ERIC Number: EJ1186687
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1469-9532
EISSN: N/A
Reports of Sexual Abuse of Children in State Care: A Comparison between Children with and without Intellectual Disability
Wissink, Inge B.; van Vugt, Eveline S.; Smits, Iris A. M.; Moonen, Xavier M. H.; Stams, Geert-Jan J. M.
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, v43 n2 p152-163 2018
Background: Little is known about the nature and reactions to sexual abuse of children with intellectual disability (ID). The aim was to fill this gap. Method: Official reports of sexual abuse of children with ID in state care were examined (N = 128) and compared with children without ID (N = 48). Results: Clear signs of penetration or genital touching by male (adolescent) peers or (step/foster) fathers were found in most ID reports. Victims often received residential care and disclosed themselves. Type of perpetrator seemed to affect the nature and reaction to the abuse. Cases of children with and without ID seemed to differ in location and reports to police. Conclusions: Screening of (foster) homes seems crucial. Residential facilities should find a balance between independence of children and protection. Care providers should be trained in addressing sexual issues and sexual education, accounting for different types of perpetrators (peers/adults). Uniform reporting guidelines are needed.
Descriptors: Intellectual Disability, Children, Sexual Abuse, Foster Care, Foreign Countries, Victims of Crime, Gender Differences, Family Relationship, Residential Care, Criminals, Disclosure, Case Records
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Netherlands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A