Interaction between family violence and mental retardation

Although family violence and mental retardation are both prevalent in today's society; very little research has been conducted to investigate the relationship between them. Characteristics that make individuals with mental retardation more vulnerable to family violence are discussed in the areas of child, adult, and sexual abuse. Common psychological effects of this trauma are then explored followed by implications for practice. Because family violence and mental retardation are both societal as well as personal issues, intervention and prevention efforts must occur at both a direct service level and a community/macro service level. With such intervention and prevention efforts, persons with mental retardation will receive superior service when dealing with issues related to family violence.