Abstract
We begin this chapter with a brief examination of the current statistics on the abuse and neglect of children with and without disabilities. We place this issue in a historical context. Then we examine the inherent challenges to an accurate count of these children. We show how differences among definitions challenge the development of an accurate understanding of abuse and neglect in the lives of children with disabilities. We examine what we know about this topic based on data from national and international databases as well as from the professional literature. We provide a description of the study and the methodology used in the research that provides the foundation for this book. Following a discussion of organizations dedicated to preventing abuse and neglect among children, we close this chapter with a set of recommendations for research and practice.
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. (Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist, 1879–1955.)
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Helpful Resources for Further Study
International Child Abuse Network (ICAN). Retrieved from http://www.yesican.org/
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Disability Definitions
Illinois definition of child abuse and neglect. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1460&ChapterID=32
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. (2004). 20 USC 1400. Retrieved from http://nichcy.org/wp-content/uploads/docs/PL108-446.pdf
Texas definition of child abuse and neglect. https://www.oag.state.tx.us/ag_publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
Vermont definition of child abuse and neglect. http://dcf.vermont.gov/taxonomy/term/283/0
Virginia’s definition of child abuse and neglect. http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/dfs/cps/intro_page/manuals/07-2011/section_2_definitions_of_abuse_and_neglect.pdf
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Crowley, E.P. (2016). The Abuse and Neglect of Children with Disabilities: The Extent of the Problem. In: Preventing Abuse and Neglect in the Lives of Children with Disabilities. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30442-7_1
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