Many of us find it hard to understand how anyone could abuse any child, let alone a child with disabilities. Yet this refusal to accept the abuse of disabled children often means that practitioners disregard the signs of abuse, therefore allowing the abuse to continue.

Some of the topics covered in this course are: 

• Important facts
• Definition of disability
• Definition of child abuse
• Why are disabled children particularly vulnerable?
• Disbelief 
• Change in disbelief culture
• Communication
• Methods of communication
• Make the child heard 
• Signs and symptoms
• Awareness of abuse indicators
• Lack of specific training
• Team around the child
• Respect for parents/carers
• Anger and stress
• Investigation
• Excuses 
• Education 
• Points to consider

Practioners will:

• Learn the definition of disability
• Know why disabled children are more vulnerable to abuse
• Understand the challenges faced where abuse of a disabled child is suspected

All practitioners who work with children, young people and their families.

This course can form part of an induction programme for new starters and also for practitioners wishing to improve their knowledge and continue their professional development.