Risk factors

Below are a number of characteristics that should be considered in assessing a person's exposure to risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. An assessment of circumstances might then help disability services staff to develop strategies to reduce risk.

Service characteristics

• Segregated service environments (e.g. residential care facilities, sheltered employment)
• Overcrowding
• Incompatibility between residents and/or co-workers or other service users
• Clients not valued and respected
• Tolerance of violence
• Lacking quality management systems
• High staff turnover

Family characteristics

• Low levels of attachment between family members (parent–child, sibling relationships)
• Past or current substance abuse
• Perceived caregiver stress
• Social isolation
• Power and control issues
• Poor health and wellbeing, including social determinants such as low income, inadequate housing etc.
• Negative attitudes towards people with disability demonstrated by family members
• High levels of dependency (either on or by the person with a disability)
• Lack of awareness and use of formal supports
• History of family violence and attitudes suggesting a tolerance of family violence

Individual characteristics

• Social isolation and lack of close relationships
• Communication difficulties
• Challenging, disruptive, reckless and/or risky behaviour
• Inappropriate sexual behaviour
• Learnt over-compliance or complete dependence on caregivers
• Limited physical mobility
• Limited sense of personal power, low self-esteem
• Low income or restricted access to resources
• Limited sex education or age-appropriate sexual experiences
• High tolerance of violence
• Lack of self-protection skills
• Limited life experiences
• Lack of knowledge of rights

This list of characteristics is not exhaustive and other factors may also contribute to or increase a person's risk.

A number of people with disability have significant communication and sensory issues, and as a result may have difficulty raising concerns about incidences of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It is essential that people with communication and sensory issues are provided with appropriate communication tools.