Harm and violence in relationships is a big problem in the U.S. Sadly, people with disabilities are especially at risk for experiencing harm. Violence includes abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and harassment.

We believe that access to comprehensive sex education, accurate information about our bodies, and practice setting boundaries and learning about consent are all ways that we can learn to recognize and respond to violence and harm. When people with disabilities share experiences of violence, it is important that systems are accessible and prepared to meet their needs.

Resources: Sexual Violence, Assault, and Harassment

• Talk About Sexual Violence from The ARC US
• What is Sexual Assault? by Amaze
• What is Sexual Harassment? by Amaze

Responding to Harm: Trauma and Survivor Support

We live in a society that does not prioritize consent culture, and many of us have had our boundaries crossed. We all deserve a future where we will be safe, respected, connected in healthy relationships, and thrive.  

What do we do with painful memories of people who harmed us? Sometimes the ones who harmed us were in charge of keeping us safe. They betrayed our trust, and that can make it hard to know how to get close to people later. One way that people begin to heal from trauma is by finding a counselor, therapist, or support group so that you don’t feel so alone. If you want to explore this, there are resources out there.  

We need more counselors, therapist, and trauma-informed educators that specialize in working on healing trauma with disabled folks, especially with people with IDD. Disabled therapists and counselors are especially in demand.  

If you are someone who works in healing trauma in disabled communities and want to connect, please contact us at [click-for-email].

If you are currently experiencing harm, please reach out for help:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  Call: 1-800-799-7233
  Text: "Start" to 88788
  National Domestic Violence Hotline online chat
• National Sexual Assault Hotline
  Call: 1-800-656-4673
  RAINN online chat
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
  Find your local Pennsylvania rape crisis center for 24/7, confidential services for victims of sexual assault.

More Resources

Help! I Need a Therapist! - Guide from the National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality

Trainings

Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1) is a group that provides trainings to Self-Advocates by Self-Advocates.

Topics include "Healthy Relationships" and "You Are NOT Alone! All About Trauma."