People with disabilities are at high risk for abuse and neglect

Studies suggest that the disabled are at least 4-10 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general public ¹.

Victims with disabilities experience ²:

• Abuse for a longer duration,
• Abuse by a greater number of rapists,
• A higher number of health care workers and attendants as the rapists,
• Fewer options for escaping or resolving the abuse.

Abuse and neglect involve:

• Using care-giving assistance as a means to assault, such as bathing and dressing
• Making someone trade personal care assistance for sexual favors
• Taking away personal communication devices
• Moving someone roughly (rough care)

1. Walter, 1998
2. Nosek, Howland, Chanpong and Rintala, 1997