Burin Peninsula Voice Against Violence- Violence against persons with disabilties


Violence Against Persons with Disabilities	Prevention can only occur when we understand the problem and commit ourselves to sharing this information with others in our community.

What is violence against person with disabilties?

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Getting Help

Violence is any physical, psychological or sexual maltreatment, abuse or neglect of a person. The problem of assault and abuse against persons with disabilities is complicated by the fact that most of the abuse is perpetrated by someone whom the individual has an established relationship such as family member, intimate partner or spouse, or a support giver (e.g., health care service provider, doctor, nurse, and residential staff or attendant). Abuse against a person with disabilities is a violation of trust and an abuse of power in a relationship where the person should have the right to absolute safety. In many cases, it is also a crime.

Help is available:

No matter how long it is going on, or how scared you may be, tell someone you trust what is happening to you.
If someone is hurting or threatening you, or if it is not safe where you are call the RCMP at 279-3001 or the 24 hr emergency number 1-800-709-7267.

Contact Grace Sparkes House Crisis Line at 279-3562 or toll free at 1- 877-774- 4957. Grace Sparkes House can provide you with a free and confidential 24- hour, seven-days-a- week safe haven from the violence you are experiencing. Grace Sparkes House can help you find out about laws and community resources that are available to you in your community. They can also help you plan ways stay safe.

If you know that abuse is happening against a person with disabilities call the RCMP at 279-3001 or Health & Community Services at 891-5025 or help.

Facts on Violence Against Persons with Disabilities:

It is estimated that 83% of women with disabilities will be sexually abused in their lifetime. (National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, 2004)
Of those persons who have received care at a mental health institution as an inpatient, 80% have experienced physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005)
Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, as they are five times more likely to experience abuse. (Voices for Children, 2006).
More disabled men are abused than are non-disabled men. The incidence of abuse is 20% or higher in the developmentally disabled and deaf community.