May Newsletter
The End Abuse of People with Disabilities monthly newsletter is our opportunity to spotlight promising practices, programs, and resources at the intersection of domestic violence, sexual assault, and disability. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month we share information and resources to help your organization reach and support survivors living with mental health challenges.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: Supporting Survivors Living with Mental Health Challenges
One in five adults in the United States will experience severe mental health challenges in their lifetime. People with severe mental health challenges are six times more likely to experience sexual violence during their life. Those who have experienced violence and abuse also experience a rise in mental health disabilities including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation (The silent health toll of gender-based violence). Generally, there has been a sharp increase in depression anxiety, and suicidal ideation over the past few years.

Victims with mental health challenges often experience difficulty in receiving support services. Survivors from historically disenfranchised or oppressed racial and ethnic groups face even more challenges compounded by collective and historical trauma. In addition to racism, audism, and ableism, survivors with mental health disabilities struggle with the stigma of mental illness itself. Since our personal beliefs about mental illness are formed through our own experiences, our cultural traditions, and our education, providing staff with training and resources on supporting survivors with mental health challenges, while centering the perspective of survivors, is critical. Some things your agency can do during this month to help break the stigma include:



Learn more from Heather about working with survivors with mental illness.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: Resources for Immediate Response

Do you our someone you know need support? It's okay to ask for help. There are many lifeline and hotlines available, including online chat and text options. Reach out for support today.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call 1-800-273-8255
Dial 988

To address the spike in suicidal ideation, a new three digit dialing code, 988, has been established and will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect by dialing 988, this will be available to everyone across the U.S. starting on July 16, 2022.

Crisis Text Line:
Text HOME to 741741

Trans Lifeline:
Call 1-877-565-8860

The Trevor Project:
Call 1-866-488-7386
Text START to 678678
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
Call 1-800-799-7233
Text START to 88788

National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline:
Video Phone 1-855-812-1001

National Sexual Assault Hotline:
Call 1-800-656-4673

StrongHearts Native Helpline:
Call 1-800-762-8483

SAMHSA's National Helpline:
Call 1-800-662-4357
Send your zip code via message to 435748 to find help near you.
The National Center on Ending Abuse of People with Disabilities is a resource center funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women to bring together people with disabilities, policymakers, practitioners, and other community members to better serve people with disabilities and Deaf people who have experienced violence. The National Center fosters dialogue and provides guidance on addressing problems that impede access to services, developing promising practices, and works to center the needs of people with disabilities and Deaf people when developing solutions and responses to crime. For more information, reach out to us at cvs@vera.org.