Risky stories: disabled people’s narratives of abuse

Abstract

Aim. The paper examines and analyses stories of disabled adults who were sexually abused as children. Background. There is substantial evidence that disabled children are at a higher risk than none disabled children. Given the ethical and practical difficulties, thee are few examples of such published stories. Methods. The research collected the narratives of seven disabled participants. The research process is critically reflected on from the viewpoint of both the researcher and the participants. Findings. The analysis of findings focuses on the process of telling stories of abuse. It addresses the continual retelling of narratives and the loss of and search for identity. Conclusions. The analysis looks towards the affirmation of identity for survivors through the telling of narratives. Relevance to clinical practice. The paper offers professionals an understanding of the complexities of the process of addressing disabled people’s experiences of sexual abuse in childhood.