Abuse and exploitation are constant dangers for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. The abuse is prevalent and
pervasive, it happens in many ways, and it happens repeatedly to victims with
all types of disabilities. In fact, they are four to ten times more likely to
be abused than their peers without disabilities.
Compared to the general population, people with
developmental disabilities are at greatest risk of abuse and:
- Tend to be abused more frequently.
- Are abused for longer periods of time.
- Are less likely to access the justice system.
- Are more likely to be abused by a caregiver or someone they know; many are repeatedly abused by the same person.
- Are more likely to remain in abusive situations.
- Predators may perceive a person with disabilities as weak, vulnerable, or less likely to report abuse, making them easy targets.
- People with disabilities are often isolated and dependent on a small circle of friends or caregivers for critical support, including assistance with basic physical needs. These same caregivers are often the abusers, which poses a difficult decision for the victim who is required to choose between the potential for continuing abuse and an uncertain future.
- Many live in segregated environments, such as group homes, where abuse can occur – and be hidden – more easily. In addition, victims who are abused in group settings may have limited access to police, advocates, medical or social services representatives, or others who can intervene and help.
- People with limited communication abilities and/or cognitive disabilities may find it difficult to report abuse effectively.
- Many people with disabilities are afraid that they will not be believed when they do report abuse.
- Many people with disabilities have been verbally abused, resulting in low self-esteem and, in some cases, a belief that the abuse is somehow deserved.
- It is easier to abuse or exploit someone if you inherently believe that people with disabilities are less human, less valuable or don’t contribute to society.
People with disabilities are more susceptible to abuse for
many reasons. Some of these reasons are:
Children with disabilities have a higher risk of being
abused or neglected. According to the United States Department of Health and
Human Services, 11 percent of all child abuse victims in 2009 had a physical, cognitive,
and/or behavioral disability and children with disabilities are almost two
times more likely to be physically or sexually abuse or neglected than children
without disabilities. In addition, abuse is typically more severe, is more
likely to occur multiple times and is more likely to be repeated for a longer period.
Many people refuse to believe anyone they know would ever consider
abusing, neglecting, or exploiting a person with an intellectual or
developmental disability. But, adults with
disabilities are being verbally, fiscally, physical, and sexually abused at an
alarming rate.
The good news is, you can help stop it. This presentation will not only educate about
the problem, but offer instruction on what to do should you witness or suspect
the abuse.
This Wednesday, March 7, Ed Thomas from the Arc of Missouri, an
organization that champions people with disabilities, will be here at the
Health Center to give two victimization awareness presentations. Ed has an extensive history of working to
help make life better for people with disabilities, not to mention personal
family experience. He is a very dynamic
and engaging speaker as well.
A morning session from 10 – 11 a.m. and an afternoon session from
1:30-2:30 p.m. will be held in our classroom.
There will be time for questions, discussion, and networking after both
presentations, as well as refreshments. Call
646-5506 if you would like to sign up for either session.
The Health Center would like to encourage people from all walks of
life to attend, especially those who go into the home as part of their job, and
those who include people with disabilities among their family and friends. We are fortunate to have this program
offered locally. Let’s do our part to
get educated about how to stop the abuse.
If you suspect abuse of a person with disabilities, call the Adult
Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Hotline at (800) 392-0210 from 7 a.m. to 12
a.m., 365 days a year.
For more information, visit: andwecanstopit.org
(published in the CT March 6, 2018)
Source: Disability Justice, Arc of Missouri
