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This is the first national survey of its
kind -- one that focuses on incidents of, response to, and attitudes about,
abuse or crime victimization of children and adults with
disabilities.
The purpose of the survey was to seek
input from the public, especially from persons with disabilities or those
who interact with them, such as family members, caregivers, service
providers, and advocates.
Some 7,289 people took the survey over the last few months. In addition to more than 1,200 people with disabilities, and more than 2,400 of their family members, it was also taken by more than 1,000 administrators of agencies that provide services to people with disabilities and more than 1,000 advocates. Hundreds of protective services workers, therapists, and law enforcement personnel also participated in this data gathering project. The survey has obtained information about actual incidents of abuse as well as attitudes regarding the adequacy and effectiveness, or not, of official responses to such victimization. Now that the data gathering phase is
over, we will begin to analyze the data. This analytical process will
take a few months. Throughout 2013 we plan to release a series of
reports to share the survey results, interpretations of those results from
those with personal experience or expertise in the field of disability and
abuse. These reports will also contain summaries of stories shared
with us by victims of abuse and their families. We extend our thanks for everyone who participated in the historic and valuable project.
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