Characteristics of incidents and perpetrators

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It is difficult to assess to what extent these higher victimization rates can be explained by the vulnerability associated with those disabilities. Findings from the survey did however show some differences between victims who were disabled and those who were not.

Many studies have pointed out that persons with disabilities are particularly likely to be assaulted by a person they know, whether they are family members, friends, neighbours or care providers (OVC, 2009; OCDV, 2009; Cantos, 2006; Cohen et al., 2006; Reid, 2004).

Reid (2004) noted that individuals can experience considerable stress associated with the various obligations of assisting a person with a disability and thus when a difficult situation arises, they might be more likely to react inappropriately. According to the 2007 General Social Survey (GSS) on social support, which collected information on family, social support and care giving experiences, most caregivers (96%) said they managed to carry out all their responsibilities very well or generally well. Still, data from the survey also indicated that 34% of caregivers had to reduce time spent on their social activities, 19% cancelled planned vacations, 24% had to take full days off work and 33% incurred additional expenses.

Beyond the stress certain caregivers might feel, most studies also agree that greater vulnerability and dependence levels make persons with disabilities easier targets for potential perpetrators, particularly persons known to the victim (OVC, 2009; Baylor College of Medicine, 2009; Cantos, 2006; Cohen et al., 2006; Health Canada, 2004, 1993).

Excluding violence committed by spouses, results from the 2004 GSS show that the perpetrator was known to the victim in two thirds of violent incidents involving persons with a disability compared to approximately half of incidents committed against persons without a disability.¹

Moreover, almost half (48%) of incidents committed against persons with a disability involved perpetrators who were 35 or older, compared to 31% of incidents against those with no limitations. This is consistent with the fact that persons with activity limitations are themselves proportionally older and are more at risk of being assaulted by someone they know. Finally, incidents in which persons with activity limitations were the victims were also more likely to occur in or around the victim's home — 31% of incidents versus 14% for persons without limitations.

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Note

1. In determining the characteristics of the offender, only incidents in which a single perpetrator was involved were considered.