Supporting Survivors with Disabilities
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month we draw your attention to the communities of support working to provide accessible healing services for sexual assault survivors with disabilities and the resources to help your organization reach, support, and uplift sexual assault survivors with disabilities. As we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness month, we also recognize that sexual violence within the disability community continues to be a “hidden epidemic.”
Research is growing to expose more of this pressing issue. What we know already is jarring:
83% of women with disabilities will be sexually assaulted in their lives.
50% of girls who are deaf have been sexually abused compared to 25% of girls who are hearing.
Rape crisis centers have long been a vital resource for survivors of sexual assault. Advocates support survivors throughout their healing journey with counseling, support groups, and guidance on navigating complex systems. This April, we invite advocates and other helping professionals to learn more about what self-advocates and organizations around the country are doing to build a connected community of support for survivors with disabilities and Deaf survivors.
People with disabilities are three times more likely to experience violence and victimization than people without disabilities. These stats grow more dire when gender and race are intersected with disability status. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way towards a more inclusive society.
Download our fact sheet now and empower your communities with information to make a difference.