Protecting People with Mild Intellectual Disability Against Online Crime Victimization

• In Event: Addressing Violence Among Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

People with mild intellectual disability (MID) have an IQ between 50 and 70. As a result, they often struggle with assessing risks and understanding information and risk communication they receive. This disability can become problematic when they participate on the internet due to the increased risk of victimization of online crime (e.g., fraud, theft, online violence, and obscenity). The current research focuses on finding the right balance between online autonomy and safety for people with MID. In our study, we looked at the digital behaviour of the MID group by (1) administering a questionnaire to measure the risk perception and current protection measures of the (professional) network of care providers, and (2) applying a creative method (research box), tailored to the MID group, to assess their daily online activities. Our data provides insights into the specific vulnerabilities of persons with MID regarding online crime. Subsequently, a tailored and evidence-based intervention will be developed specifically aiming at these vulnerabilities to decrease the likelihood of victimization of people with MID in the digital space; and to increase the cyber resilience of these individuals.

Authors

• Nick van der Klok, Saxion University of Applied Sciences

• Remco Spithoven, Saxion University of Applied Sciences

• Milou Kievik, Saxion University of Applied Sciences

• Tina Bellemans, Windesheim

• Julia Klopman, Saxion UOAS