Handbook of Maltreatment Prevention in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This handbook provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of theory, research, and practice on the maltreatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a global public health and societal concern. It examines various forms of maltreatment—violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation—and highlights systemic barriers and structural inequities with perspectives from multiple disciplines. Using a strengths-based approach to prevention, intervention, and treatment, it addresses evidence-based approaches for individual risk-reduction and skills training. The global reach of the handbook serves as a catalyst for policy and practice reforms aimed at strengthening safeguards and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities worldwide and sets a strong foundation for moving the field forward in research and action for maltreatment prevention. Featured topics include: • The nature of maltreatment across the lifespan, how it is identified, and unique patterns of maltreatment as viewed through a socio-ecological framework. • Risk and protective factors for maltreatment and prevalence and concerns in institutional and caregiver contexts. • Approaches to prevention and intervention including educational programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their service providers. • Psychological, health, and social consequences of maltreatment and emerging developments in trauma-informed practice and care. • Disparities and intersectionality of experiences of maltreatment with race, gender, socio-economic status, living situation, and level of functional needs. • The importance of elevating the participation and voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in setting future priorities for the design of effective services and supports. The Handbook on Maltreatment and its Prevention in Individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities is an essential resource for self-advocates, researchers, academics, policymakers, doctoral students, clinicians, and care providers in the fields of special education, public health, medicine, psychology, disability services, domestic violence, rehabilitation, and allied disciplines.