPCC said information from 106 councils showing 4,748 reports of sex abuse against disabled adults is the &ldquo;visible peak&rdquo; of what could be a bigger problem.</p>
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	People with learning difficulties were the victims of almost two thirds of reported incidents, the BBC found through Freedom of Information requests.</p>
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	Jon Brown, the NSPCC&rsquo;s lead on tackling sexual abuse, said while these figures focus on adults, disabled young people can also be victims.</p>
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	&ldquo;We know with sexual abuse that many victims find it difficult to speak out,&rdquo; he told the BBC.</p>
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	&ldquo;We know from research that disabled children and young people are three or four times more likely to be abused and neglected than children and young people who are not disabled.</p>
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	&ldquo;Abusers are often very adept at identifying vulnerabilities. And, importantly, we know that it&rsquo;s less likely for children and young people to be believed as well.&rdquo;</p>
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	The BBC&rsquo;s Victoria Derbyshire programme submitted requests for information to 152 councils with adult social services responsibilities.</p>
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	The Local Government Association told the BBC that &ldquo;keeping people safe, including people with learning disabilities, is one of the most important things councils do&rdquo;.</p>
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	It said &ldquo;councils work hard to ensure support is available when cases of abuse are referred&rdquo;.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/world/figures-show-4700-disabled-adults-sexually-abused-in-england-in-two-years-677572.html">http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/world/figures-show-4700-disabled-adults-sexually-abused-in-england-in-two-years-677572.html</a></p>
