Disability Psychological

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Admin
Disability Psychological

Disability Psychological

Domestic abuse is suspected to be very high toward those who have developmental disabilities or are mentally challenged. Those who are handicapped face immense hurdles when attempting to gain courage to disclose abuse. Tragically for some individuals, they are unable to disclose due to a mental disorder that inhibits them from communication.

Violence against persons with disabilities is despicable. It is a violation of trust, abuse of power and it's inconceivable how anyone can mar an individual who is highly vulnerable.

Some acts of violence may involve a combination of:

  • physical force
  • physical actions disguised as “care” (restraints, administration of medications)
  • sexual abuse (ie. rape or fondling)
  • denial of rights (food, self care such as toileting, medical care)
  • threats or verbal abuse (emotional abuse)
  • neglect
  • lack of love or affection

Psychological and Emotional Abuse

This category of abuse is perhaps the most frequent form of abuse that special needs people experience. The lack of love and affection, constant threats, taunting, verbal attacks and name calling aggregate into total loss of confidence and self-esteem. According to a study conducted in 1994, psychological abuse frequently accompanies other forms of abuse.

The Roehler Institute has conducted research in this area and states that threats, insults and harassment are constant in the lives of those who have disabilities. They have uncovered that there are severe threats such as: withdrawal of help or services by the caregiver, social workers threatening special needs individuals that their children will be taken away and threats by family members that they will be institutionalized if they do not comply.

For those able to get into the community, they are faced with insults and harassment from strangers on the street, being yelled at by neighbors, belittling, verbal onslaughts and generally lack of respect. According to one respondent in the Roehler study, “the climate of insult is present all the time, everyday”.