Abuse and violence toward people with disabilities is another area that has received increasing attention. For example, much of this literature is based on studies that show that women with disabilities are at a much greater risk of being sexually abused than other women. This is true in society in general, and within residential facilities in particular. The literature listed below reflects these studies, as well as writings that have attempted to explain the increased vulnerability of people with disabilities to sexual abuse, and suggestions about what preventive measures can be taken.
TITLE: Just say know: Understanding and reducing the risk of sexual victimization of people with developmental disabilities
AUTHOR: Hingsburger, D.
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1995
Diverse City PressThis book is full of stories and strategies for confronting the issue of sexual abuse and people with developmental disabilities. The author links prevention of abuse with promotion of appropriate sexual expression, and adds many ideas of "what you can do." He states that, "The punishment of appropriate sexual expression is as abusive as any other form of assault." He also discusses the "prison of protection" we have constructed around people with disabilities: protection from sexual information, protection from decision making, protection from relationships, and protection from society. The book discusses signs of abuse and how to recognize them. Finally, it concludes with discussion of ways to promote a "ring of safety" for people, including: understanding of personal rights, healthy self-concept and self-confidence, options for healthy sexuality, sex education, privacy awareness, ability to noncomply, and someone who listens.
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Eastman, PQ J0E 1P0
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TITLE: Harm's way: The many faces of violence and abuse against persons with disabilities
AUTHOR: The G. Allan Roeher Institute
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1995
The G. Allan Roeher InstituteThis study focused on violent or abusive circumstances experienced by people with disabilities and the impact of this on their lives. These circumstances include physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse; denial of rights, necessities, privileges, and opportunities; and failure to respond to complaints of abuse and violence. The information for this study came from a Canadian survey of people with disabilities, and from interviews and focus groups with service providers, police, advocates, and family members. Also included as sources of information are a review of the literature on this topic and Canadian case law and statutes.
Kinsmen Building, York University
4700 Keele Street
North York, Ontario M3J 1P3
CANADA
The author identifies factors which can contribute to such abuse, such as negative social stereotypes concerning disability and having caregivers who may lack adequate support and training. Also considered are issues of disclosure and identification of violence and abuse as well as responses (legal and otherwise) to the problem after it has been disclosed. Recommendations are offered for policy, program reform, statutory reform, providing information to concerned parties about the issue, and increased support from communities.
TITLE: Vulnerable: Sexual abuse and people with an intellectual handicap
AUTHOR: Senn, C. Y.
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1988
The G. Allan Roeher InstituteThe author of this book claims that while sexual abuse has become a major issue in recent years, the sexual abuse of people with an intellectual handicap (i.e., mental retardation) has been virtually ignored in the public discussion and policy-making around the issue.
Kinsmen Building, York University Campus
4700 Keele Street
Downsview, Ontario M3J 1P3
CANADA
The author explores the myths surrounding sexual abuse and the myths surrounding people with mental retardation. The book focuses both on children and adults and the author shows how the myths surrounding disability contribute to the vulnerability of people with disabilities. This vulnerability seems to be well recognized, yet the author reports that it is almost impossible to get accurate measures of either prevalence or incidence of sexual abuse. Through a review of the literature which contributes to the understanding of sexual abuse of individuals with mental retardation the author suggests: (1) when sexual abuse is reported, 99% of the victims are assaulted by people known to them, (2) only 20% of assaults are reported, and (3) depending on the sampling and information gathering techniques used, estimates range from 25% to 83% of women and up to 32% of men with mental retardation have experienced sexual abuse. The author concludes that children with disabilities are at higher risk for sexual abuse than other children and adolescents, and that girls and women with disabilities are the most likely victims.
The author describes ways people with mental retardation use to indicate that they have been sexually abused and explores treatment and prevention issues. The book also addresses issues such as inaccessibility of services for individuals with mental retardation, offenders who have mental retardation, and legal issues in sexual abuse of children. The book concludes with recommendations to protect individuals with mental retardation from sexual abuse.
TITLE: Violence and abuse in the lives of people with disabilities: The end of silent acceptance?
AUTHOR: Sobsey, D.
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1994
Sobsey's book is a comprehensive study of the issue of disability, violence, and abuse. Once a registered nurse in a facility for people labeled developmentally disabled, Sobsey begins his book with his own personal reflections on the incidence of abuse. Combining this personal narrative with research and a literature review makes this work a valuable resource.
The book is divided into two sections. The first Understanding Abuse, covers research and conceptual models of abuse. He reviews almost 30 studies which examine the relationships between abuse and disability, and also supplies data on characteristics of victims and offenders of sexual abuse (i.e., age, gender, disability level, situation of the victim; and age, gender, and means of access of the offender). Also included in this section is a chapter on caregiver abuse, which includes euthanasia, sterilization, institutionalization, slavery, and the use of drugs as a means of control. The last chapter in this section critiques the major models used to explain abuse.
The second section of the book, Preventing abuse, takes a multimodel approach to prevention. Suggestions on interventions include the individual, the caregivers, the environment, law enforcement, and society at large. These suggestions are practical and useful, and also helpful is the Appendix which includes names and address of people and agencies working in this field who can link interested people with valuable resources.
...
TITLE: Sexuality, disability and abuse: An annotated bibliography
AUTHORS: Sobsey, D., Gray, S., Wells, D., Pyper, D., & Reimer-Heck, B.
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1990
University of AlbertaThis annotated bibliography lists literature from a wide range of disciplines and perspectives relevant to sexual assault and abuse of people with disabilities. It is an attempt to provide a comprehensive review of the literature in this area and lists research studies, position papers, program descriptions, clinical reports, and media accounts. This should be an excellent resource for anyone interested in sexual assault and abuse of people with disabilities.
Severe Disabilities Program
6-102 Education North
Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5
CANADA
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