Behind closed doors, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are being mistreated and abused everyday. Despite the world's evolution in awareness and legal protection, abuse still happens everyday, especially to those who are more vulnerable. “People with developmental disabilities are more likely to experience multiple forms of maltreatment and by multiple predators” (Cotter, 2014). It is a sad truth, which is why this article will highlight the importance of understanding abuse and maltreatment and how important it is for you, the general public, to be aware of this issue.
Maltreatment can be defined as any cruel or harmful behavior which may or may not be considered a crime. Abuse can be defined as any action or behavior that causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological harm or both to a person. Different types of abuse and maltreatment include
physical abuse, an act of assault or threat of an assault against another person's body. Sexual abuse, the unwanted touching of a persons sexual body parts. Financial abuse, the misuse, misappropriation or restriction of someone's financial assets or property. Exploitation, taking advantage of a person's disability to trick or manipulate for personal benefit. Verbal abuse, the use of demeaning language and name calling. Psychological/emotional abuse, any act which may lessen the sense of identity, dignity of self-worth of a person. Neglect, failure to provide the necessities of life such as food clothing shelter care or supervision. Human trafficking, people who are exploited, tricked, deceived or forced into different industries. Institutional/organizational abuse, the mistreatment of people brought about by poor or inadequate care or support or a systematic poor practice that affects the whole care setting.
Abuse always has an underlying cause and risk factors to consider such as power imbalance, choice and control, and organizational culture. Individuals with a disability are often reliant on others for physical, psychological and daily living support which can cause a power imbalance as individuals have little control over those who provide support. This leads to choice and control. Between support staff and the supported individual, who makes the decisions, both in the person's life as well as the organization. “The less choice and control a person or group has, the greater risk of abuse” (Robinson & Chenoweth, 2012). Lastly leading to the organizational culture which can have a lack of accountability, failure of management, isolation of staff and supported individuals and the neutralization of normal moral concerns.
Caregivers and supporters have two different approaches they can take when engaging with an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability. The first is ‘Power and Control’ which is a negative approach, the second is ‘Equality with Interdependence’ which is a positive approach. Power and control are the tactics used by abusers to maintain power and control in the caregiver/service recipient relationship; including coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing justifying and blaming, withholding misusing or delaying needed support, economic abuse, and caregiver privilege which is treating a person as child or servant, or defining narrow and limited roles and responsibilities. Equality with interdependence are the tactics used to ensure equality and interdependence in the caregiver/service recipient relationship; including, negotiation and fairness, non-threatening behavior, dignity and respect, involvement, honesty and accountability, responsible provision or service, economic equality, and choice and partnership. In order to foster trust and bond in a caregiver and service recipient relationship it is important to ensure a positive approach is taken.
Abuse and maltreatment can take a variety of forms and can have different underlying causes. It is important to understand what abuse and maltreatment is, how to identify it, how to report it and how to support individuals who are vulnerable to it. As friends and family, caregivers and supporters to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we have the capability to advocate for them in situations where they cannot advocate for themselves. Everyone deserves to live free from abuse and maltreatment, live happily without any fear of being taken advantage of. To support your community, educate yourself and others, be an advocate so everyone can live a life they deserve and break the silence.
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