Abuse Prevention

People with disabilities are at far greater risk for abuse than people without disabilities and most abuse is unreported. The Arc Greater Twin Cities has made abuse prevention a priority and is working closely with the Ramsey County Sexual Assault Committee, Carver County Sexual Assault Interagency Committee and Hennepin County SMART team to make sure the needs of people with disabilities are served.

The resources below are a collection of research papers, articles and curriculum offered free of charge.

In addition to the articles below, several resources are available to check out from The Arc Greater Twin Cities' library. Click here to view a list of the additional resources. The list also includes information about ordering the resources from their original sources.

The Aurora Center. Violence Against Women with Disabilities Info Packet. University of Minnesota Office for Student Affairs.

This information packet discusses definitions related to individuals with disabilities, myths and facts around disabilities, and different models for viewing disabilities. The packet covers people’s rights, statistics, sexual assault, abuse, neglect, and barriers to accessing sexual assault services. The packet concludes with information about leaving a partner and legislative rights.
DVRCV. Getting Free from Abuse: A Guide for Women with Disabilities.

This guide is written for women with disabilities who are experiencing abuse. A definition of abuse and a "warning signs" of abuse quiz are included. This guide features stories and advice from other women. Steps to protect oneself from abuse are included.
Maxwell, J., Belser, J., & David, D. (2007). A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities. Hesperian.

Chapter fourteen covers abuse, violence, and self-defense for women with disabilities. The chapter discusses different kinds of abuse, preventing abuse, support for women leaving violent partners, sexual violence, abuse in institutions, and what to do to be safer. It utilizes different cultures throughout the world to express that abuse can happen to anyone from anywhere.
Planned Parenthood. (2011). Are you Safe in your Relationship?

This article examines relationship abuse and whether a relationship is unsafe or not. It also examines what happens if children are involved. The article covers whether or not to end a relationship, where to receive help, and how to leave an unsafe relationship.
Planned Parenthood. (2008). Is your Relationship Good for You?

This article examines what a healthy relationship looks like. It includes what is involved in making a healthy relationship, and how do you know if you are in a healthy relationship. Furthermore, it includes ways to develop healthy relationships, and how can you improve your relationships. It concludes with information about what to do if you are not in a healthy relationship.
Planned Parenthood (2008). Relationship Responsibilities.

This article examines responsibilities in a relationship. These responsibilities include being listened to, honesty, disagreeing, support, forgiveness, and respect.
Recognizing and Interrupting Abuse of Adults with Disabilities.

The guide asks questions for an individual to recognize the signs of abuse by a family member or caregiver. Also, reasons why people may be abused are included along with ways to stop the abuse.
Symbols for Life. Say NO To Abuse.

A guide designed for self-advocates that lays out basic principles of abuse such as emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and discrimination. The guide also states who may abuse, and who to tell if the person or someone he or she knows is being abused.
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. Sexual Abuse of People with Developmental Disabilities.

This resource is developed for individuals with a developmental disability who may have experienced sexual assault. The resource examines self-protection, risks, safety techniques, and how to be critical of a living environment.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). Trust Betrayed.

A guide for anyone in an abusive relationship. This guide includes a checklist of common characteristics of abusive relationships, and tips for avoiding potentially harmful relationships. Also, the guide examines common myths about relationships, dating violence, what power and control is, and warning signs of abusive relationships. The guide examines the cycle of violence, effects of dating violence, what to do if you are in a bad relationship, safety planning, and how to get an order for protection.

Articles for Self-Advocates

Barile, M. (2002). Individual- Systemic Violence: Disabled Women's Standpoint. Journal of International Women's Studies. 4(1).

This article explores the relationship between violence and women with disabilities. It explores how isolation of women with disabilities, economic resources, and exclusion to services continues the cycle of violence. The article also explores how this cycle leads to system-based violence.
Institute on Community Integration: University of Minnesota. (2000). Impact: Feature Issue on Violence and Women with Developmental or Other Disabilities. Impact. 13 (3).

Newsletter published by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration featuring violence against women with disabilities. Articles include a woman’s account of the violence she experienced from her partner, statistics about the different types of violence including intimate partner and caregiver violence, policy implications, and the Violence Against Women Act 2000. Additional articles include combating discrimination, recognizing and responding to violence, service accessibility, advocating for women in the judicial system, recognizing caregiver abuse, promoting healthy relationships, deaf women advocacy, educating law enforcement, and victim services.

Articles about Bullying

Healthy Place. (2008). What To Do If You Are Bullied.
This site gives concrete ideas of what to do if you are be bullied. It also gives an idea of what to do if someone else is being bullied.
Michigan Technological University Affirmative Programs Office. (no date). The Workplace Bully.
This brochure discusses how to identify bullies in the workplace, what the signs of being bullied are, and what can cause this behavior. Also, the brochure includes what to do if you are bullied and where to receive help.
Reach Out. (2009). Bullying- How to get Help if you are Being Bullied.
This guide includes advice for individuals who are being bullied. The site includes what actions you can take if you are bullied, how to ask for help, and tips for getting help. Also, it includes information about bullies and how to be confident around bullies.
Stevenson, J. (2009). Information Sheet on Bullies.
This site includes knowledge about bullies in bullet points. This includes general information about bullies themselves and what to do if you are bullied.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. What Should I Do If I'm Bullied? Stop Bullying Now! Take a Stand, Lend a Hand.
This site addresses different issues of bullying. In this sheet the information includes what is bullying and how to deal with bullies.

Davis, L. (2005). People with Intellectual Disabilities and Sexual Violence. The Arc (National).

This question and answer guide gives an overview of sexual violence perpetrated against individuals with intellectual disabilities. The article examines risk factors, definitions, perpetrators, statistics, effects, and treatment.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities. (1990). Having a Daughter with a Disability: Is It Different For Girls? NICHY. 14 (October).

This article explores raising daughters with disabilities. It explores issues of independence, role models, and work in relation to parenting daughters. It also gives parent’s concrete idea of parenting their daughters in regards to sexuality.

Guides for Family, Friends, and Caregivers

Fitzsimons, N. (2009). Indicators of Abuse

This information sheet lists indicators of abuse. It provides indicators for physical assault, neglect, financial exploitation, sexual assault, and psychological abuse.
Miller, L. (2006). What is Child Abuse? What Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Need to Know About Safety. KOCS (Keep Our Children Safe). (Available in Spanish)

This resource is developed for family, friends, and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities who may have experienced violence. The resource examines types of abuse (including definitions), risk factors, and indicators of abuse. Also, information about how to report child abuse, safety techniques, and how to help your child is included.
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. A Guide for Friends, Family, & Care Providers of Sexual Violence Survivors who have Disabilities.

This guide is developed for family, friends, and caregivers of people with disabilities who have experienced sexual violence. The resource examines how to deal with the situation immediately, what type of evidence to collect, and how to report. The guide includes how to communicate with a victim. Also, this article includes information about child sexual abuse, male sexual abuse, and acquaintance rape. The article explores effects on the victim and family members. Finally, the guide concludes with risk-reduction recommendations and definitions.
Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. (2003). Sexual Assault and People with Developmental Disabilities: A Guide for Family, Friends, and Caregivers.

This resource is developed for family, friends, and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities who may have experience sexual assault. The resource examines types of sexual assault, broad statistics, and indicators. Prevention techniques, grooming techniques, and how to respond is also covered.

Information about Bullying

Davis, S. (2009). Stop Bullying Now.

A guide for parents to identify if their child is being bullied. It also gives examples of unacceptable peer behavior, and compares it to spousal abuse.
Hoover, J., & Stenhjem, P. (2003). Bullying and Teasing of Youth with Disabilities: Creating Positive School Environments for Effective Inclusion. National Center on Secondary Education and Transition. Issue Brief. 2 (3).

This comprehensive article addresses bullying in relation to children with disabilities. The article covers the definition of bullying, teasing, and disability harassment. Also, the article includes statistics about the problem, how to address the problem, and how to create caring communities. The article concludes with prevention techniques and creating anti-bullying programs in schools.
PACER Center. (2009). Misperceptions and Facts.

This site examines common myths about bullying. It examines myths such as girls do not bully, bullying makes kids tougher, and bullying is a normal part of childhood.
PACER Center. (2009). What Bullying Is and Is Not.

Information for parents with children who have disabilities about what bullying is and what bullying is not.
PACER Center. (2009). Why are Kids Targeted by Bullying?

This article examines why certain kids are targeted for bullying. It lists the four common traits of children who are bullied.

Resources for Service Providers

Resources for Healthcare Providers

Curry, M. & Navarro, F. (2002). Responding to Abuse Against Women with Disabilities: Broadening the Definition of Domestic Violence. Health Alert (Family Violence Prevention Fund). February issue.

This newsletter article argues that abuse by a caregiver should be included in the definition of domestic violence. It examines the power dynamic between women and their caregivers in regards to abuse. Also, a power and control model unique for women with disabilities is included. Different types of abuse are explained in detail. The article ends with suggestions for healthcare providers to screen and deal with women who have experienced abuse.
Nosek, M. (1999). Guidelines for Physicians on the Abuse of Women with Disabilities. Center for Research on Women with Disabilities.

Information for physicians who are dealing with women who have a disability and are facing violence. Explores why the patient may not tell the physician about the abuse and reasons why the physician may not ask about the abuse. It also explores possible signs of abuse from the medical record and physical examination. The information gives a guideline that physician may use for dealing with an abused patient.

Resources for Criminal Justice System

Modell, S., & Cropp D. (2007). Police Officers and Disability: Perceptions and Attitudes. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 45 (1). 60-62.

This research article explores police officers and their perceptions and attitudes around disabilities. The article shows how many police officials mistake disability for mental illness. They tend to have a negative perception towards disability, because of their negative perception of mental illness. The article also examines how these perceptions shapes the police officer’s attitude towards people with disabilities.
Tyiska, C. (1998). Working with Victims of Crime with Disabilities. Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice.

This bulletin is designed for people in the criminal justice system and service providers. It examines how individuals with disabilities are treated when they are victims of crime. The article explores common myths, barriers, the background of disabilities and crime, unique issues, and recommendations.

Resources for Forensic Interviewers

Anderson, J. & Heath, R. (2006). Forensic Interview of Children who have Developmental Disabilities. National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse. Update. 19(1). (Part 2)

This newsletter article describes the process of interviewing children with developmental disabilities who have experienced abuse. Information about how a forensic interview team should prepare is given in detail in the newsletter. Also, special considerations which may change the interview are also listed.

Resources for Disability Service Providers

Davis, L. & Schwartz, M. (2002). Telling the Truth Regardless of the Risk: One Group Home’s Response to Staff Abuse of Residents. InSight (The Arc). 1.

This newsletter examines a situation where a man was sexually abusing clients in a group home setting. The group home and parents’ reaction to the situation were explored. It also gives an overview of how to handle and respond to violence and abuse.
Greenly, D. (2004). Confidentiality of Information and Records: A Guide for Programs Working with Women with Disabilities who are Survivors of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence. Violence Against Women with Disabilities Project.

A review for service providers on how and when to share confidential information about women with a disability who experience violence. Reviews types of consent, HIPPA, and sharing information. Note: Addresses Wisconsin state laws.
Minnesota Department of Human Services: Child Safety and Permanency Division. (2008). Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.

This is a guide for Minnesotans around child abuse and neglect. This resource explores who is mandated reported, when to report, and where to report. It also examines what happens when a report is made, what types of questions will be asked, and what happens when abuse happens in a school/facility. Also, it explores relevant Minnesota statutes on child abuse and neglect.

Resources for Domestic Violence Service Providers

Hoog, C. (2010). Safety Planning for Domestic Violence Victims with Disabilities. Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

This tool for domestic violence advocates strengthens their knowledge around safety planning and disabilities. It examines policies for the program, potential barriers victims face, and sample question to ask a victim. The questions are helpful to include in basic safety planning questionnaires.
Hoog, C. (2010). Screening Practices for Domestic Violence Victims with Disabilities. Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

This tool for domestic violence agencies allows them to examine their screening and intake process to include questions about accommodation needs of the victim. The document establishes how screening practices should take into account disabilities from the initial contact to providing services. A checklist of accessibility issues is provided for agencies to review their own services.
Hoog, C. (2004). Increasing Agency Accessibility for People with Disabilities: Domestic Violence Agency Self-Assessment Guide. Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

A resource for service providers to assess their understanding and accessibility of people with disabilities who experience violence. Focuses on whether or not the staff understands, how to access the facility, whether or not the building itself is accessible, whether or not the program addresses disability issues, whether or not the community is aware of the service’s accessibility, and reviewing existing policies.
Hoog, C. (2001). Enough and yet not Enough: An Educational Resource Manual On Domestic Violence Advocacy For Persons With Disabilities In Washington State. Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Examines issues facing victims with disabilities, how abuse differs, specific factors that increase abuse, and who are the abusers. This article also examines the fear of disclosure, if a perpetrator has a disability, and domestic violence that results in a disability. It is also a guide for sexual violence service providers to ask about disabilities and learn about the different types of disabilities.
North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Sexual Violence and People with Disabilities.

A guide for sexual violence advocates for working with clients who have a disability. The brochure examines how to better serve those clients, risks, and other types of abuse a person may experience.
Violence Against Women with Disabilities in Wisconsin. (2004). Accessibility Guide for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service Providers.

A resource for domestic violence and sexual assault service providers to review their accessibility of services. This resource includes an assessment for agencies to address issues around accessibility and attitudes around disabilities. Also, the guide includes definitions/language issues, a spectrum of violence, types of communication and physical barriers, a resource guide, and current policies.

Resources for Any Type of Service Providers

Judy, A. (2006). P&As Can’t Do It Alone: Forging Alliances to Address & End Violence Against Women with Disabilities and Deaf Women.

This information describes collaboration between advocacy organizations and violence programs on the issue of violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women. It focuses on alliance structure and strategies. Also, the information examines why it is important to collaborate across different sectors who work with women who experience violence.
Smith, N. & Harrell, S. (2011). Forging New Collaborations: A guide for Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence, and Disability Organizations. VERA Institute for Justice.

A resource guide for domestic victim services and disability organizations on collaboration. Offers recommendations for collaboration as well as practical strategies for this process.
Violence Against Women with Disabilities in Wisconsin. (2004). Cross Training Workbook: Violence Against Women with Disabilities.

This is a resource for anyone who provides service, advocacy, or support to women with disabilities who have experienced violence. This workbook explores the definition of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and disabilities. It also examines the individual’s understanding of the victim’s disability and screening for violence.

Crime Victims Rights Information Guide

Office of Justice Programs. (2011). Crime Victims Rights Information Guide.

Minnesota rights for victims who experience crime. The text includes the rights and resources available to crime victims. Also, current Minnesota statues and rules and the Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights that are relevant crime victims are included.

Media Articles around Violence against Individuals with Disabilities

Access Press. (2009). Improper Use of Restraints Spark Federal Lawsuit.

A federal class-action lawsuit over improper restraints and seclusions were charged against the Minnesota Extended Treatment Option. METO placed unnecessary, violent restraints on individuals and also secluded them for a long period of time where they were not allowed to see family members.
Crosby, J. (2009). Parents of Disabled Man Sue Over Restraints. Star Tribune.

James and Lorie Jensen sued a residential treatment program in Cambridge, Minnesota after their son, Bradley, was put in excessive restraints (metal handcuffs, leg shackles, and nylon straps). This facility has already had violations for excessive use of restraint.
Hanners, D. (Dec. 2, 2011) Minnesota agrees to pay $3M to patients abused in treatment program. Pioneer Press

A federal judge Thursday approved a landmark $2.9 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit that ends the use of certain restraint devices and techniques in state facilities and closes a scandalous treatment program for people with developmental disabilities.
Heasley, S. (2009). 9 in 10 Kids with Autism Bullied at School. Disability Scoop.

This article describes a survey where the researchers found that nine out of ten Massachusetts parents said that their child with Autism has been a victim of bullying. The bullying ranged from verbal abuse to physical contact.
Muelhausen, N. (2009). Lakeland Man Sentenced for Stealing from Disabled Man. KSTP.

James Straicha was charged from stealing over $35,000 from a man with autism. Straicha used the man’s identity to apply for credit cards.
Powell, J. (2009). Final Suspect Found Guilty of Beating Disabled Man. Twin Cities.

Follow up article to the Simons and Smith’s article. It describes how the police found the final suspect in the Lakeville case. Also, it describes how Hamilton was impacted by the physical torture.
Shapiro, J. (2009). Abuse at Texas Institutions is Beyond 'Fight Club'. NPR.

This article examines how workers at a state institution staged fights against residents. The fights which included workers physically abusing residents, were filmed by another worker. State institutions in Texas have a long history of abuse, and the U.S. Department of Justice is urging them to change their system.
Shiffer, J. (2009). Botched Van Service Drives Mom to do Job Herself. Star Tribune.

A mom in Saint Louis Park began driving her son to treatment after the Minnesota Non-Emergency Transportation van service failed to take him to treatment. Complaints against the company range from having children ride without safety seats to having a broken car seat.
Simons, A. (2009). Mom may have killed son. Star Tribune.

A ten-year-old boy with autism may have been killed by his mother, Patricia Brecht. The case seems to be a botched homicide-suicide attempt.
Simons, A., & Smith, M.L. (2008). Vulnerable, Tortured, Left for Dead. Star Tribune.

This article illustrates the story of a 24-year-old man with disabilities who was tied to a tree and physically assaulted. It is believed that the motive for the violence was because the man befriended a 16-year-old girl. One of the charged men was employed by an organization that works with disabled adults.
Wolfe, W. (2009). Male Nurse’s Sex in Psych Ward Didn’t Break Rules. Star Tribune.

This article describes how a male nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN was fired, because of having sex with a patient at the hospital. According to the Mayo Clinic the nurse was fired over unprofessional conduct and maltreatment of a vulnerable adult. The woman was in the psych ward when the sex occurred. However, the Minnesota Health Department says that there were no violations under the law, because it was "consensual" according to the women.
Xiong, C. (2009). Mother accused of starving girl.

This article describes how Ludusky Hotchkiss was charged for starving her 10-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy to death. The woman did not feed her since 2006 and she lost 34 percent of her body weight. Also, a personal care assistant who was employed did not do his duties. The PCA and mother planned to split the wages, without the PCA working at all. The PCA has not been charged at the time.

Research Surrounding Abuse and People with Disabilities

Barger, E., Wacker, J., Macy, R., & Parish, S. (2009). Sexual Assault Prevention for Women With Disabilities: A Critical Review of the Evidence. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 47(4). 249-262.

This research study analyzes sexual assault prevention programs and women with intellectual disabilities. The authors examined sexual assault prevention programs, and the impact of them on women with intellectual disabilities. They found that four sexual assault prevention programs were specifically designed for women with disabilities. The authors examined these programs, and concluded with recommendations for future sexual assault prevention programs.
Elman, R. A. (2005). Confronting the Sexual Abuse of Women with Disabilities. VAWNet.

This article analyzes sexual abuse perpetrated against women with disabilities. The article gives an overview of sexual abuse, and issues facing the research on this topic. It examines prevention strategies. It concludes with current efforts to battle sexual assault against women with disabilities.
Erwin, T. (2000). Intimate and Caregiver Violence Against Women with Disabilities. The Batter Women’s Justice Program.

This article analyzes intimate and caregiver violence against women with disabilities. The article begins with current federal statues relating to domestic violence and women with disabilities. The article provides a definition and scope of the problem. Furthermore, the article examines the intersection of domestic violence and disability. The criminal justice system’s response is explained along with abuse tactics. The author explains specific issues relating to women with disabilities and domestic violence.
Fitzsimons, N. (2010). Understanding Violence and Abuse of People with Disabilities: Busting Myths and Breaking Down Barriers.

This is a good overview of violence and abuse against people with disabilities. Also, it discusses using person first language and the social model of disability. Part two describes how to recognize abuse and perpetrators. It discusses common barriers for individuals who experience abuse including economic barriers, communication barriers, and system barriers. The article ends with the spectrum of prevention, and what can be done as an advocate.
Harrell, E. (2011). National Crime Victimization Survey: Crime Against Persons with Disabilities, 2008-2010- Statistical Tables. Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice

This survey includes national statistics about violent crimes against persons with disabilities. It highlights statistics on crimes such as sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault. This article also includes statistics about victim/offender relationship and demographics.
Powers, L., Hughes, R., & Lund, E. (2009). Interpersonal Violence and Women With Disabilities: A Research Update. VAWNet.

This article analyzes recent research regarding women with disabilities and interpersonal violence. The article includes statistics of how frequently women experience violence and information about how they experience the violence. It has been found that women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence, experience multiple forms of violence, and have longer duration of the violence. It addresses prevention programs and their effectiveness, consequences of violence, and violence of women from diverse backgrounds. It concludes with policy suggestions, service suggestions, and information about violence against men with disabilities.
Rand, M. & Harrell, E. (2009). Crime Against People with Disabilities, 2007. U.S. Department of Justice.

Statistics of individuals with disabilities and the rate in which they experience violence. Explores different situations including sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. Addresses factors including gender, age, types of disabilities, drugs/alcohol. Includes perceptions of attack, resistance to attack, injury, whether or not the offender was armed, reporting to police, police response, and use of victim assistance programs.
Wacker, J., Parish, S., & Macy, R. (2008). Sexual Assault and Women with Cognitive Disabilities. Journal of Disability Policy Studies. 19(2). 86-94.

This research study analyzes recent policies around sexual assault from a disability paradigm. Recent policies increase penalties for crimes committed against individuals with cognitive disabilities. However, the authors believe that these policies stem from a history of oppression of individuals with disabilities. The authors also examine how many policies deny individuals with disabilities of their civil rights.
Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. (2003). People with Disabilities and Sexual Assault. Fact Sheet.

This fact sheet reports statistics around sexual assault and people with disabilities. The fact sheet also includes definitions of sexual assault and violence.