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Protecting Children with Disabilities from Sexual Assault: A Parent's Guide

NCJ Number
234586
Author(s)
Marcie Davis; Scott J. Modell, Ph.D.
Date Published
2010
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This guide provides parents with information to help them protect disabled children from sexual assaults.
Abstract
The risk of sexual assault is 4 to 10 times higher for someone with a disability. Children with any kind of disabilities are more likely to be sexually abused. This publication suggests parents take some proactive measures by communicating with their children about the risks and negative consequences of experiencing relationships. Suggestions for things that parents can do to minimize the risk of a disabled child being sexually abused are described, such as: how to teach children with disabilities about sexuality and setting boundaries, methods to teach children with disabilities about appropriate and inappropriate touching, how to offer support and guidance when disabled children use technology, how to question and screen an agency that may be providing services for a disabled child, tips on what to do if a parent suspects that their child has been abused, and suggestions on how a parent should respond if a child says that he or she has been abused. Several resources are listed for additional information. References