Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities

Prevalence of maltreatment of people with intellectual disabilities: A review of recently published research

“…The studies of children and youth with ID that included comparisons to nondisabled children and youth [Verdugo et al, 1995;Sullivan and Knutson, 2000] found that maltreatment was 3.1 to 7.66 times more prevalent among individuals with ID. These data are roughly consistent with Sobsey's [1994] estimate that people with disabilities are two to five times more likely to be maltreated than people without disabilities and also overlap with Ammerman and Baladerian's [1993] estimate that children with disabilities are at 4 to 10 times greater risk than children without disabilities.…”

“…Although the most recent report based on NCANDS data included disability as a demographic category, the data are acknowledged to be underestimates [USDHHS, 2005]. The data that are provided are for children with disabilities in general, with no information about specific types of disabilities.A number of authors [Jaudes and Diamond, 1985;Ammerman and Baladerian, 1993;Sobsey, 1994] have reported that individuals with disabilities are more likely to be maltreated than individuals without disabilities. Moreover, it has been asserted that individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at especially high risk [Levy and Packman, 2004].…”

“…A number of authors [Jaudes and Diamond, 1985;Ammerman and Baladerian, 1993;Sobsey, 1994] have reported that individuals with disabilities are more likely to be maltreated than individuals without disabilities. Moreover, it has been asserted that individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at especially high risk [Levy and Packman, 2004].…”

“…In this seminal review, Sobsey estimated that people with disabilities were at least twice as likely, and perhaps five or more times as likely, to be victimized as people without disabilities. Another frequently cited estimate is that children with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more likely to be maltreated than children without disabilities [Ammerman and Baladerian, 1993]. Such estimates have been repeated numerous times [Strickler, 2001;Sorensen, 2003] be ascribed in large part to the comprehensive nature of his discussion of the issues and the breadth of literature reviewed, despite the increasing age of the research on which it is based.…”

Violence, Negligence and Suicidal Tendency among Physically Disabled Street Children

“…They may also be conditioned to comply with authority, which could result in them failing to recognize abusive behaviors as maltreatment. In regard to sexual abuse, infrequent contact of a child with disabilities with others may facilitate molestation, because there is decreased opportunity for the child to develop a trusting relationship with an individual to whom he or she may disclose the abuse (Ammerman & Baladerian, 1993). It is also likely that children who have increased dependency on caregivers for their physical needs may be accustomed to having their bodies touched by adults on a regular basis.…”