April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public and working to prevent sexual violence. While this can be an uncomfortable topic, sexual assault — especially within the disability community — is one we cannot afford to ignore. Too often, violence against people with disabilities is not recognized as a significant issue, and the needs of victims and survivors are overlooked.
This matters because people with disabilities can face extra barriers when they try to get help. A person may worry about losing a caregiver, being disbelieved, or not knowing where to turn. Some people may use support for daily life, transportation, money, or communication. That can make it harder to leave a harmful situation. It can also make it harder to report abuse and stay safe after reporting. These are real concerns, and they should be taken seriously.
Children with disabilities are three times more likely to experience sexual violence than children without disabilities. Adults with disabilities are also three times more likely to experience rape and other forms of sexual assault — and this is not limited to women. Men with disabilities may also be victims. Perpetrators may view individuals with disabilities as vulnerable, less likely to report abuse or less likely to be believed, making them targets. Even when incidents are reported, survivors are not always taken seriously.
These harms can happen in many places. They may happen at home, in a care setting, in a school, in the community, or during a ride or outing. Sometimes the person causing harm is known to the survivor. Sometimes the person is a stranger. In either case, the abuse is never the survivor’s fault. No disability, diagnosis, or need for support gives anyone the right to hurt another person.
There are several factors that can contribute to long-term abuse of people with disabilities, including:
- Isolation from community and support systems
- Dependence on others for care or financial support
- Limited financial resources, such as reliance on Social Security Disability Income
- Threats related to custody of children, including claims that a person is unfit to parent due to their disability
- Harmful stereotypes that portray people with disabilities as unreliable or less credible
- Conditioning, particularly for individuals with intellectual or cognitive disabilities, to comply with authority figures without question
These factors can work together. For example, a person who depends on someone else for rides may fear upsetting that person. A person with limited money may worry that leaving will mean no safe place to stay. A parent with a disability may be told they will lose time with their children if they speak up. A person who has been taught to follow directions without question may not know that they can say no, ask for help, or report bad behavior. When abuse is hidden behind fear and control, it can continue for a long time.
If you support a person with a disability, there are ways to help lower risk. Believe what people tell you. Listen without judgment. Give choices when you can. Make sure the person knows who they can call or text in an emergency. If someone uses a wheelchair, walker, communication device, service animal, or other support, those tools should be respected and available. Safety is stronger when people have the freedom to move, speak, and make decisions for themselves.
If you are a person with a disability, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault:
- Identify a word, phrase or signal you can use to alert someone you trust that you are in danger and need help
- Develop an escape plan and review it regularly
- Keep your vehicle fueled and positioned for a quick exit, if applicable
- Store extra cash, clothing, important documents and emergency contact information in an accessible, safe place
- Practice your escape plan so you know what to do in an emergency
- Memorize key phone numbers in case you cannot access your phone
It can also help to think through small, practical details. If you use a phone, check that it stays charged. If you use a communication device, make sure it is easy to reach. If you need help leaving quickly, know who can come pick you up. If a trusted person knows your plan, they can act faster if you send your signal. If you live with others, consider where you could go inside the home if you need privacy and safety for a short time. Small planning steps can make a big difference during a crisis.
For some people, safety planning may include where important papers are kept. That may include identification, insurance cards, a list of medicines, and contact names. It may also help to keep copies in a place that is easy for you to reach. If you have a hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive disability, ask for the plan to match your needs. A safety plan should work for you, not against you.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 if you can do so safely. If talking is hard, use text options or another method that works for you if available in your area. If you are not in immediate danger but want help, reach out to someone you trust, a local advocacy group, or a sexual assault support service. You deserve support that is calm, respectful, and clear.
Sexual assault against people with disabilities affects individuals, families and communities. The impact includes profound emotional, physical and often financial harm. Increasing awareness and understanding is a critical step toward prevention.
Sometimes the effects last long after the event. A survivor may feel fear, anger, shame, sadness, or numbness. They may have trouble sleeping or feel nervous around certain people or places. They may miss work, school, or time with family. Medical care, counseling, transportation, and time away from work can all cost money. The damage is not just personal. It can affect trust, health, safety, and a person’s sense of control.
That is why community support matters. We need to make it easier for people to speak up and get help. We also need to make sure service systems are accessible. That means clear communication, respectful listening, and a belief that disabled people can make their own choices. Prevention starts with making sure people are seen, heard, and valued.
If this is or has happened to you, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Disability Network Lakeshore can help connect you with trusted resources and supports in our community. Our services are free. Please contact us at 616-396-5326.
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