At DRTx, we recognize or celebrate several awareness months throughout the year that are related to people with disabilities. There is one that is hard to talk about. But we need to talk about it.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. People with disabilities are victimized by sexual assault and other violence at a higher rate than the rest of the population. Attacks often go unreported, sometimes due to lack of accessible reporting tools. And even when they are reported, people with disabilities can be less likely to be taken seriously.
That’s why part of the work of DRTx includes regular visits to places where groups of people with disabilities live so we can check on their safety and report issues. People in these settings (and even in their own homes) may be dependent on caregivers who are abusing them, making it very difficult to do something about it on their own.
Our latest staff blog, “Sexual Assault and People with Disabilities,” provides resources from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network). Read it to learn more about why this crime is more prevalent among people with disabilities and how you can get help or report suspected abuse.
