Autistic Woman Diagnosed with HIV After Being Raped 'By Care Home Worker'

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An autistic woman has been diagnosed HIV after being raped while living in a London, UK, care home.

The abuse was discovered after the victim - an unidentified woman in her 50s - collapsed after falling ill at a facility in north London.

The victim's mother believes her daughter was sexually abused by the care home's staff and says her daughter's rape was allegedly carried out by a night shift worker.

A report on the investigation by Independent Brent Safeguarding Adults Board revealed the horrific abuse that had taken place at the independent care home.

It's unclear when the victim contracted HIV as the rape could have taken place at any time between 2006 and 2016, according to the report.

The woman, who is renamed "Cassie" in the report to protect her identity, was found to have contracted HIV after she collapsed in 2016 and was taken to Guy's Hospital in London.

She had been admitted into full-time care since childhood and began developing rashes, bruising, teeth problems, and a loss of appetite from around 2007, the report said.

Police were called when doctors ruled that the disease was sexually transmitted and she lacked the mental capacity to consent to sex.

A report by Dr. Margaret Flynn found that Cassie, or "Adult B," was "failed by services."

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According to the Daily Mail, Cassie's mother believes the rape was carried out by a worker at the home during a night shift.

But because the suspected rape could have happened anytime during a ten-year period, police were unable to take forensic evidence and so the culprit will not be brought to justice.  

A Met Police spokesman said the investigation was closed in 2017 as there were no new lines of inquiry due to the statute of limitations having expired.

He added: "Due to the ten-year period the offense was alleged to have occurred between, no clear suspects could be identified and there were no forensic opportunities available.

"There are no lines of inquiry that require further examination at this time."

The home has now been closed and all the five other residents are at new facilities. 

Brent Council said the authority no longer places residents at homes run by the private company.

A spokesman said: "All of the partners on the Safeguarding Adults Board, including the council, have expressed our deep and sincere regret to both Cassie and her family. 

"We can confirm that Cassie is no longer living in a care home managed by the previous provider and the other five residents who lived there with her have also been moved to other homes with the co-operation of their families.

"Cassie and all the former residents are now safe and happy, and Cassie is having all her health and care needs met. 

"We continue to monitor her progress regularly as well as maintaining contact with her family. We no longer place any residents in care homes run by this provider.

"A full investigation was conducted by the police who concluded that unfortunately and despite best efforts, there was insufficient evidence to bring a criminal prosecution against anyone."

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Arizona case

The case came to light as it emerged also emerged a woman in a vegetative state in Arizona gave birth.

Police have said the Native American, who has been incapacitated since age three, was sexually assaulted and delivered a baby last month at Hacienda HealthCare in Phoenix. 

Male nurse Nathan Sutherland, 36, is facing one charge of sexual assault and one count of vulnerable adult abuse after a DNA test identified him as the baby's father.