More on Domestic Violence and Disabilities

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). October is also Down syndrome Awareness Month. Providing Awareness of both DV and Ds is of great importance to me both personally and professionally. Over the next month you'll be reading about all kinds of things. Some will be happy expressions of joy. Others will not.

And now, more information to think about...

• Studies estimate that 80% of women with disabilities have been sexually assaulted.
• One study showed that 47% of sexually abused women with disabilities reported assaults on more than ten occasions.
• Children with disabilities are more than twice as likely as children without disabilities to be physically abused, and almost twice as likely to be sexually abused.
• Studies estimate that between 70% and 85% of cases of abuse against adults with disabilities go unreported.
• One study found that only 5% of reported crimes against people with disabilities were prosecuted, compared to 70% for serious crimes committed against people with no disabilities.

Taken from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)

For more information or to get help, please contact:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE
The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE