Protecting deaf and disabled children

Deaf and disabled children are often more vulnerable to abuse.

Disabled children particularly need greater protection because they are often dependent on others for eating, dressing, toileting and getting around.

Although the great majority of carers have the child's best interests at heart, some will use their vulnerability as an opportunity to abuse.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell when a disabled child is being abused. People might think a child is behaving differently just because of his or her disability - not realising that they are being abused.

Find out more about ensuring disabled children are kept safe and understand what is and is not acceptable behaviour towards them.

Difficulties in communicating problems such as abuse

The difficulties that deaf children face

Warning signs that suggest that something may be wrong

Still concerned? Then call us now

Communication problems

Many disabled children have communication difficulties, like deafness or speech problems. Some disabled children lack the personal, social and sexual education to know that they are being abused. It's very important that they are taught about abusive behaviour and shown how they can communicate their experiences if it happens to them.

Remember, some alternative communication systems may not include the words children need to describe intimate or abusive acts.

We all know about physical and sexual abuse. But there are also more subtle forms of abuse such as a child:

• being deprived of a suitable communication system
• in an institution being prevented from seeing people outside of that institution

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Deaf children

Deaf children may not have sufficient communication skills or the vocabulary to describe what is happening to them. They can be particularly vulnerable because:

• sometimes their method of communicating involves more direct touching
• they may be away from home, for instance in a residential school
• deaf children are further exposed to a larger amount of touching contact.

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What to look out for

A disabled child may not be able to tell you they are being abused. Here are some warning signs to look out for. They do not necessarily mean that the child is being abused but if you notice any of the folllowing then you may wish to check further to be safe:

• sudden unexplained changes in behaviour
• signs of general distress or agitation
• new or unexplained marks or bruising
• sexualised behaviour
• loss of appetite
• self-harming
• soiling.

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Concerned? Call us Now

This list just shows some examples. If you have any concerns at all , please call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or Textphone 0800 056 0566 - for people with hearing problems.

We're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are free, unless you're calling from a mobile phone. Your call will be taken in confidence.

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