معرفی
Professor Michelle McCarthy is an Honorary Professor at the Tizard Centre, within the School of Social Policy, Sociology, Social Work and Research (SSPSSR) at the University of Kent. With a background in social work, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and well-being of people with learning disabilities, with a particular focus on women's experiences of sexuality, relationships, domestic abuse, and reproductive health.
Her research interests are deeply rooted in qualitative methodologies and include:
- Personal and sexual relationships of people with learning disabilities
- Domestic and sexual abuse
- Reproductive health and contraception
- Forced marriage
- Menopause and learning disabilities
- Support systems for loving relationships
Professor McCarthy's recent publications (2020–2025) reveal a strong thematic focus on safeguarding, autonomy, and the intersection of gender and disability. Her work explores how people with intellectual disabilities navigate online spaces, experience domestic violence, access sexual health support, and form meaningful relationships—often highlighting systemic failures and advocating for person-centred, rights-based approaches. She frequently collaborates with researchers such as Claire Bates, Rachel Forrester-Jones, and Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou.
She supervises PhD research on qualitative studies related to relationships, sexuality, and abuse, and oversees the PhD programme at the Tizard Centre. Her teaching includes undergraduate modules on Understanding and Researching People with Learning Disabilities, covering topics such as sexuality, abuse, and qualitative research methods.
Professor McCarthy has authored influential resources including multiple editions of Sex and the 3 Rs and Supporting Women with Learning Disabilities Through the Menopause. She is also involved in public engagement through podcasts, videos, and collaborative research projects that amplify the voices of people with learning disabilities.
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