Protecting children with disabilities from sexual abuse

Sexual abuse of children with disabilities is rarely talked about. By producing 'Sara Says No', we hope to raise awareness on their vulnerabilities and create the space for discussion on this topic, says Loh. Photos: WCC

Children are vulnerable to sexual abuse and those with disabilities are at even greater risk due to their cognitive or communication challenges in expressing what has happened to them, says Women Centre for Change executive director Loh Cheng Kooi.

“So it may take a longer time before a child with a disability (depending on the type of disability and its severity) is able to express that sexual abuse is happening and for the caregiver to help. In some instances, the child may not even know that what is happening is sexual abuse as often the perpetrator “befriends” the child (i.e grooming) before the sexual assault then takes place,” she says.