One in three children with disabilities in the world has experienced violence

Writing Science, 18 Mar One in three children with disabilities in the world has experienced violence in their lifetime, according to a study that estimates that children and adolescents (aged 0-18) with disabilities are twice as likely to suffer any form of violence (physical, emotional, sexual or carelessness). This despite advances in public policy and awareness in recent years, warns a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, for which data from more than 16 million children in twenty-five countries have been used. This is a review and meta-analysis based on 98 studies (75 based on data from high-income countries and 23 papers from seven low- and middle-income states) conducted between 1990 and 2020. The authors note that, while the study provides the most complete picture of the violence suffered by children with disabilities worldwide, there is a paucity of data from low- and middle-income countries, especially in Southeast and Central Asia and Eastern Europe. However, they say the findings highlight the urgent need for governments, health and social workers and researchers to work together to raise awareness of all forms of violence and to strengthen prevention efforts. Experts recall that these situations can have a serious and lasting impact on the health and well-being of children. “Our results reveal unacceptable and alarming rates of violence against children with disabilities that cannot be ignored,” says Professor Jane Barlow, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Children with cognitive or learning disabilities (such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or mental health problems and those with disabilities from low-income settings are more likely to experience violence. The vast majority of children with disabilities - more than 94 per cent - live in low- and middle-income countries where multiple risks converge. Stigmatization, discrimination, lack of information on disability and inadequate access to social support for caregivers contribute to the increased levels of violence experienced by children with disabilities. This can be compounded by poverty and social isolation, as well as by the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities, such as the inability to verbalize or defend themselves. The analysis revealed that overall rates of violence varied according to disability and were slightly higher among children with mental disorders (34%) and cognitive or learning disabilities (33%) than among children with sensory impairments (27%), physical or mobility limitations (26%) and chronic diseases (21%). The most reported types of violence were emotional and physical violence, suffered by approximately one in three children and adolescents with disabilities; estimates suggest that one in five children with disabilities experiences carelessness and one in ten has suffered sexual violence. The study also draws attention to the high levels of peer bullying, as it is estimated that almost 40% of children with disabilities have experienced it. In-person harassment (physical, verbal or relational acts, such as beatings and kicks, insults and threats or social exclusion) is more common (37%) than cyberbullying (23%). CHIEF ngg/acm