The treatment of adults with learning disabilities has been denounced as "abusive and degrading" in a parliamentary committee report.
Chairman of the joint committee on human rights and Labour MP Andrew Dismore spoke of his shock at the findings of the report and went on to urge the government to do more to address the problems.
According to the committee's report, there have been instances of some adults with learning difficulties being harshly restrained with so-called 'chemical coshes' or straps, and as a result, fundamental human rights have been breached.
Dismore said: "There is a real gap between the government's policy which is designed to improve the lives of adults with learning disabilities and their everyday experiences.
"We were particularly shocked by witnesses who told us that even in cases of horrific abuse or neglect, staff simply did not know what they were doing was wrong," he added.
The report called for there to be a "culture change" implemented in health care facilities so that the aims laid out in the government's Human Rights Act and Duty to Promote Disability Equality are met.
It was critical of a range of violations of human rights including: lack of privacy, communication drawbacks for those who cannot speak, lack of dignity, for instance, when taking a bath, and lack of respect in general.
Children of those with learning difficulties were also highlighted as being at risk, being more likely to be taken into social care.
And Dismore stated: "We were astonished at the lack of a clear government strategy to ensure they can understand their rights. We call on the government to do more."
On the other hand, the report highlighted certain positives, citing Mersey Care NHS Trust for its human rights project.
