Victimization of Individuals with Disabilities (From National Victim Assistance Academy, P 15.1 - l5.31, 2000, Anne Seymour, Morna Murray, eds. et al., -- See NCJ 184052)

• NCJ Number: 184072
• Author(s): Jane Sigmon; Christine Edmunds
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 31 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; OVC Resource Ctr
• Publication Series: OVC Others
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses the progress toward recognizing and meeting the needs of crime victims with disabilities.

Abstract

Until recently, the victimization of individuals with disabilities has not received national attention, and few victim assistance programs offered services for these victims. Research consistently shows that women with disabilities, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or class, are assaulted, raped, and abused at a rate two times greater than women without a disability. The risk of being physically or sexually assaulted for adults with developmental disabilities is four to 10 times higher than for other adults. With increased awareness of the issue and new Federal initiatives, model programs to serve crime victims with disabilities are expanding. The chapter outlines the requirements of the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act, for the criminal justice system and for private nonprofit victim assistance programs. The chapter also studies the scope and causes of victimization of individuals with disabilities; the primary thrust of recent recommendations for improving criminal justice and victim assistance programs; how to use appropriate terminology to effectively respond to victims with disabilities; and strategies for meeting the needs of crime victims with disabilities. References