Inclusive Safeguarding Report

Studies by the World Health Organization, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and others show that children and adults with disabilities face a higher risk of all types of abuse, neglect and harm, when compared with their peers without disabilities. Factors which place persons with disabilities at higher risk of violence include stigma, discrimination, and lack of knowledge about disability, as well as a lack of social support for those who care for or support them. Placement of people with disabilities in institutions also increases their vulnerability to violence.

In addition, studies show that children and adults with disabilities are also less likely to disclose their abuse due to reduced opportunity to report; limited education on their rights and definitions of abuse; unmet or lack of understanding around their communication needs.

IDDC aims to identify social, physical barriers and institutional barriers, which put persons with disabilities at higher risk, work collaboratively with our partners to remove these barriers and minimise the risk posed to adults and children with disabilities.