What is abuse and neglect?
By Indiana code, this crime occurs whenever the physical or mental health of a person with disabilities is seriously endangered. In 90 percent of these cases, the abuser is someone authorized to care for the victim, like a school bus driver, a service assistant or even a parent. These occurrences are not identified in US crime statistics, making it difficult to accurately track the magnitude of this growing national crisis. However, we do know that approximately 5 million adults with disabilities become crime victims each year, and that children with disabilities are more than three times more likely than other children to become victims of abuse. Underreporting is a key contributor to this growing national epidemic. Less than 10 percent of abuse and neglect of children and adults with disabilities is reported. Why are children and adults with disabilities more likely to be abused? Among people with disabilities, the usual risk factors for abuse, like dependence, are intensified. Behav
