Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma

Break the Silence: A Critical Response to the Abuse of Children with Disabilities

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Authors

Nader Aghakhani 1
Béatrice Marianne Ewalds-Kvist 2

1 Food and Beverages Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

2 2. Stockholm University, SE-10691 Department of Psychology, Sweden 3. University of Turku, Department of Psychology, 20014 Turku, Finland

https://doi.org/doi:10.34172/jept.1804
Abstract
Neglect, the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs, is one of the most common forms of maltreatment and typically appears in four main forms: physical neglect, which involves not providing basic necessities such as supervision, food, clothing, shelter, or hygiene; educational neglect, which is the denial of a child’s legal right to education; emotional neglect, which includes withholding emotional support or subjecting a child to humiliation, isolation, or intimidation; and medical neglect, where caregivers fail to provide appropriate health and dental care, including ignoring medical advice or refusing vaccinations
Safeguarding children with chronic illnesses and disabilities requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort involving healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers, and the wider community. These children's unique vulnerabilities necessitate close observation, culturally sensitive communication, and timely, ethical interventions when abuse or neglect is suspected. Regular screenings, detailed documentation, and teamwork across sectors are critical for early detection and response. Furthermore, addressing underlying social determinants and promoting preventive education both within healthcare settings and in the broader community are key strategies to reduce risk and build resilience.

Keywords

Critical Response
Abuse
Children
Disabilities
Subjects
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Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma
Volume 11, Issue 1
January 2025
Pages 1-2

  • Receive Date 19 August 2025
  • Revise Date 19 April 2026
  • Accept Date 05 May 2026

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