Leading Types of Abuse Against Persons with Disabilities

It is sad to think that there are people out there still disrespecting the existence of persons  with disabilities. Some label them deformities or even freaks of nature. Abusing persons  with disabilities is a crime punishable by jail time, justifiably enough.

Although abuse can occur anywhere and to anybody with or without a disability, abusing persons  with disabilities is a particularly cowardice form. Many governments and NGOs work very hard to ensure that the world is safe for everyone who inhabits it. 

The social context of disability plays a substantial role in the increased violence against persons  with disabilities: Reliance on support services, isolation, poverty, and inaccessibility. Traditionally, persons  with disabilities were ‘protected’ by being denied these resources.

For so many years, persons with disabilities have faced considerable cruelty ranging from jests and word abuse to murder. They have faced so much hate throughout humanity’s existence, and we shall discuss the various types of abuse that they suffered and are still suffering.  

Naturally, many persons with disabilities such as visual and hearing impairments are more vulnerable than a young well bred child. This alone makes them weaker and more susceptible to physical abuse such as being kicked, hit, spat on, etc.  

Sometimes persons with disabilities, especially those with mental impairments, are treated without consideration for their feelings. Children sometimes throw stones at them and run, sometimes physically injuring them and causing more mental trauma.  

Suppose you care for someone with disabilities and do not pay close attention to the medication you administer. In that case, that can also be considered a form of physical abuse. It is a form of abuse because the person would most likely suffer very uncomfortable side-effects that could have been avoided were you just a little more careful.  

Mental abuse against persons with disabilities is on the rise and has been for very many years. Mentally abusing a person can harm their dignity and make them feel worthless, a condition that has led to suicide on many occasions.  

Middle school and high school children can be hostile towards persons with disabilities and lead them to grow up depressed and insecure. Calling persons with disabilities names and generally putting them down has adverse negative effects. Every parent would agree that this kind of behavior at school should be punished. 

On many occasions, when children with genetic disorders such as autism mingle with other children, they are mostly ignored or ostracized. It may be because the other kids do not know how to relate with them. School children should be taught the best ways to socialize with children with disabilities and urge them to make friends, not enemies.  

There are cases in newspapers and the media on how certain officials threaten to remove  privileges for persons with disabilities if they didn't adhere to their commands. Aware that these privileges are vital for persons  with disabilities, the superiors take advantage.  

Cases of sexual abuse are almost common today in many organizations, religions, dominations, schools, hospitals, and generally everywhere. However, there is much concern if the act when performed against a person  with disability.  

Reporting such a crime can be difficult for persons with disabilities, and some choose to remain silent about it. For example, a blind person might find it hard to access the police station because they lost their support tools in the process, and the police officers might not understand a deaf person.  

Persons with disabilities that require physical contact during care might not understand the difference between what should and should not be touched. This alone might make them vulnerable to sexual advances to which they do not consent.

Caring for persons with disabilities is a challenging task that requires resilience and patience, especially when the person requires day-to-day care. However, this should not be a reason to neglect them, because often they cannot survive without care.  If caring for someone with severe disability becomes  challenging, some organizations are willing to do it at a fee. 

If a person is paid to care for persons with disabilities and they do not meet the required standard, the person should be laid off immediately. Being the line between a person’s existence and demise should be enough motivation to offer the best care.  

True heroes are not the likes of Superman and Batman, who are fictions and only on the screen, but people who choose to help the helpless. Persons with disabilities survive every other day knowing that they are subject to torture, jest, neglect, physical and emotional torment, etc. Helping them cope through life is an act that requires an Oscar.