Violence Against Youth with Intellectual Disabilities in the News

Violence against people with disabilities can be federally classified as "hate crime", but due to a variety of systemic failures, it often isn't. Too often, as recently exemplified by the miscarriage of justice in the John JK Howard plea deal, the perpetration of violence against individuals with intellectual disabilities is deemed less heinous, less traumatic than crimes against more typically functioning individuals. 

Further commentary forthcoming; see videos and linked stories below. 

‘CHICAGO 4’ GETS DEATH PENALTY THREATS – JOHN R.K. HOWARD RAPES MENTALLY DISABLED TEEN WITH COAT HANGER AND WALKS FREE

http://www.inquisitr.com/3862721/chicago-4-gets-death-penalty-threats-john-r-k-howard-rapes-mentally-disabled-teen-with-coat-hanger-and-walks-free/ 

30 Witnesses Shed Disturbing Light on Football Team's 'Alleged' Coat Hanger Rape of Disabled Teen

http://ijr.com/2016/09/703806-30-witness-testimonies-reveal-truly-disturbing-evidence-of-alleged-coat-hanger-rape-on-hs-football-team/

Facebook Video Shows VIolence Against People with Disabilities Not So Rare

From CNN, Click Here: Facebook Video Reminder of Violence Faced by Disabled Americans

Kidnappings and torture matched with inflammatory racist statements that are broadcast on Facebook Live are rare. But the reality is that violence against people with disabilities is all too common. We need a legal system and a society that recognizes the vulnerability -- and shared humanity -- of all disabled people.
-- David. M. Perry