Disabled children more likely to be abused

Disabled children are nearly four times more likely to be abused
than other children, but the government is failing to protect them,
according to a report from the NSPCC, writes Sally
Gillen.

The report, written by the National Working Group on Child
Protection and Disability, shows that abuse can often go
unrecognised, and disabled children rarely get justice because they
are not considered credible witnesses.

It also argues that disabled children often lack the language
skills to communicate they are being abused, and child protection
practices do not take account of the particular circumstances and
needs of disabled children who are abused.

Disability Rights Commissioner Philippa Russell said:
“Disabled children have suffered decades of discrimination
and abuse because our society has not been sufficiently vigilant
over the quality of their care and well-being.”

The report is calling on the government to urgently review the
current child protection system and to develop a national strategy
to safeguard them.

‘It Doesn’t Happen to Disabled Children’ from 020 7825
2775

More information on the report