Which factor increases vulnerability to abuse for people with disabilities?

• A. Transportation
• B. Access to education
• C. Reliance on caregivers increases vulnerability
• D. Regular exercise

Answer: (C)

Dependence on caregivers increases vulnerability to abuse for people with disabilities because a power imbalance can form when someone controls essential needs, support, or decision-making. This dependence can make it harder to recognize or report harm, and fear of losing necessary assistance or facing retaliation can keep a person trapped in unsafe situations. Communication barriers and social isolation further mask abuse, so the abusive behavior may go unnoticed by others for longer.

Transportation, access to education, and regular exercise aren’t inherently the factors that raise this risk. Transportation can help people reach support, education generally empowers individuals to recognize and report abuse, and regular exercise does not directly influence the likelihood of exploitation.