vulnerable populations

populations at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health.  

Discussion—Minors, unaccompanied minors, disabled people, elderly people, pregnant women, single parents with minor children and persons who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence, victims of trafficking. Any group or sector of society that is at higher risk of being subjected to discriminatory practices or violence, (such as women, children or the elderly), as defined by race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, geography, gender, age, disability status, risk status related to sex and gender, and among other populations identified to be at-risk for health disparities.