Applied Psychology, Social Services & Welfare 

Polly is the victim of an assault. The man she accused is arrested, and she is asked to be a witness at his trial. Polly has learning disabilities. 'Supporting Victims' shows how the police help her to choose the special measures she needs to give her best evidence in court. All the special measures which are now available to vulnerable people are explained in this book. For Polly, as with many people, the most important thing is that she has a voice and is believed and listened to. Having a policeman, an intermediary, Victim Support and a judge all listen to you shows how powerful your voice can be. In the 'Books Beyond Words' series the story is told through pictures only. The books are for adults with learning disabilities, but are useful for anyone with communication difficulties. Additional information as text, plus guidance on how to use, is also given.'The excellent Books Beyond Words series encourages client empowerment in a dynamic way.'- British Journal of Learning Disabilities What are Books Beyond Words? Few picture books are available for adults and adolescents who cannot read or who have difficulty reading. Fewer still provide information and address the emotional aspects of difficult events like the Books Beyond Words series. Each specially commissioned book actively addresses the problems of understanding that people with learning and communication difficulties experience. The stories are told through colour pictures that include mime and body language, to communicate simple, explicit messages. These help 'readers' to cope with emotions and events such as going to the doctor, bereavement, sexual abuse and depression. People with learning disabilities trial every single picture before publication to ensure they can be readily understood. Supporting text and guidelines are given at the back of each book. The authors are all experts in their fields. Lists of resources and helpful organisations are provided where appropriate. 'This series has established the highest reputation for tackling complex and difficult issues, clearly, compassionately and with considerable skill.' - Viewpoint (Mencap) 'Books Beyond Words offer a useful resource for prompting discussion on a variety of issues.' - Communication Who should use Books Beyond Words? Books Beyond Words can be used by: Anyone who understands pictures better than words. People with learning or communication difficulties. People with literacy problems. People for whom English is a second language when an interpreter is not available. Anyone who speaks a different language. Relatives, friends, supporters and advocates. Teachers, social workers, health and legal professionals, police officers. 'These books are powerful interpretive tools for anyone who works with people with developmental disabilities' - Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 'The acid test for these publications has to be whether or not one would find them useful in clinical practice... my own answer would be an unequivocal 'Yes'. - Journal of Intellectual Disability ResearchBy telling the whole story in pictures, Books Beyond Words titles help people to prepare for an event or to deal with something that has happened. People are able to relate the pictures to their own experiences, without being distracted or confused by accompanying text. The pictures share information and show procedures, but they also illustrate emotions relevant to the topic or experience. - from Amzon