People with Disabilities
The risk of being physically or sexually assaulted for adults with developmental disabilities is up to 10 times higher than other adults. Research shows that 97–99% of abusers are known and trusted by the survivor who has an intellectual disability. One study indicated that hard-of-hearing and deaf individuals are 1.5 times more likely to be survivors of relationship violence in their lifetime. Students with disabilities experience assault at twice the rate of students without disabilities.
Challenges to Reporting and Seeking Support
- Lack of accessible and comprehensive services
- Lack of familiarity with the systems that provide resources and support
- Embarrassment, shame, and guilt
- Difficulty understanding and/or communicating what happened
- Fear of retaliation or threats by the abuser