Abuse and exploitation are constant dangers for people with developmental disabilities. In fact, they are four to ten times more likely to be abused than their peers without disabilities. Compared to the general population, people with developmental disabilities are at greatest risk of abuse [1 pp 4] and –Tend to be abused more frequently. They are abused for longer periods of time and are less likely to access the justice system, are more likely to be abused by a caregiver or someone they know; many are repeatedly abused by the same person. They are more likely to remain in abusive situations.[2] The majority of abusers are family members, relatives, caregivers, neighbors, classmates, educators or staff members assigned to support the person
