Project Description:
Violence against women with disabilities has been identified as a serious health issue that creates barriers to independent living, safety, and personal well-being. Women with disabilities experience intimate partner violence but are also uniquely at risk for abuse by formal and informal caregivers or personal assistance service providers. These paid and unpaid providers may be family members, intimate partners, friends, or professionals. In addition to the types of abuse experienced in general, people with disabilities experience unique types of abuse that are specifically related to their disability and the social context in which they live. Unfortunately, this problem has remained well-hidden and many women with disabilities are unable to access the resources they need to end violence.The aims of the Oregon Violence Against Women with Disabilities Technical Assistance Center are to (a) increase awareness among domestic violence, disability and criminal justice organizations and agencies about the nature of violence, stalking and sexual assault experienced by women with disabilities; and (b) build the capacities of these organizations to provide an accessible, coordinated, community response to violence against women with disabilities. Key elements will include:An Advisory Council that brings together leaders from domestic violence organizations, private and public disability organizations and criminal justice agencies to shape the design and implementation of a coordinated, community response to violence against women with diverse disabilities, and to oversee the activities of the proposed Center.On-site peer mentor-based training and technical assistance in 1 urban and 3 rural communities to facilitate strategic planning related to accommodating women with disabilities that are victims of violence, knowledge of effective practices and implementation of a coordinated community response.Flexible “mini-grant†funding to support the education and training needs of rural communities that desire to build their violence response capacities. A clearinghouse of resources, materials and curricula related to ending violence against women with disabilities, including the development of video tapes, public service announcements, curriculum, and protocols for identifying and reporting abuse, safety planning, providing accommodations, and working collaboratively across agencies and organizations.Comprehensive dissemination of information and materials through state wide video conferences, an interactive web site and a state conference on ending violence against women with disabilities.The Center will be implemented by a highly skilled team of women with disabilities, professionals and collaborating agencies and organizations that have been working collaboratively to address violence and abuse against women with disabilities.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, Mulit-County, State
