Why are persons with developmental disabilities more vulnerable to victimization?

Persons with developmental disabilities are more vulnerable to victimization primarily due to their dependence on others for assistance with personal activities and the societal perception that they may not be considered credible reporters. This dependence can make them easier targets for exploitation or abuse, as they may require help with basic daily tasks, making it challenging for them to escape potentially harmful situations or to report incidents accurately.

Additionally, societal biases often lead to a lack of belief in their accounts when they do attempt to report victimization, further exacerbating their vulnerability. This misleading perception can result in a reluctance to investigate or take their complaints seriously, leaving those with developmental disabilities at greater risk as they may feel isolated or powerless to advocate for themselves.

While factors such as being non-verbal or lacking understanding of personal safety do contribute to vulnerability, the combination of dependence on others and the perception issues surrounding their credibility significantly heightens their risk of victimization.