What makes people vulnerable to abuse

Welner and F. Haseltine Eds. Welner's Guide to Care of Women with Disabilities. National Center for Health Statistics. Chevarley, J. Thierry, M. Nosek, C. Gill] in preparation. National study of women with physical disabilities: Final report. Sex Disabil ; 19 1 Sobsey D. Violence and abuse in the lives of people with disabilities: The end of silent acceptance?

Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. Nosek, M. Lifelong patterns of abuse experienced by women with physical disabilities submitted. J Interp Viol, Violence against women: Risk factors, consequences, and prevalence. In Liebschutz, J. Violence against women: A physicians guide to identification and management. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians, , Risk factors for male-to-female partner physical abuse.

Depression and women with spinal cord injury. Recognising these vulnerable groups may enable the dental practitioner to take steps to promote and safeguard the well-being of such children and to respond appropriately to concerns.

It is important, however, not to stigmatize families because of the presence of particular risk factors; whilst the risks of maltreatment may be higher, the majority of children within these vulnerable groups are loved and cared for and do not experience abuse. Social factors Families living in adverse social environments, for example due to poverty, social isolation or poor housing may also find it both materially and socially harder to care for their children.

Child factors Age plays an important role in the patterns of child abuse. In contrast, sexual abuse more often though not exclusively involves older children, particularly girls. They could be:. Whoever is causing the abuse, and wherever it happens, it is not acceptable, particularly when the victim is someone who is not able to properly protect themselves. If you think that you or someone you know is being subjected to abuse then please go to our page What to do if you think someone is at risk of being abused for advice and details on whom to contact.

Our colleagues at Suffolk County Council have produced an excellent video which explains more about abuse and neglect, and may be particularly helpful for people with learning disabilities or dementia.

The Easy Health website has gathered together various easy-read leaflets and videos which will help people with learning disabilities to understand what abuse is, and to know what to do if they think they are being subjected to abuse.