The Prevalence of Verbal Abuse against persons with Developmental disorders and Mental disorders.

Those with disabilities have a higher risk of becoming the victim of verbal abuse. In reality, abuse can take place anytime and anyplace, but abuse against those with disabilities most often takes place in hospitals and nursing homes and adult daycare centers. Those with disabilities are up to 10 times more likely to become the victim of abuse than those without disabilities.

Children with disabilities are twice as likely to become the victims of abuse. Women with disabilities are more likely to suffer from abusive episodes that last longer than similar episodes among other women and peers. 

There are some incorrect assumptions about the incidence of verbal abuse among those with disabilities. For example, some may feel “the system” protects those with disabilities from becoming a victim.
 Unfortunately, there are people who can appear to be a person's advocate, but in secrecy, the abuse occurs. As a result, it is important to learn to recognize how a caregiver’s, parent’s or another’s actions may be indicative of abuse.


                 Effects of Verbal Abuse

 Adults with disabilities have a higher risk of regression of cognitive and social skills. Long-term effects of verbal abuse may vary heavily from person to person, and the presence of other co-occurring disabilities can also significantly increase these risks.

 For example, some may develop severe emotional disabilities or mood disorders, and others may have an increased risk of anxiety and social phobias.

            What Can You Do About Verbal Abuse?

 It can be difficult to figure out the best way to proceed when you suspect abuse. Obviously, an accusation of verbal abuse can lead to serious consequences for caregivers & others who are suspected of abusing a person with disabilities.

To simplify the process, follow this acronym, L.O.A.D., which focuses on the critical considerations when addressing suspected abuse.

 1. Listen. Those with disabilities may not know how to tell others about what is happening. For example, they may not realize that their parent’s, caregiver’s or partner’s behaviors are outside of healthy actions.

 2. Observe. Do not rush to judgment, but do not be willing to look the other way. Abusers are often manipulative and will go to great lengths to keep the spotlight off their actions. Observing is also critical as some with disabilities may be incapable of telling others about verbal abuse. 

 3. Act to help those who may be suffering from verbal abuse, or any other form of abuse, get out of harmful situations. For those with disabilities, you may need to provide assistance with locating housing, food or medical care. This may include notifying supervisors in group homes of suspected incidents or the Ombudsman or State regulators for your area.

 4. Deliver on your promises. Those with disabilities who have also been the victims of verbal abuse may be highly skeptical of your promise to help. It is important that you follow up on any and all incidents in which you suspect any form of abuse.

 Moreover, you may be called upon to appear on behalf of those you serve in the event of verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is not fictional, and the pain of verbal abuse can sting just as much as the unwarranted beating of an innocent person with disabilities.

However, you can be the difference and help the people you serve break free from their perpetrators if you learn how to recognize verbal abuse, know what to look for in potential abusers and learn how to respond.