The information in this book came from a Canadian survey of people with disabilities, along with interviews and focus group discussions with service providers, police, advocates, and family members (total n=120) and a review of the literature, case law, and statutes. The study focused on violent or abusive circumstances experienced by individuals with disabilities and the impact of those acts on their lives. Factors that can contribute to violence and abuse are identified, including negative social stereotypes concerning disability and having caregivers who may lack adequate training or support. Types of violence and abuse identified by persons with disabilities included: physical violence; denial of rights, necessities, privileges, and opportunities; verbal and emotional abuse; and failure to respond to their complaints of abuse and violence. Also considered are: issues of disclosure and identifying violence and abuse; responses after the problem has been identified; Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial legislative responses to violence against persons with disabilities; and analysis of selected case laws. Recommendations are offered for: policy and program reform, statutory reform, providing information to concerned parties and the public about the abuse issue, increased support from the community, and research to obtain relevant data. Appended are statistical survey results and a discussion of the survey methodology. (Contains 270 references.) (SW)