The abuse of individuals with developmental disabilities

The abuse of people with developmental disabilities has a long and horrific history, which extends from prehistoric to current times. Only in the past 20 or 30 years has society recognized that this abuse is a serious social problem and, with this recognition, research has been carried out on the topic. The limited research that has been done suggests differing causes for making this population so vulnerable to abuse. What is not under dispute is the fact that this abuse continues to this day, both in institutionalized care settings and in family care settings. This manuscript is an attempt to integrate the principal research findings. Vulnerable people exist in our society. At some time in our lives, depending on circumstances, we all have been, or felt, vulnerable. One of the most vulnerable groups in our society—those with developmental disabilities—is sometimes viewed as belonging to the outskirts of society and is frequently shunned or ignored. This results in social isolation and often leads them to accept behaviour and treatment that they do not like or that causes them to be afraid (Furey, 1994). Both the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (1975) and its subsequent Convention of the Rights of the Child (1989) were developed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. According to these Rights, member states have a responsibility to protect all children, with and without disabilities, as well as adults with disabilities, from discrimination and abuse in any form and to ensure that all persons are treated with dignity and respect. Yet, abuse of those with disabilities continues