ABSTRACT

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, victimization occurs when “a person su¦ers direct or threatened physical, emotional, and/or ¤nancial harm.” Victimization can include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological or emotional abuse, and neglect. Victimization can take many forms of violence and abuse. Œe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) de¤nes physical violence as “the intentional use of physical force with the potential for causing death, disability, injury or harm.” It includes scratching, pushing, shoving, throwing, grabbing, biting, choking, shaking, slapping, punching, burning, use of a weapon, and use of restraints or one’s body, size, or strength against another person. Sexual violence is de¤ned by the CDC as “the use of physical force to compel a person to engage in a sexual act

against his or her will, whether or not the act is completed; an attempted or completed sex act involving a person who is unable to understand the nature or condition of the act, to decline participation, or to communicate unwillingness to engage in the sexual act; and abusive sexual contact.” Emotional abuse occurs when a person is “threatened, terrorized, or severely rejected, ignored, or verbally attacked.” It includes episodes of yelling, threats, or acts meant to humiliate or hurt feelings, according to the CDC. And ¤nally, the CDC says that neglect can be characterized as a “situation in which the basic needs of a person (such as food, clothing, hygiene, protection, or medical care) are temporarily or permanently not met.” It includes preventing a person with disabilities from using a wheelchair, cane, respirator, or other assistive devices as well as failing to address basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, or hygiene.