Abuse of disabled children and young people

Some disabled children and young people are mentally or physically more vulnerable than others, which could make it easier for abusers to exploit them. They may also find it more difficult to recognise and report abuse, and to be believed. For example, if their disability means that they:

Have limited life experiences and so have not developed the social skills needed to work out what the behaviour and attitudes of others mean. This could make them less able to understand what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.

Have been encouraged to comply with other people's wishes and not to question authority figures.

Are afraid to challenge potentially abusive situations because of fear of the consequences. It is often easier to be compliant and pleasing rather than risk angering an authority figure and getting into trouble.
May not be able to report abuse either because there is no-one they can report it to or because they do not have the appropriate language to use.
May not be able to recognise that abuse has taken place.
Feel powerless because they have to depend on others for personal support.
May not be able to physically remove themselves from abusive situations.
Are not believed because their authority figures cannot accept that anyone would abuse a disabled child.
May not have anybody they can trust and confide in.
May feel guilt or shame about the abuse, which prevents them from reporting it.
May not have a sense of ownership of their own bodies because they are so used to being examined physically by others as part of their medical and physical care.
Have low self-esteem and a poor self-image.

In addition to the four main types of abuse shown above, disabled children in residential homes or other institutions might experience:

Institutional abuse [1] - when staff in a home or other institutions sacrifice the needs, wishes and lifestyle of a disabled child in favour of the institution's regime. For example, by showing lack of respect for a child's dignity or privacy, or denying them opportunity to make day-to-day choices or decisions about their life. An example in sport would be if coaches or volunteers followed their club's usual procedures where these conflicted with the rights and needs of a disabled child.

Financial abuse - deliberate misuse and exploitation of a disabled child's money or possessions. For example, if the child is not allowed to spend their money as they wish, or if someone takes it from them to spend on themselves.

[1] Definitions adapted by the Child Protection in Sport Unit from: a) Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter- agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (Department of Health, 1999); b) Protecting Disabled Children and Adults in Sport and Recreation: The Guide (sports coach UK, 1999); c) Action Against Abuse recognising and preventing abuse of people with learning disabilities (G Bailey, ARC Publications, 1998).