May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating impact of this crime, to better understand its deep cultural and historical roots, to support victims and survivors and to work together to stop the violence.
Sexual Assault Prevention Month is also an opportunity to highlight the strength and resilience of survivors, and to recognize the accomplishments of the individuals and organizations that are working to raise awareness of sexual assault, support victims and prosecute offenders.
Did you know that people with developmental disabilities are estimated to be victims of sexual assault at a rate of 7 to 12 times more often than those without an intellectual challenge? Some estimates indicate that 80% or more of women with developmental disabilities are victims of sexual assault and 30 to 60% men. And many expect the rates are actually higher than this because so many cases of sexual assault go undetected or unreported.
There are many resources available to educate people with developmental disabilities and the people in their lives with the hopes of preventing the likelihood of assault and victimization. We have put these resources together for you.
- Sexual Education Resources for People with Disabilities from the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association – Tremendous list of resources for people with developmental disabilities, their caregivers, educators and support workers. Scroll down for the best links.
- Sexuality and Developmental Disability: A Guide for Parents from the Child & Parent Resource Institute – Another great resource offering information, resources and tools to educate people with development disabilities and the families about preventing sexual assault.
- Sexual Education Resources from RespectAbility – Every resource you can possibly need about educating people with developmental disabilities about their bodies and sexuality to what to do if sexual assault is suspected.
Article sources:
- Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre& Sexual Assault Services Association
- Child & Parent Resource Institute
- Ontario recognizes Sexual Assault Prevention Month
Image source: www.namonline.org
