Violence to and maltreatment of people with disabilities: a short review.
OBJECTIVE
Violence to disabled persons constitutes a major ethical problem. The European Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine has debated the matter; it presents this short report to alert a wider audience to the problem, with the aim of provoking debate and facilitating prevention.


METHODS
The Academy has produced a full report on the literature. The present short report summarizes the essential features of this and significant references to violence. This is defined, types described, and risk factors and signs identified with the aim of informing rehabilitation practitioners.


CONCLUSIONS
Violence may take many forms, often being subtle, insidious and difficult to recognize. However, the members of the rehabilitation team may be able to provide significant help and act preventively as they work towards the better social integration of the disabled individual helping them gain more control of their lives. European legislation may help us in this task; we are reminded that our roles are set within the context of our civic duties of respect for and tolerance of all.
Académie Européenne de Médecine de Réadaptation, Bruxelles, Belgium.
André
A
Heilporn
J M
JM
André
Jean-Pierre
JP
Didier
M Anne
MA
Chamberlain
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice; D012307:Risk Factors; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control; D014754:Violence / Q000941:ethics / Q000517:prevention & control; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology