No Excuse For Abuse And Neglect

United Spinal Member survey group:
• 21% reported having been denied use of a mobility aide;
• 22% reported having experienced neglect of health care needs.

United Spinal National survey group:
• 33% reported having experienced neglect of health care needs,
• 20% reported having experienced threats of physical injury and
• 23% reported having been denied use of a mobility aid since their SCI/D.

According to www.kcsdv.org:

Women with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse by a greater number of perpetrators and for longer periods than non disabled women.

Crime victims with disabilities are less likely than those without disabilities to reap the benefits of the criminal justice system. A crime may go unreported for many reasons: mobility or communication barrier, the social or physical isolation of the victim, a victim’s normal feeling of shame and self-blame, ignorance of the justice system or the perpetrator is a family member or primary caregiver.

• Have you ever been physically abused by your partner, caregiver or someone important to you?
• Have you ever been told that you are not a worthwhile human being?
• Have you experienced neglect of your health care needs by your partner or caregiver since your SCI/D?
• Have you ever been denied assistance with any of your needs specific to your disability?
• Has anyone forced you to have sexual activities?
• Has medication ever been withheld from you?
• Are you afraid of your partner, your caregiver or a family member?
• Have you ever been denied access to your mobility aide?
• Have you ever been denied access to your finances or financial information/situation?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, you are not alone. And, there is something that YOU CAN DO!

• Never hesitate to call 911 if you are fearful for your life!
• Contact your local mental health hotline for support, help and resources.
• Tell your primary care physician and be sure to get any health care service recommended.
• Talk to a counselor, psychologist, social worker or therapist for help.
• Contact your local battered women’s shelter for help, support and safe haven.
• Remove yourself from abusive and neglectful relationships and settings.
• Again, get support and help from a professional (i.e. counselor, therapist, nurse) or a friend/family member that you can trust.
• Be your own best advocate for a healthy life.
• KNOW and BELIEVE that you are an individual who deserves to be treated with DIGNITY and RESPECT!

Barrier Free Living is an agency in New York City that has been addressing the issue of domestic violence and abuse of people with disabilities since 1986. Social workers and case managers that are trained in the issues of disability and abuse are available at Barrier Free Livings Domestic Violence Hotline Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm Eastern time. Hotline calls are answered by New York City’s Domestic Violence Hotline at times when their offices are closed.
They can be reached by phone at: (212-533-4358).

Freedom House, Barrier Free Livings totally accessible emergency domestic violence shelter, has worked with victims with disabilities (as well as victims with children with disabilities) from 13 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.