Ending the Silence： Adults who Use Augmentative Communication and their Experiences as Victims of Crimes
Abstract Until recently, crime against individuals with disabilities has received little research attention. Information about people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and their experiences as victims of crime is even more limited. The purposes of this study were to address (a) the extent to which adults who use AAC have been victims of crime or abuse; (b) the characteristics of victimization experiences, including the type of crime, frequency, type of perpetrator, and setting; (c) the likelihood of reporting crime or abuse; and, (d) the effects of the crime on victims who use AAC. Survey results from 40 adults who use AAC indicated that 45% of individuals experienced crime or abuse. Ninety-seven percent of those who experienced crime or abuse knew the perpetrators, 71% reported being victimized multiple times, and 66% experienced multiple types of victimization. Only 28% reported their experiences to the police. Long-term effects of the crimes included significant physical and emotional harm as well as loss of property or money. Changes in policy and practice needed to ‘end the silence’ are suggested.
DIANE NELSON BRYEN, ALLISON CAREY, BEVERLY FRANTZ
Augmentative & Alternative Communication
0743-4618, Volume 19, Issue 2, 2003, Pages 125-134
