Violence in the Lives of People With Disabilities: Emerging Issues and Solutions for 2015 and Beyond

/in , , , , , , /by The Arc

In 2014, the National Crime Victim Survey revealed that people with disabilities face a much greater risk of being victimized compared to those without disabilities (the rate of violent victimization for people with disabilities is nearly three times the rate compared to those without disabilities). This webinar addresses emerging issues in the field with a panel of experts and advocates covering topics like:

  • Using trauma-informed care principles when working with victims with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD)
  • Assisting crime victims with complex communication needs
  • Supporting victims with specific types of disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
  • Responding to bullying of students with disabilities
  • Supporting people with disabilities in speaking out against violence.

Join us for this thought-provoking and empowering webinar, and find out how you can reduce violence in the lives of people with disabilities.

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Abuse of People with Disabilities: A Silent Epidemic

/in , , , , , , , /by The Arc

This webinar explains what abuse is, the different forms abuse can take, and tells victims how they can report abuse.

Join us for a webinar featuring a self-advocacy PSA, “Abuse of People with Disabilities: A Silent Epidemic,” by powerful self-advocates Kecia Weller and Molly Kennedy. Molly will join us as a presenter to explain what abuse is and the different forms abuse can take, and tell victims how to report abuse. She will explain the word “intimidation”, and help victims understand that abuse is always unacceptable.

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Using Model Protocols to Guide Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims with Disabilities

/in , , , , , , /by The Arc

Domestic and sexual violence against people with disabilities occurs at pandemic rates and yet offenders are rarely held accountable. Through an Office on Violence Against Women Arrest grant, Illinois developed model protocols for law enforcement and prosecutors that provide guidance for responding to violent crimes against people with disabilities. The protocols were developed through the collaborative efforts of victims with disabilities, law enforcement, prosecutors, victim services, disability service providers and other allies committed to criminal justice for crime victims with disabilities. The protocols guide law enforcement and prosecutors in responding to domestic violence and sexual assault victims with disabilities through model guidelines, investigative procedures, pre-trail motion examples, and legal considerations. This webinar will highlight Illinois’ statewide effort to develop the model protocols including the collaborative multi-disciplinary process, design challenges, training and technical assistance components and lessons learned. Key areas of the protocol will be reviewed as well as the process for statewide implementation. NCCJD webinar presenter, Shirley Paceley, working alongside victims with disabilities, facilitated the work group which developed the protocols; provided training of trainers on the protocols and is providing training and technical assistance across the state as the protocols are implemented.

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Assisting Crime Victims With Disabilities: Identifying Barriers & Improving Law Enforcement Response

/in , , , , , , , , /by The Arc

Domestic and sexual violence against people with disabilities occurs at pandemic rates and yet offenders are rarely held accountable. Through an Office on Violence Against Women Arrest grant, Illinois developed model protocols for law enforcement and prosecutors that provide guidance for responding to violent crimes against people with disabilities. The protocols were developed through the collaborative efforts of victims with disabilities, law enforcement, prosecutors, victim services, disability service providers and other allies committed to criminal justice for crime victims with disabilities. The protocols guide law enforcement and prosecutors in responding to domestic violence and sexual assault victims with disabilities through model guidelines, investigative procedures, pre-trial motion examples, and legal considerations. This webinar highlights Illinois’ statewide effort to develop the model protocols including the collaborative multi-disciplinary process, design challenges, training and technical assistance components and lessons learned. Key areas of the protocol will be reviewed as well as the process for statewide implementation. NCCJD webinar presenter, Shirley Paceley, working alongside victims with disabilities, facilitated the work group which developed the protocols; provided training of trainers on the protocols and provided training and technical assistance across the state as the protocols were implemented.

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Connecting the Dots and Building Collaboration to Support People With Disabilities Who Experience Sexual Violence

/in , , , , , , , /by The Arc

The issue of sexual victimization presents a huge grey area that is often side stepped, leaving survivors without supports and services. Dr. Frantz shares important information criminal justice and disability professionals need to know about how to effectively serve these victims and how our own attitudes, experiences, and skill set influence how we respond to survivors with disabilities. Participants learn how “word choice” can impact the type of sexual assault services victims receive, the importance of “touch” as a proactive strategy for reducing risk of sexual victimization and understand how survivors with complex communication needs can testify in court.

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Crime Victims With Disabilities: An Overview for Professionals in the Criminal Justice System

/in , , , , /by The Arc

In this webinar, Dr. Nora Baladerian provides an overview of people with disabilities and victimization for criminal justice professionals.

Dr. Nora Baladerian is the Director of the Disability, Abuse and Personal Rights Project in Los Angeles, CA; she has worked in the area of abuse of people with disabilities since 1972. She served as a Member of the California Children’s Justice Act Task Force, representing the interests of children with disabilities since 1993 to 2008. She is a former Board Member of the National Committee to Prevent Elder Abuse and Advisory Board Member of the American Bar Association’s Council on Victims. Dr. Baladerian is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist and Board Certified Crisis Responder. She has expertise in conducting evaluations of suspected sexual abuse and assessments with children and adults with developmental disabilities, as well as providing clinical intervention. She consults with attorneys and law enforcement agencies providing expert witness consultation, and serves as an expert panel member for the Los Angeles County Juvenile and Family Courts. Dr. Baladerian is the author of a several guidebooks for professionals, parents and individuals with disabilities, as well as the chapter on psychotherapy intervention for child crime victims with disabilities in the Standards of Care Guidebook developed by the California Victim’s Assistance Programs. As a media consultant she served as the character consultant for Benny on L.A. Law, and has worked with other TV shows, including Doogie Howser and 21 Jump Street as well as other film and print media activities. She hosted “Sexual Healing with Dr. Nora,” a radio talk/call-in show airing on KFNX in Phoenix, Arizona and WALE in Providence, RI for 1-1/2 years. Dr. Baladerian is the Clinical Director of the Counseling Center of West Los Angeles where she maintains a private practice in a group setting. She is the Project Coordinator for the Disability and Abuse Project of Spectrum Institute, and from 2000-2006 the Director of the CAN Do! Project, Child Abuse & Neglect Disability Outreach at Arc Riverside.

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