Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is briefly defined as the use of physical force to cause injury, physical pain, or impairment. Although physical abuse and violence have the potential to affect a wide range of people, certain populations may be more vulnerable to experiencing abuse. Statistically, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face a far greater risk of becoming victims of physical abuse than do people without disabilities. [Page 1240]Furthermore, for victims of physical abuse with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the abuse more often remains undetected and unreported, resulting in limited consequences for the perpetrator and no treatment or intervention for the victim.

The following entry provides a detailed description of the current phenomenon of the physical abuse of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and explores ways that ...