Awareness of parents of mentally handicapped children on child neglect and abuse

Children with intellectual disabilities constitute a vulnerable group in terms of neglect and abuse incidents. These children may struggle to comprehend the meaning of neglect and abuse, to recognize such occurrences in their lives, and to understand how to defend themselves. In this regard, it is crucial for families of intellectually disabled children to be more sensitive and informed about these issues. By enhancing their awareness of neglect and abuse, parents can reduce the likelihood of their children falling victim to such events, provide sexual education to their children, and equip them with knowledge on how to respond if they become targets of neglect or abuse. The aim of this study is to assess the level of awareness among families of intellectually disabled children regarding neglect and abuse, identify the necessity for education in this area within our country, and investigate whether there is a correlation between the demographic characteristics of parents (gender, age, income level, education level) and their participation in training related to neglect and abuse. The sample of the research comprises 286 parents of intellectually disabled children. Data collection was facilitated through the utilization of tools named the 'Personal Information Form' and the 'Parent Neglect and Abuse Awareness Scale (PNAAS).' Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS program. The research findings indicate that parents possess a moderate level of awareness; however, they exhibit a higher consciousness concerning emotional and sexual abuse as well as neglect. Furthermore, variations in parental awareness levels were identified based on variables such as gender, age, income, and employment status. Lastly, the research revealed that the impact of the education provided to parents had only a limited effect on their awareness levels. Keywords: Abuse, Intellectual Disability, Parent, Abuse Awareness, Child Maltreatment