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Sexual Abuse and Safety of Persons with Disabilities

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Special Needs Alliance
Sexual Abuse and Safety of Persons with Disabilities

The sexual abuse of persons with disabilities remains largely unrecognized, unprosecuted, and unpunished, and there is little awareness of this shocking crime. For many parents or guardians of individuals with disabilities, whether minors or adults, it is almost inconceivable that sexual abuse regularly occurs in places which are supposed to be safe environments, such as schools. Easier to comprehend is the idea that their loved one could wander outside of these “safe” venues and be victimized by a total stranger.


There is no absolutely safe environment for children or adults with disabilities; even family members, and others who are part of their support teams, perpetrate sexual abuse. Only 3% of the perpetrators of sexual abuse of persons with disabilities are ever prosecuted and convicted, leaving the other 97% to continue abusing. Criminal background checks reflect only convictions, simple arrests, or complaints.


Although it is not possible to completely eradicate the risk of sexual abuse, if the person with a disability and their support team can formulate a plan to (i) minimize the risk of abuse before it happens, (ii) help the victim report any abuse, and (iii) help the victim survive any abuse that does occur and secure appropriate follow-up psychological and physical healing and counseling, then the person with the disability can become better empowered and equipped to combat sexual predators.


We hope you find this article informative, but it is not legal advice. You should consult your own attorney, who can review your specific situation and account for variations in state law and local practices. Laws and regulations are constantly changing, so the longer it has been since an article was written, the greater the likelihood that the article might be out of date. SNA members focus on this complex, evolving area of law. To locate a member in your state, visit Find an Attorney.


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