Sexual and violent crime against children with disabilities: a nationwide prospective birth cohort-study

Aims: The rate of violent and sexual victimization against children with disabilities is thought to be higher than the rate for children without disabilities. Previous population studies lack scientifically sound research... [ view full abstract ]

Aims: The rate of violent and sexual victimization against children with disabilities is thought to be higher than the rate for children without disabilities. Previous population studies lack scientifically sound research methodology and results are weak or inconclusive.  
Method: data is based on a national study of victimization and offending behavior against children <18 years of age using total birth cohorts (N=624,800). The statistical analysis is a discrete time Cox-model. An extended list of potential risk factors was included in the analysis in order to adjust for confounding.
Results: Children with disabilities are more likely to be victimized of a convicted sexual crime than nondisabled children: Adjusted odds ratio for ADHD: 1.8 (1.6-2.1), autism: 1.4 (1.2-1.6), mental retardation: 1.2 (1.1-1.4), brain injury: 1.1 (1.0-1.3), loss of hearing 1.3 (1.1-1.6) and epilepsy 1.3 (1.1-1.5), when adjusted for confounding risk factors. 
Children with disabilities are also more likely to be victimized of a convicted violent crime than nondisabled children: ADHD adjusted odds ratio: 1.7 (1.6-1.8), mental retardation: 1.2 (1.1-1.3), brain injury: 1.3 (1.2-1.3). Autism, speech, sensory or physical disabilities, epilepsy, and dyslexia were not associated with increased risk of violent victimization, when adjusted for confounding risk factors. 
Discussion: Assessment of risk factors may permit professionals to facilitate prevention and treatment interventions, such as psychoeducation of family members, teachers, and school-mates in order to increase understanding of the disability conditions. The study underreports the size of the problem because adolescents with disabilities face barriers when reporting victimization.