Victimization Among Children With Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Children with disabilities are at heightened risk of violence, but existing meta-analyses rarely explore the impact of multiple disabilities and polyvictimization. This study updates global estimates and investigates how different disability types intersect with victimization risk. Databases of literature published on or before July 2024 were searched. Inclusion criteria required studies to (a) involve participants aged ≤18 years with professionally diagnosed disabilities, (b) report comparative data with non-disabled peers, and (c) present quantitative measures of victimization. A total of 44 publications (1,734,560 children) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Random-effects models estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs), with subgroup analyses conducted. The overall OR was 2.04 (95% CI [1.84, 2.52]). Polyvictimization was significantly associated with visible disabilities (OR = 2.04 [1.42, 2.93]), invisible disabilities (OR = 3.16 [1.76, 5.70]), and multiple disabilities (OR = 4.17 [2.25, 7.74]). Children with multiple disabilities had markedly high risk for physical violence (OR = 4.07 [2.12, 7.81]). Subgroup analyses showed that children in secondary school (OR = 4.16 [2.83, 6.11]) experienced the highest risks for polyvictimization. Child self-reports yielded the highest ORs (OR = 4.16 [2.82, 6.11]) compared to mixed or parent reports. Children with invisible and multiple disabilities face disproportionate risks, particularly for polyvictimization. These findings underscore the need for early identification and tailored prevention efforts. Future research should address definitional inconsistencies and expand representation across regions and populations.