A Blueprint for Change: Toward a National Strategy to End Sexual Abuse of Children with Disabilities

Date

2018

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Vera Institute of Justice

Abstract

This blueprint is the culmination of literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, roundtable discussions, and an overall collective effort among advocates from the fields of child advocacy, victim services, and disability—as well as professionals from the criminal justice system— to chart a course for ending sexual abuse of children with disabilities. Because so little work has been done in this area, we relied heavily on our own experiences in the field, together with the many, many stories of sexual abuse we have heard from people with disabilities. The blueprint provides a brief summary of what we learned, and offers practical suggestions for integrating the needs of children with disabilities into prevention efforts, intervention efforts, and first responses. It is our hope that entities providing victims or disability services, together with first responders and policymakers, will begin implementing these recommendations, share their lessons learned as they do so, and continue the dialogue on ending sexual abuse of children with disabilities.

Description

Keywords

child sexual abuse, disabilities, intervention, prevention

Citation

Harrell, S. (2018). A Blueprint for Change: Toward a National Strategy to End Sexual Abuse of Children with Disabilities. Washington, DC: Vera Institute of Justice.

DOI