Domestic & Sexual Violence in the Disability Community

24-Hour Help Line: Call: 877-216-6383 Text: 989-200-5122 Midland Office: 989-835-6771

Midland County 2500 Waldo Ave. Midland, MI 48642 989-835-6771

Gladwin Office: 989-426-9413 www.shelterhousemidland.org

Shelterhouse serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence regardless of ability level, age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or income. Services are confidential and free of charge.

SERVICES 24-hour help line Safe shelter Support groups One-on-one counseling Housing assistance Legal advocacy & court accompaniment Sexual assault medical forensic examinations

You are safe here.

Gladwin County

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the Disability Community

234 W. Cedar Ave. Gladwin, MI 48624 989-426-9413

shelterhousemidland.org

facebook.com/SheltHouse

24-Hour Helpline Call: 877-216-6383 Text: 989-200-5122

Domestic violence and sexual assault can be experienced by individuals of all backgrounds and ability levels.

These types of violence can intersect with disability in the following ways: Abuse and assault can cause temporary or permanent disability.

Abuse, violence, and assault on individuals with disabilities often take nontraditional forms.

The Issue

Withholding or limiting necessary supports, medication and treatment

Studies show that individuals with disabilities are at a greater risk of

Individuals with disabilities experience higher rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse.

Non-traditional forms of abuse that may be used against individuals with disabilities:

experiencing domestic and sexual violence than individuals without disabilities.

Shaming or making fun of a person's disability Stealing or withholding disability income Creating physical and social barriers to being independent Threatening to institutionalize partner Harming or threatening to harm a service animal

People with disabilities face specific additional barriers to seeking help.

Withholding, damaging, or destroying assistive devices

Sources: www.thehotline.org & www.ncedsv.org

Using partner's disability to justify abusive behaviors