Show Me - It's Happening

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