In constant danger of abuse
and exploitation

Abuse and exploitation are constant dangers for people with developmental disabilities. In fact, they are four to ten times more likely to be abused than their peers without disabilities.

Compared to the general population, people with developmental disabilities are at greatest risk of abuse1 and:

  • Tend to be abused more frequently.
  • Are abused for longer periods of time.
  • Are less likely to access the justice system.
  • Are more likely to be abused by a caregiver or someone they know; many are repeatedly abused by the same person.
  • Are more likely to remain in abusive situations.
  1. Frawley, P., and Fitzsimons, N. (2026). Flipping the story on disability and violence: People with intellectual disability and allies leading the change

People with disabilities are more susceptible to abuse for many reasons. Some of these reasons are:

  • Predators may perceive a person with disabilities as weak, vulnerable, or less likely to report abuse, making them easy targets.
  • People with disabilities are often isolated and dependent on a small circle of friends or caregivers for critical support, including assistance with basic physical needs. These same caregivers are often the abusers, which poses a difficult decision for the victim, who is required to choose between the potential for continuing abuse and an uncertain future.
  • Many live in segregated environments, such as group homes, where abuse can occur—and be hidden—more easily. In addition, victims who are abused in group settings may have limited access to police, advocates, medical or social services representatives, or others who can intervene and help.
  • People with limited communication abilities and/or cognitive disabilities may find it difficult to report abuse effectively.
  • Many people with disabilities are afraid that they will not be believed when they do report abuse.
  • Many people with disabilities have been verbally abused, resulting in low self-esteem and, in some cases, a belief that the abuse is somehow deserved.
  • It is easier to abuse or exploit someone if you inherently believe that people with disabilities are less human, less valuable, or don’t contribute to society.

Abuse can take many forms, ranging from overt physical and/or sexual assaults to bullying and emotional abuse that are more difficult to prove but whittle away at a person’s dignity and sense of worth.

The word “abuse” is a broad term that describes any behavior that is:

  • Unwanted.
  • Intentionally harms an individual.
  • Is demeaning or insulting.
  • Causes another person to be afraid.