Table of Contents

Children with a disability can be victims of different forms of violence and hostility in society. This study attempts to describe how different types of hostility and violence experienced by children with a disability impede their physical and mental development. This study examines the nature, experiences, risk and impact of hostility and violence against children with disability. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study where data were collected through case studies, key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) from four schools for children with a disability in Khulna City of Bangladesh. A total of 24 respondents were selected from four randomly selected special-learning based schools of Khulna city including the children, their guardians and teachers. Findings indicated that children with a disability were victims of physical, mental, verbal and sexual violence both at home and in school. They, additionally, reported serious types of exclusion by their family members, relatives, neighbor and friends. As a result, they suffered from persistent biological, social and psychological problems which affected their normal life. The authors suggest that awareness, proper implementation of laws and special treatment are necessary for ensuring proper physical and mental development and protection of children with a disability in our society.

Keywords: Disability, children, hostility, violence, risk, safety, development