Coming face-to-face with disability could end supernatural myth-making in Africa

(University of East Anglia) Many in rural Africa believe disability is caused by supernatural forces, curses and as 'punishment'.The stigma leaves disabled people vulnerable to neglect and abuse - with sexual abuse reported by 90 percent those with learning difficulties.Disabled children are often kept 'locked up' at home. But the more that communities come into contact with disability, the more awareness grows.Medical explanations are beginning to emerge, with increasing numbers of families choosing medical advice over a witchdoctor.

from EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science http://ift.tt/2uouP4J