Violence against disabled children

Report on violence against disabled children

Published by: United Nations (UN) Children's Fund (UNICEF) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report presents the findings of the Thematic Group on Violence against Disabled Children convened by UNICEF. It looks specifically at violence in the home, in educational and custodial settings, institutions, the criminal justice system, community based violence, in the workplace, and violence as a precursor to disability: an additional area of concern.

The report emphasises that while all children are at risk of being victims of violence, disabled children find themselves at significantly increased risk because of stigma, negative traditional beliefs and ignorance. Lack of social support, limited opportunities for education, employment or participation in the community further isolates disabled children and their families, leading to increased levels of stress and hardship. Disabled children are also often targeted by abusers, who see them as easy victims.