Abuse is more prevalent among people with disabilities.
Research has shown that individuals with disabilities reported significantly higher levels of violence than those without, particularly those with mental disabilities.
- The rate of violent victimization against persons with disabilities is almost four times the rate for persons without disabilities.
- Persons with cognitive disabilities had the highest rate of violent victimization among the disability types measured.
- Children with disabilities are at least three times more likely to be abused or neglected than their peers without disabilities, and they are more likely to be seriously injured or harmed by maltreatment.
- A meta-analysis found that 44% of autistic people experience abuse and victimization.
- Women with disabilities face almost double the lifetime risk of violence, including intimate partner violence, compared to women without disabilities.
Why Do People With Disabilities Face Higher Abuse Risks?
Unfortunately, abuse often occurs within relationships and by individuals known to the victim, including family, friends, acquaintances, caregivers (formal and informal), and intimate partners. Caregiver dependency can increase abuse risks. People with disabilities may rely on caregivers for everyday tasks and activities of daily living (ADL), including bathing, dressing, grooming, and assistance with medications. This can provide perpetrators known to the victims with access and opportunity for maltreatment.
Communication disorders and cognitive disabilities can also make it difficult for victims to self-report.
People with disabilities experience social isolation at rates higher than those without disabilities, which can increase the risk of abuse and make it more difficult to get help.
Mandated Reporters Often First Line of Defense
Mandatory reporters are individuals who have a legal responsibility to recognize and report abuse. This designation is often tied to a career or professional license.
Medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are examples of mandatory reporters. In nearly every state, these professionals are in a unique position to identify signs of abuse or neglect in vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Law enforcement officers, first responders, childcare workers and school employees, counselors, social workers, and clergy are also commonly designated as mandatory reporters.
In some states, every person is a mandated reporter, regardless of profession. In all states, anyone is allowed to make a report if they suspect abuse, regardless of whether they are required to do so. This is known as permissive reporting.
Are you a mandated reporter? Check our state-by-state database to find out.
Do Disability Laws Offer Protection?
Numerous federal disability laws offer protections and outlaw discrimination against people with disabilities, including:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): signed into law in 1990, outlaws discrimination in employment, public services, and public accommodations
- Elder Justice Act (EJA) enacted in 2010, funds Adult Protective Services and ombudsman programs
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), enacted in 1975 and updated in 2024, guarantees free public education
While disability laws have reduced areas of discrimination against people with disabilities, additional protections are needed against the increased risk of maltreatment.
Federal and state laws only go so far. Unfortunately, there will always be perpetrators of violence and exploitation seeking access to victims.
This is where mandated reporters and advocates can make a difference in the lives of those at risk.
Protecting People with Disabilities Against Abuse
Understanding that maltreatment is more prevalent for people with disabilities is the first step in preventing and protecting abuse. Here are some other ways you can be a safeguard for those most at risk:
Take Training
Mandated reporter training can help individuals, advocates, and organizations get educated about the scope of the problem and legislative requirements in their state. Training can also help you learn the signs of abuse and proper reporting protocols.
Online training is available at the Mandated Reporter Training platform.
Know How to Report
Adding reporting hotlines to your phone makes it easier to report suspected abuse.
Depending on your profession, you may want to save some or all of the following:
- Local child protective services (CPS) hotlines
- Local adult protective services (APS) hotlines
- Local ombudsman programs (for persons in long-term care facilities)
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Mandated reporters can make a difference in the safety, health, well-being, and dignity of people with disabilities. If your profession puts you in direct contact with someone who is at risk for being maltreated, your attention to detail, understanding of abuse red flags, and knowledge of how to report can help stop abuse. Whether you are required to report suspected abuse or are an advocate seeking to protect the vulnerable in your care or community, you can help protect those who need it most.