‘You Need to Feel Safe’: Co-Designing Inclusive Police Interview Spaces, Considering the Spatial and the Sensory Aspects

People with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic/neurodivergent are more likely to experience sexual violence. When they report, they are less likely to be believed or to receive appropriate support. There is limited research that considers the impact of the environment where victims of crime give evidence on victim testimony. Specific issues include the location and layout of interview rooms, background noise, harsh lighting and other sensory stressors. This study focuses on the views, experiences and recommendations of victim-survivors of sexual violence. The research team worked with 10 co-researchers with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic/neurodivergent to understand how police interview spaces affect how people feel and communicate. We held three online workshops, and a participatory walk through of a police space. The study found that sensory overload from the physical environment can make it harder for people to understand the information provided and the questions asked during the interview and to formulate a response. It shows the importance of flexibility in interview room design and presents practical recommendations. Working with co-researchers with lived experience, it calls for inclusive, trauma-informed and person-centred responses in the criminal justice system. Lay Abstract People with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic/neurodivergent are more likely to experience sexual violence. When they report, they are less likely to be believed or to receive appropriate support. There is limited research that talk about the experiences and recommendations of those affected by the spatial environment of police interview spaces. Specific issues include the location and layout of interview rooms, background noise, harsh lighting and other sensory stressors. This study worked with 10 co-researchers with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic/neurodivergent to understand how police interview spaces affect how people feel and communicate. We held three online workshops, and a participatory walk through of a police space. The study found how sensory overload from the physical environment can make it harder for people to understand and speak. It shows the importance of police spaces being flexible based on different needs. It presents practical recommendations for spaces to make people feel more comfortable, informing changes in a local police force and beyond. By showcasing the voices of co-researchers with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic/neurodivergent, it calls for inclusive, trauma-informed and person-centred responses in the criminal justice system.