Author(s): McCormack, B., Caffrey, S., Kavanagh, D. & Power, A.
Department: St. Michael's House, Dublin
Reported: Proceedings of 3rd Annual NDA Disability Research Conference, Dublin, 2004, P47-55
Research This study examines the power imbalance between victims and
perpetrators of sexual abuse. Seven sources of power imbalance relating
to intellectual disability were analysed: cognitive ability, age,
gender, role, communication skills, challenging behaviour, and
physical/sensory disability. A total of 118 episodes of clinically
confirmed sexual abuse were analysed for each of these elements of
power imbalance. In almost all cases at least one of these sources of
power imbalance was found, while two or more were found in 76% of
episodes. The authors identify a number of implications for service
providers.
Reported: NDA and other libraries, Library staff,
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