# Violence against children with disabilities in a rural population of Upper Egypt: a community-based study

## TL;DR

This study finds that children with disabilities in rural Upper Egypt face high rates of violence, especially emotional and sexual abuse, with significant gender disparities and risk factors like poverty and parental drug abuse.

## Contribution

The study provides the first community-based data on violence against children with disabilities in rural Upper Egypt, highlighting gender-specific patterns and risk factors.

## Key findings

- Emotional violence was nearly universal among females with disabilities, while physical and sexual violence rates were also high.
- Females experienced significantly higher rates of violence compared to males, with sexual violence being more prevalent.
- Parental drug abuse and low socioeconomic status were identified as significant risk factors for violence against children with disabilities.

## Abstract

Children with disabilities face heightened violence risks, particularly in resource-limited settings. Despite global evidence, data on violence against children with disabilities in rural Upper Egypt remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and family-related risk factors of violence against children with disabilities in this region.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted (December 2023–March 2024) in two rural Upper Egypt villages. Using a multistage random sampling, 213 young adults (aged 18–24 years) with disabilities were included. Data were collected using validated structured interviews (ISPCAN tool) and focus group discussions.

The sample comprised 54% males and 46% females. Around 50% primarily had intellectual, and 33.8% had physical disabilities. Emotional violence was nearly universal (93.1 in males, 100% in females), followed by physical (73.6–78.6%) and sexual violence (21.1–26.4%). Females experienced higher violence rates (50% vs. 9.6% males, p < 0.001). Parental drug abuse (22.6% males vs. 10.2% females, p = 0.02) and low socioeconomic status (59.1% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.03) were significant risk factors. Intellectual disabilities correlated with elevated sexual violence Perpetrators included parents (35.4–41.8%) and unrelated individuals (44.3–60%).

Systemic violence against children with disabilities in rural Upper Egypt was pervasive, driven by poverty, low parental education, and gender disparities. Interventions must address familial and community-level factors, including economic support, parental education, and stricter enforcement of child protection laws.