Are children with disabilities that reside at home at greater risk to be victims of abuse?
The risk factors for abuse are the same for children with and without disabilities. The risk for abuse is greater for the child that has disabilities. Most parents and caregivers that care for children with disabilities do not respond in an abusive manner while meeting the needs of their child. Care giver strain, familial tendencies and low self esteem of the child factor prominently in abusive family and caregiver dynamics. There is increased stress associated with assisting a disabled child with bathing, dressing, feeding and seeking medical care. When stress is experienced by a caregiver or parent that is prone to maltreatment of a disabled child, the disabled child may become a victim. Some disabled children require diligent care not limited to meeting the child’s physical needs. Many disabled children require constant supervision for their emotional and social disabilities. The disabled child may have disagreeable behavioral features that provide a challenge to caregivers, like te
