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"Addressing Abuse of Disabled Adults: A Message for Service Providers and Families"
A 3 minute video for service providers and families on recognizing and responding to abuse, ways to help, and resources. In English. This video is captioned, and the transcript is included below.
Click here to watch it in Windows Media format (6 mb download)
Click here to watch it in Quicktime format (14 mb download)
All of our videos are also available at http://www.youtube.com/widcape
Transcript:
It still shocks me, even after years of working with the disability community. Disabled people are mistreated, sometimes by the very people who help them.
Being yelled at, insulted, or threatened-it happens. Someone told me he was called a "lazy cripple" because he couldn't walk. Verbal abuse hurts.
It can happen to any disabled person-even physical abuse, like being kicked, pushed, or handled roughly.
Theft of credit cards, medication, or other personal belongings is financial abuse.
Medicine can be withheld or needs ignored. This is neglect.
Sexual abuse is hard to talk about. Being touched in ways that are uncomfortable or being forced to do sexual acts is horrible.
We're talking about power and control. Is someone told who they can talk to? What they can do? Where they can go? Are they isolated from family and friends?
It can be difficult deciding when and how to intervene.
Adults with disabilities have the right to their own choices. They want to be as independent as possible. They need time to do things their own way, even if it sometimes means some risk.
This can be confusing for loved ones or providers who are concerned about safety. But well-meaning "protection", like getting put in a restrictive environment unnecessarily, can feel or be abusive. A big fear is being left with no one if an attendant is fired.
Here is the challenge: I try to respect the individual's right to autonomy and self-direction, while assessing their safety and decision-making about their own care and well being.
As a provider, I try to create a safe and confidential space for the person. I listen and believe when someone tells me they are being hurt.Validating their feelings and strengths is important. Together, we brainstorm resources and ideas.
But some people resist the help they really need. I check my thinking with other resource people who know disability and abuse issues.
If there is concern for immediate physical safety or survival, you may need to contact the Police at 911 or Adult Protective Services without their consent. We should all be familiar with the laws about mandated reporting of abuse.
You can also call STAND! Against Domestic Violence for resources and support at 1-888-215-5555.
You know, supporting disabled people to stop abuse is one of the most important things I do.
Click here to watch it in Windows Media format (6 mb download)
Click here to watch it in Quicktime format (14 mb download)
All of our videos are also available at http://www.youtube.com/widcape
Transcript:
It still shocks me, even after years of working with the disability community. Disabled people are mistreated, sometimes by the very people who help them.
Being yelled at, insulted, or threatened-it happens. Someone told me he was called a "lazy cripple" because he couldn't walk. Verbal abuse hurts.
It can happen to any disabled person-even physical abuse, like being kicked, pushed, or handled roughly.
Theft of credit cards, medication, or other personal belongings is financial abuse.
Medicine can be withheld or needs ignored. This is neglect.
Sexual abuse is hard to talk about. Being touched in ways that are uncomfortable or being forced to do sexual acts is horrible.
We're talking about power and control. Is someone told who they can talk to? What they can do? Where they can go? Are they isolated from family and friends?
It can be difficult deciding when and how to intervene.
Adults with disabilities have the right to their own choices. They want to be as independent as possible. They need time to do things their own way, even if it sometimes means some risk.
This can be confusing for loved ones or providers who are concerned about safety. But well-meaning "protection", like getting put in a restrictive environment unnecessarily, can feel or be abusive. A big fear is being left with no one if an attendant is fired.
Here is the challenge: I try to respect the individual's right to autonomy and self-direction, while assessing their safety and decision-making about their own care and well being.
As a provider, I try to create a safe and confidential space for the person. I listen and believe when someone tells me they are being hurt.Validating their feelings and strengths is important. Together, we brainstorm resources and ideas.
But some people resist the help they really need. I check my thinking with other resource people who know disability and abuse issues.
If there is concern for immediate physical safety or survival, you may need to contact the Police at 911 or Adult Protective Services without their consent. We should all be familiar with the laws about mandated reporting of abuse.
You can also call STAND! Against Domestic Violence for resources and support at 1-888-215-5555.
You know, supporting disabled people to stop abuse is one of the most important things I do.