DRO releases first in three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

April 20, 2015 / sexual abuse

Today Disability Rights Ohio is releasing the first of a three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Brief One explores the factors in Ohio’s developmental disabilities system that contribute to individuals’ vulnerability to sexual abuse and provides recommendations to address these factors. The second and third briefs — to be released Wednesday and Friday this week — discuss support services for victims with developmental disabilities and the gaps in the statewide criminal justice system that prevent full enforcement and prosecution against abusers.

Disability Rights Ohio began to research the problem of sexual abuse of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities after receiving many complaints from self-advocates and their families. DRO's research uncovered patterns in the statewide developmental disabilities system that lead to unnecessary vulnerabilities and barriers to justice for individuals with developmental disabilities who experience sexual abuse. The reports have been produced with support from The Disability Abuse Project, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities, The Arc of Ohio, People First of Ohio, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and The University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UC UCEDD).

These briefs are being released in coordination with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a nationwide effort to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues.