5,497 reports of handicapped abuse last year...5th consecutive year of increase

Reports of abuse of persons with disabilities and the number of suspected cases of abuse have increased for five consecutive years.

According to the current status report of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the central disability protection agency, a total of 5,497 reports of abuse of disabled people were received last year, and 54% of them were classified as suspected abuse cases.

Reports of abuse increased by 10% and suspected cases of abuse increased by 12% compared to the previous year, and reports and suspected cases have increased every year since 2018.

Among the 1,418 victims who were finally diagnosed with abuse, intellectually disabled people accounted for 67.3%, followed by autistic disabilities with 6.6% and mental disabilities with 4.4%.

As for the type of abuse, physical abuse accounted for the largest share with 30.8%, followed by emotional abuse with 24.8% and economic exploitation with 23.9%.