Vulnerable

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Based on research conducted by the G. Allan Roeher Institute, Canada's national institute for the study of public policy affecting persons with an intellectual impairment, the book provides a comprehensive treatment of child sexual abuse in individuals with an intellectual handicap, including prevalence, developmental disabilities as a risk factor, identification of child sexual abuse (verbal and nonverbal disclosures, masked signs and symptoms), treatment and effects of abuse, accessibility of services, prevention strategies, legal issues (consent, ability to testify, credibility of the child's testimony), and sex offenders who have an intellectual handicap. Sexual abuse in the community as well as in institutional settings is examined, and failures in the areas of judicial and social responsibility are noted. Recommendations are offered in the areas of prevention, service provision, research, and legal remedies. (JW)