ABSTRACT
Some of the key points that came out of the VVAPP programme were that disabled children and adults are more likely to be abused and that their abuse is less likely to be picked up. Also abuse can itself cause disabilities and accessing post-abuse support is often harder than for victims without disabilities. This chapter attempts to explore why this is so and what can be done about these serious problems. However, it is important to point out that anyone attempting to discuss matters such as these has also to address complex issues around difference (Haque 2009; Marks 2000), inequality (Herrington et al. 2007), loss (Bicknell 1983; Blackman 2003; Hollins 1999; Hollins and Grimer 1988), history (O’Driscoll 2009) and language (Sinason 1992a). No human group has been forced to change its name so frequently. What is obviously at work is a process of euphemism. Euphemisms are a verbal attempt to deal with taboo subjects, subjects that cause social disquiet. ‘Intellectual Disability’ is the now the main term used within Europe, and British groups are beginning to adopt this too (Cottis 2009), although in our opinions this term also fails to do justice to the wide spectrum of individuals it attempts to unite.
