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Sexual Violence Against Children with Disabilities

Sexual Violence Against Children with Disabilities. Shirley Paceley, M.A. Blue Tower Training Center www.bluetowertraining.com. Stories from our greatest teachers. I am a child first!. Myths that perpetuate violence. Eternal child Can’t learn Need to be segregated Not sexually attractive

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Sexual Violence Against Children with Disabilities

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  1. Sexual Violence Against Children with Disabilities Shirley Paceley, M.A. Blue Tower Training Center www.bluetowertraining.com

  2. Stories from our greatest teachers

  3. I am a child first!

  4. Myths that perpetuate violence • Eternal child • Can’t learn • Need to be segregated • Not sexually attractive • Don’t feel pain • The label is the person • Sex education = promiscuity

  5. Facts in plain language • I am more like you than different • I have feelings too • I am NOT my label • I can learn. Can you teach? • I want to know about my body, my choices, my life opportunities • I have dreams, talents, and contributions to make

  6. Children with disabilities experience sexual violence at an alarming rate!

  7. Risk Factors • Potential Victim • Potential Offender • Environmental/Cultural • Social In: Violence in the Lives of People with Disabilities: An End to Silent Acceptance? By Dick Sobsey

  8. WE CAN Stop Abuse Study • Focus on prevention • Partnerships formed • Reduced/eliminated risk factors • Peer Training • Long-term effects • Peer Trainers data • People reported grooming behaviors

  9. Healing begins with relationship

  10. Response to sexual violence • Believe me • Keep me safe (away from offender) • Reassure me • Report with/for me • Find me a trusted person who can help

  11. Response to violence • Maintain the routine • Share information • Let child know that they helped others to be safe • Respect boundaries • Reflect feelings

  12. ABC’s of Living WithMy Disability by Amy Walker

  13. Criminal justice response • Many people with disabilities are credible witnesses • What do you need that you don’t have? • Confessions • Right to equal justice

  14. Solutions • Know the warning signs/indicators • Eliminate or reduce as many risk factors as possible • Develop a national commitment and action • Prohibit sexual violence against all children • Give prevention a priority

  15. Solutions • Empower children to be involved in the solutions • Include people with disabilities with education, advocacy, counseling and legal system • Educate everyone! • Make it easier for children to disclose

  16. Solutions • Form partnerships/collaborations • Ensure high-quality recovery services • Bring perpetrators of sexual violence to justice • Collect data including children with disaiblities

  17. I am only one,but still I am one.I cannot do everythingbut still I can do something.I will not refuse to do The something I can do.Helen Keller

  18. One Victim’s VoiceBy Brenda Henson and Amy Walker I am a person, so treat me like you. Don’t hurt me, abuse me, or embarrass me too. I think and I feel and I will speak out— If someone does hurt me, I’ll stand up and shout!

  19. Listen to me and believe what I say Because if you don’t, the hurt won’t go away. Help me to get well and heal my pain And don’t let this kind of thing happen again.

  20. If someone hurts me, then lock them away, But still give them help so that they will not stray And hurt someone else. If you do this for me, Then I will be glad I spoke out. I’m set free!

  21. Allow for the possibility… YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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