The global percentage of adults with
disabilities is about 15%. These adults are exposed to the risk of violence and
assaults.
To assess the prevalence and risk of
violence against adults with disabilities, a systematic review and
meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted by Karen Hughes and her
associates.
It was aimed to quantify the incidence of violence against
disabled adults.
Twelve electronic databases were studied
and the research studies published between Jan1, 1990 and Aug 17, 2010 were
taken into account. Cases of violence against disabled adults ≥18 years were
compared with normal adults. Data was collected on the basis of six core
quality criteria.
The data of 21557 disabled individuals
was collected. All forms of violence- physical, sexual, intimate partner were
taken into consideration. Incidence of violence among mentally challenged
people was an average of 24.3%, in people with intellectual impairments was
6.1% and 3.2 % in adults with non-specific impairments. Adults with
disabilities were more at a chance from suffering from violence as compared to
adults without disability.
The study thus found that incidences of violence are common
against adults with disabilities particularly vulnerabilities like mental
disability. Disabled adults are more likely to meet violent acts in contrast to
their non-disabled counterparts. The incidences are
likely to be more common in low-income and middle income nations.
Further studies are
necessary to study the problem so that adequate measures can be taken to
protect individuals with disabilities.
Reference : 1. The study-Prevalence and risk of
violence against adults with disabilities: a systematic review and
meta-analysis of observational studies was done by Karen Hugens and was
published The Lancet Feb 2012.
Source: Medindia