I am a Survivor with a Disability

Most people aren't aware that sexual assaults against people with physical, visual, mental or emotional disabilities are very common. This is because people who commit these assaults perceive people with disabilities as easy targets, and they do frequently get away with these crimes. The misconception abounds that people who use wheelchairs, or who may be mentally disabled, have no sexual feelings or even concern about such matters; therefore, it's OK to take advantage of them. It's also very possible that you know the person who abused you. Most of the time, the assailant is someone the survivor knows, or who has some role in her/his care. You may have even become disabled, or further disabled, because of the abuse.

It's important for you to know that no one has the right to assault you. You might feel powerless to do something about what has or is happening, because this person has control of your care, even of your finances. Regardless of that person's role in your life, you still have the right to file a complaint and seek redress.

You may find, as you may have prior to your assault, that people who are supposed to be "helping" you treat you as though you are helpless or unable to understand what happened. They may ignore your needs, acting as though they know what is best for you. Others may feel that you won't be effective in helping apprehend your assailant. All these ideas are misconceptions about people with disabilities, not facts. You have the right to be treated with the same care and concern that able-bodied survivors do. It's OK to ask a companion from SARA or the Victim Witness Program to work with you, on your terms.

The assault may make you feel very vulnerable. You may want to seek emotional support and other kinds of assistance from local agencies which advocate for persons with disabilities. It might be helpful to ask the agency if there is a staff member with experience in working with sexual assault issues. Because this is rarely the case, you may decide to work with two advocates: a sexual assault companion and a disabilities advocate. If you have a visual impairment, copies of this handbook may be available on audio tape. You may also want to learn self-defense; regardless of your disability, there are self-defense techniques, including assertiveness and physical techniques modified to your needs, which you may find empowering.

You may also find this fact sheet from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance helpful.