Another incidence of the rape and sexual assault of a girl with developmental disabilites

The Democrat and Chronicle and News 10 (Rochester, NY) report here and here that a 58-year-old man has been charged with raping and sexually assaulting a 15 year-old-girl with developmental disabilities in his home over the past year.

What begs for attention in this case, however, is the magnitude of the charges: according to the press, the man faces 17 charges of rape and sexual assault, including second and third-degree rape, second and third-degree criminal sexal act, third-degree sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a child and endangering the welfare of a developmentally disabled person.

Sadly, this young woman's experience is not uncommon. According to an information sheet produced by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, "49% of people with developmental disabilities who are victims of sexual abuse will experience 10 or more abusive incidents."

Here are some of WCASA's other findings with regard to the sexual abuse and assault of people with developmental disabilities:

. Among adults who are developmentally disabled, as many as 83% of the females and 32% of the males are victims of sexual assault.

. 15,000 to 19,000 people with developmental disabilities are raped each year in the United States.

. Only 3% of sexual abuse cases involving people with developmental disabilities are ever reported.

. 33% of abusers are acquaintances, 33% are natural or foster family members, and 25% are caregivers or service providers.