Age plays an important role in the patterns of child abuse. Younger children are much more vulnerable to physical abuse and neglect, with at least 10% of all abuse involving children under the age of 1. In contrast, sexual abuse more often (though not exclusively) involves older children, particularly girls.
Children with disabilities are much more at risk of experiencing abuse of all kinds.24 A wide variety of factors may contribute to that risk including sometimes greater dependence on carers, increased stresses on the carers and difficulties for the young person to communicate concerns. It is also well documented that people with disabilities face barriers when accessing health services. Particular attention should therefore be given to supporting the needs, including the dental needs, of children with disabilities and being alert to signs, symptoms and behavioural indicators that may indicate abuse or neglect. |
