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Domestic and Sexual Violence Against
Persons with Disabilities
Safe Access:
A Coalition Addressing Violence Against Women With Disabilities
Basic Principles of Self-Protection
- Have a clear understanding of healthy sexual expression. Generally know what is exploitative or harmful. Be aware that sexual contact as a condition of service provision or by service providers is abuse.
- Be aware that everyone has a right to some privacy. Your body, personal details about yourself, etc. do not need to be discussed or displayed in a manner that is embarrassing or without dignity.
- You have a right to say “NO” to touch that makes you feel uncomfortable. You can say ‘no’ even to someone who you love or someone who provides care for you.
- Seek out someone you trust who has the time to listen. Tell this person anytime someone is bothering your or if you need help deciding if a situation is okay or not.
- Know your personal rights. Nobody has a right to touch you if you do not want them to. You have a right to be safe in your home, at work, and safe in the community.
- Feel good about yourself! Know that you are special and powerful. You can report someone who tries to make you feel differently.
What is Sexual Abuse of Persons with Disabilities?
Sexual abuse includes a wide range of sexual activities that are forced upon someone.
Sexual abuse consists of sexually inappropriate and non-consensual actions, such as exposure to sexual materials, the use of inappropriate sexual remarks/language, not respecting the privacy (physical boundaries) of an individual (e.g. walking in on someone while dressing or in the bathroom), fondling, exhibitionism, oral sex and forced sexual intercourse (rape).
People with disabilities are often unable to stop abuse due to lack of understanding of what is happening during abuse, the extreme pressure to give in out of fear, a need of acceptance from the abuser or feeling dependent upon the abuser.
In can include any sexual activity with an elderly or disabled adult or child. Perpetrators may be an acquaintance, caregiver (either while provide service for which he or she is paid or at a care giving facility or program, relative, friend or stranger.
Notice of Rights
As a victim of rape or forcible sodomy you
have the right to:
- Request that charges be pressed against your assailant.
- Request protection from any harm or threat of harm arising out of your cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts as far as facilities are available and to be provided with information on the level of protection available.
- Be informed of financial assistance and other social services available to victims, including information on how to apply for the assistance and services.
- A free medical examination for the procurement of evidence to aid in the prosecution of your assailant.
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The right to be informed by the district attorney of other victim’s right available pursuant to Oklahoma statutes.
- File a petition for a protective order or, when the domestic abuse occurs when the court is not open for business, to request an emergency temporary protective order.
Preparing a Safety Plan before abuse occurs can help you when the time comes to leave.
Here is a sample list to help you.
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