Using a modified version of locus of control scale to explore children with disabilities’ perceived vulnerability to physical and sexual assault in three special schools in Ghana

This cross sectional study examined the locus of control and perceived vulnerability of children with disabilities to sexual and physical assault. One hundred and seven respondents sampled from three special schools in Ghana, comprising of 61 males and 46 females, participated in the study. A modified version of the Locus of Control Scale was used to determine the locus of control levels of the participants followed by a structured interview guide to collect additional data. Analysis of variance and independence t-tests indicated a significant difference among children with visual impairment, hearing impairment and intellectual disability in their perception of sexual and physical assault. A significant difference was noted between the male and female participants in their perceived vulnerability to sexual assault. No significant difference was found between children with internal locus of control and external locus of control. Recommendations regarding how to safeguard children with disabilities from sexual and physical assault are provided.