West Virginia Code Chapter 61. Crimes and Their Punishment § 61-8F-1. Findings

The Legislature finds that disabled persons and particularly disabled children are often more vulnerable and in greater need of protection than the nondisabled. Concomitant with greater vulnerability is the enhanced risk of injury and intimidation, particularly when the child is noncommunicative.

Based upon these facts, the Legislature has determined that it is appropriate that enhanced protections be put in place statutorily to provide a framework of protections to improve disabled children's education and, quality of life as well as ease the concerns of their loved-ones and caregivers.