Abuse and Neglect
A 2013 national survey found that 7 out of 10 people with disabilities reported that they had been abused. Of those, 98% of those victims reported that they knew and trusted their abuser. This fact sheet details signs and symptoms that may be indicative of abuse for a person with a disability. If you see any of these signs, please report them immediately.
Signs of Physical or Sexual Abuse
Physical Indicators
- Unexplained bruises, scratches, marks or burns on the wrists, ankles, or other parts of a body
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
- Ulcers
- Unexplained stomach aches
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Bruising or bleeding in the genital area
- Pain or itching in the genital area
- Torn or bloody underclothing
Behavioral Indicators
- Increased aggression or non-compliance
- Over-willingness to appease
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Attempts to hurt oneself
- Sudden temper control problems
- Change in eating habits
- Violation of other’s property
- Performance/social skills deterioration
- Touch phobia
- Promiscuity or seductive behaviors
- Isolation and/or Depression
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Physical Indicators
- Eating disorders, including obesity and anorexia
- Changes in speech or motor skills (stuttering, stammering, etc.)
- Nervous disorders (rashes, hives, facial tics, stomach aches, etc.)
Behavioral Indicators
- Habit disorders (biting, rocking, headbanging, etc.)
- Cruel behaviors (seeming to get pleasure from hurting others, including animals)
- Behavioral extremes (overly compliant or demanding, withdrawn or aggressive, listless or excitable)
Signs of Neglect
Physical Indicators
- Poor hygiene (lice, scabies, bedsores, body odor, etc.)
- Unsuitable clothing (missing key articles of clothing i.e. underwear, socks, shoes or over/underdressed for climate conditions)
- Untreated injury or illness
- Indicators of prolonged exposure to the elements (excessive sunburn, insect bites, colds, etc.)
- Height and weight significantly below average for age
Behavioral Indicators
- Chronic hunger, tiredness, or lethargy
- Age-inappropriate behaviors (bedwetting, wetting, soiling, etc.)
- Reports of being left alone by caretakers
- Begging for food or leftovers
- Chronic absenteeism from school, work, or day programs
Reporting Abuse
DON’T STAY SILENT! Remember, if you suspect abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, you are legally bound to report it! Below are a few things to keep in mind if you suspect abuse or if someone tells you that they are being abused:
- Do not suggest or imply the story is hard to believe
- Do not assume caregivers should be called
- Believe
- Listen
- Validate the victim’s feelings and affirm the courageous act of reaching out to you
- Empower the victim as they work through the healing process
- Report the abuse
It is important that you report the abuse immediately. Again, don’t stay silent!
The following are several places you can call to report the abuse:
- Adult Protective Services (800) 371-7897
- Utah Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline (855) 323-3237
- Disability Law Center (800) 662-9080
- 24-Hour Statewide Assault Crisis and Information Line (888) 421-1100
- 24-Hour Statewide Domestic Violence LINK Line (800) 897-5465
- Your local police station