Sexual Assault Resource Center

Disability

A survivor who also has a Disability

Most people aren't aware that sexual assaults against people with physical, visual, mental or emotional disabilities are very common. This is because people who commit these assaults perceive people with disabilities as easy targets, and they do frequently get away with these crimes.

The misconception abounds that people who use wheelchairs, or who may be mentally disabled, have no sexual feelings or even concern about such matters; therefore, it's OK to take advantage of them. It's also very possible that you know the person who abused you. Most of the time, the assailant is someone the survivor knows, or who has some role in her/his care. You may have even become disabled, or further disabled, because of the abuse.

It's important for you to know that no one has the right to assault you. You might feel powerless to do something about what has or is happening, because this person has

• control of your care,
• control over your finances
• is connected to your social circle

Regardless of that person's role in your life, you still have the right to file a complaint and seek help. When seeking services or getting help you may find:

• People who are supposed to be "helping" may treat you as though you are helpless
• People may perceive you as unable to understand what happened.
• They may ignore your needs
• Act as though they know what is best for you
• That you won't be effective in helping apprehend your assailant
• All these ideas are misconceptions about people with disabilities, not facts.
• You have the right to be treated with the same care and concern that able-bodied survivors do.

Seeking help is important and choosing those who can help you become informed about your options is essential. You, as with any survivor of a sexual assault have the right to make choices about how you want to proceed.