Disability-related abuse in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Considerations across the lifespan

People with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), experience unique circumstances that alter their risk for and experiences of violence and abuse. In particular, people with disabilities may be at risk for two forms of disability-related abuse: (1) denial of assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., eating, dressing, toileting) and (2) denial of assistive technology (e.g., mobility aids, medical devices, communication devices). In addition, they may experience different manifestations of other forms of abuse, different perpetrators of abuse, and unique barriers to recognizing, reporting, and addressing abuse. Both these issues and the concept and consequences of disability-related abuse are discussed in-depth. The physical and mental health consequences of abuse, including disability-related abuse, are also discussed, and suggestions for research and practice are provided through the article.