People with disabilities are at high risk for abuse and neglect ….Studies suggest that the disabled are at least 4-10 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general public (Walter, 1998). Victims with disabilities experience:

• Abuse for a longer duration,
• Abuse by a greater number of rapists,
• A higher number of health care workers and attendants as the rapists,
• Fewer options for escaping or resolving the abuse.

(Nosek, Howland, Chanpong and Rintala, 1997)

Abuse and neglect involves:

• Using care-giving assistance as a means to assault, such as bathing and dressing
• Making someone trade personal care assistance for sexual favors
• Taking away personal communication devices
• Moving someone roughly (rough care)

PAAR is trying to reach out to people with disabilities, recognizing that victims often suffer in silence. PAAR counselors are able to work with anyone seeking support. Our office is wheelchair accessible. We have TTY and interpreters available.

TRAININGS AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUPS

With support from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, PAAR’s trainers have been training the staff of social service agencies to recognize abuse and how best to support victims.

In addition, PAAR staff conducts psychoeducational or informational groups for victims with disabilities. Our staff helps victims understand the nature of abuse, its effects, where to go for help and that abuse is not their fault.

Group sessions are one hour a week for six weeks.

If you are a victim or your loved one is a victim, please call our office at 412.431.5665 for help or information.

TRANSPORTATION STUDY

As an extension of our commitment to people with disabilities, PAAR has initiated a one-year study of emergency transportation needs for the disabled. When emergency personnel arrive at the scene, disabled victims are placed in an ambulance, leaving their wheelchair behind. If family members are unable to pick up their loved ones’ wheelchairs, they can be misplaced, a tremendous mental and financial burden for most.

PAAR’s work group for this study includes EMTs and representatives from Yellow Cab and ACCESS as well as activists with disabilities and hospital personnel. PAAR hopes that examining this long recognized issue will generate solutions.

Anyone who has lost their wheelchairs after an attack is welcome to contact PAAR to share their story at 412.431.5665.

And if you are interested in completing a survey to help us understand these issues, click here.