 |
Facts
About Disabled Victims |
|
The term disabled victims used here refers to any kind of disability,
either physical, mental or emotional. |
|
 |
Sexual assault of
people with mental impairments is four times that of people without impairments. |
|
|
Of women blinded
since birth, 50% have experienced at least one forced sexual contact. |
|
|
99% of the
offenders of disabled victims are known by the victim. |
| |
|
|
|
Crisis Intervention Tips |
|
|
Do a safety check. Make sure
the caller is in a safe place. |
|
|
Provide information regarding
levels of intimacy and appropriate touches. |
|
|
Provide information about
sexual assault and STAR services. |
|
|
Talk to the caller about
assertiveness, i.e., say "no" in a clear, firm voice, tell someone. . |
|
|
Reinforce that the
victim is not at fault. |
|
|
Tell the victim you are glad
she/he called. |
|
|
Help the caller
develop a plan of action: Who else can the caller turn to for support? What should be done
next? Where can additional help be found? |
|
|
For
developmentally delayed callers, use language that is appropriate to her/his level. |
| |
|
|
Special Needs |
|
|
Unfortunately, society views
the disabled person as non-sexual and often does not provide the information necessary to
distinguish between sexual exploitation and normal or "special" attention.
Because of this, some victims may be unaware that they are being victimized. As adults,
these victims may put themselves in vulnerable positions where they are continually
victimized. If the person has a disability which impairs the ability to communicate,
she/he may not be able to express that the assault occurred. |
|
|
Many disabled victims
internalize the shame and guilt of a sexual assault, which severely reduces their feelings
of self worth. Sometimes these emotions become a second "disability" and the
victim feels even less normal. Most victims are assaulted by someone they know and the
relationship between the offender and the victim often adds to the feelings of shame,
guilt and betrayal.
|
|
|
|
 |
If you
have reason to believe a disabled person is being assaulted, it is your obligation to
report this information to Adult Protective Services at 563-5654 or 800-478-9996. |
|
Special Population (3 of 3) Disabled Victims of Sexual Assault
