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It's a serious problem that's often overlooked. However, the sexual assault of people with disabilities is an issue that must be discussed for it to be stopped, say organizers of a Nov. 10 conference in Stamford.
The event is titled "Sexual Assault & Persons with Disabilities: Understand, Identify, Act." It will take place at UConn-Stamford from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by AT&T, it will be presented by Stamford's Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education.
"Persons with disabilities are twice as likely to become victims of a violent crime, including sexual assault," Cathy Malloy, the center's executive director, said in a statement. "This is a serious problem that we as a community need to better understand, so we can identify the possibilities of abuse and learn how to take action."
The center offers free help to women, children and men who have experienced sexual assault.
Abusers of the disabled can include people who are familiar to the victim, such caregivers and acquaintances, said Malloy, and sometimes even family members and close friends may victimize the disabled person. She added that their disabilities may prohibit them from comprehending and/or disclosing abusive treatment.
The conference seeks to empower parents, social workers, therapists, educators and other community members. Several experts will give presentations, including Sara Lynn Vehling of Project Shield, Daniel Tomasulo of the Healing Crowd training institute, and James McGaughey of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, among others.
A lunch and interactive forum will follow the conference. Tickets for the entire event are $20 per person. Reservations are requested. To make a reservation or for more information, call 203-348-9346.
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