Sexual abuse involving children with an intellectual disability (ID): A narrative review. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wissink, Inge B.; van Vugt, Eveline; Moonen, Xavier; Stams, Geert-Jan J.M.; Hendriks, Jan
• Is Part Of: Research in developmental disabilities. Volume 36(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Sexual abuse -- Children with (mild) intellectual disabilities -- Youth care -- Foster home; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Education -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmental Disabilities -- Periodicals; Disabled -- Periodicals; Mental Retardation -- rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Personnes atteintes de troubles du développement -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Enfants atteints de troubles du développement -- Éducation -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Développement, Troubles du -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; 616.858800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-4222

Abstract

Highlights: Intellectually disabled (ID) children belong to the highest risk groups for sexual abuse. ID children should be educated more regarding sexuality and 'empowered' by programs. Perpetrators of sexual abuse of ID children are often ID peers who have been abused. Care providers should be trained in open communication and recognition of signals of abuse. Improvements are possible in registration of reports, research and (concrete) policy. Abstract: The current paper provides a narrative review of the literature on sexual abuse, involving children with Intellectual Disability (ID). The thirteen articles that were found and met our criteria vary in their definitions of sexual abuse and in how ID was determined. Still, they do paint a general picture concerning (1) the extent of sexual abuse, (2) the nature of the sexual abuse, and (3) the institutional reactions following sexual abuse of children with ID. Our findings confirm the greater vulnerability of children with ID to become involved in sexual abuse both as a victim and as a perpetrator, and we discuss ways to help strengthening prevention and intervention methods. Nevertheless, more research is needed, as it is still a rather unexplored topic, which is striking in light of the high vulnerability of this group.