The sexual maltreatment of students with disabilities in American school settings

This study presents results from the first nationwide survey of students with disabilities who were sexually maltreated in American schools. The Web survey results, which were mostly provided by caregivers, parents/guardians, and professional advocates, illuminate the types of sexual maltreatment committed, the characteristics of the victims and the abusers, where in the school setting the maltreatment occurred, the manner in which the maltreatment was reported, and the school's response to the maltreatment. More than two-thirds of the maltreated students experienced at least one form of contact sexual maltreatment, and fully 35% of all incidences of maltreatment occurred more than 10 times. The majority of the incidences of maltreatment were committed by school personnel.