Do you have the tools to help prevent sexual abuse to those with disabilities? Get the facts and the resources to help protect and prevent sexual abuse.

Sexual Abuse continues to be a concern for those we serve in Summit County. According to a 2012 survey of individuals with Developmental Disabilities (conducted by Dr. Nora Baladerian and the Disability and Abuse Project) nearly 34% of those that responded to the survey indicated they had been the victim of sexual abuse at some time in their lives. The survey results also noted that “of individuals with any disability who reported abuse, over 90% experienced abuse on more than one occasion and 46% experienced abuse more frequently than they could count.

According to The Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR): “There are many reasons for these overwhelming numbers. People with disabilities are taught to be compliant, dependent on others. Many people with disabilities are afraid to tell anyone that sexual abuse is occurring, while many others do not know what sexual assault is, or that it is against the law. Many people with disabilities also lack information about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality. Additionally, many people with disabilities have not been taught boundaries. This situation is made worse with high turnover in residential programs where new staff (i.e. strangers) are bathing people with disabilities within hours of meeting them.”

In Summit County, Summit DD’s MUI team has investigated numerous allegations of Sexual Abuse for those we serve. In 2024 so far, there have been 20 total incidents involving 19 different individuals. 32% of those individuals have alleged they were also prior survivors of sexual abuse. Of the identified Primary Persons Involved (PPIs) for the 20 cases of Sexual Abuse in 2024, 5 were DSP, 2 were family members, 2 were other people known to the individual, and 11 were perpetrated by unknown PPIs. The locations of the alleged sexual abuses in 2024 so far have been in family homes, public libraries, restrooms, the internet, and local businesses.

While this information is sobering, there are ways you can help protect those we serve. We encourage you to read the resources below for ways to support and prevent sexual abuse.

Prevention, warning signs, and local resources:

1. Read about Myths & Facts about Sexual Abuse on this article
2. Teach the Five Personal Safety Boundary Rules to those you serve
   • No one should look at the private parts of your body.
   • No one should ask you to look at the private parts of their body.
   • No one should touch the private parts of your body.
   • No one should ask you to touch the private parts of their body.
   • No one should show you pictures of private parts on the TV, in magazines, on the computer or on a cellphone.
3. Watch out for these Warning Signs 
   • Depression
   • Self-harming
   • Low self-esteem
   • Sexually Transmitted Infections
   • Unusually or new anxiety about situations
   • Avoiding specific places or people
   • Withdrawing from other relationships or activities, for example, spending less time with friends, leaving sports teams, or dropping classes
   • Saying that their partner doesn’t want them to engage in social activities or is limiting their contact with others
   • Disclosing that sexual assault has happened. Statistically false allegations are uncommon
   • Visible signs of physical abuse
4. Notify law enforcement immediately of any allegations of sexual abuse. Take allegations seriously even if you do not have other supporting evidence available.
5. Forensic or SANE Nurses at local hospitals can be a great resource to help those that have survived sexual abuse. These specialty nurses are trained on how to collect evidence for criminal investigations, working with those that have been traumatized by sexual assault, and with medically treating those who have been sexually assaulted.
   • There are differences between Forensic and SANE nurses however. Per the company IntelyCare: “SANE nurses focus on sexual assault cases, providing specialized care and support for survivors. In contrast, forensic nurses have a broader scope and can be involved in various legal cases beyond sexual assault, such as domestic violence or child abuse. Simply put, SANE nurses focus on healthcare and sexual assault, whereas forensic nurses apply their skills to a broader range of legal situations.”
   • If someone you serve has claimed they have been sexually assaulted, consider taking them to a local hospital for an evaluation from a SANE or forensic nurse.
6. The Summit County Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center is available to those we serve as well. They offer support groups, court advocacy, emergency shelter services, therapy, and many other programs to benefit survivors of sexual abuse. Visit their website for more information about services offered by Hope and Healing.
7. More info about causes, support services, & recommendations; please review this article from Ohio Disability Rights.