DISABLED CHILDREN MORE VULNERABLE

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, children with disabilities are almost two times more likely to be physically or sexually abused 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 of time, it says.

What makes them vulnerable?

Psychologists cite the following reasons----

1 They are perceived to be weak and thus are thought to be easy targets

2 They have limited communication skills which makes it difficult for them to report abuse

3 Many mentally challenged victims fear speaking out against the crime as they feel they would not be believed

4 Many such people live in segregated environments even within families. They remain in isolation and thus are easy targets.

5 Mentally challenged women are often left in shelter homes or with care taker etc who may also abuse them

▪ She suggests extra caution for parents of boys, especially those with any kind of disability.

What to do

▪ Keep a close watch on the behaviour of such people in the family

▪ Ensure that they are not isolated

▪ Keep checking for their fears and anxieties

▪ Take every complaint seriously, even if it is against siblings, uncles or any other close family members

▪ Teach them about good and bad touch

▪ Prepare them for self defence in such circumstances and teach

them to raise immediate alarm

▪ Win their confidence so that they easily share about any kind of assault without delay

▪ Keep talking about such issues frequently so that he/she is aware what comes under assault

▪ Do not brush aside any complaint or dislikes of such people in the family