Alberta's Grassroots, Cross-Disability Organization
What We Do - Projects and ResearchViolence Against Women with Disabilities BrochureVisit the section of your choice by clicking on a heading.
Available in PDF Format: #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 (approx. 130-180K) Brochure 1: Facts About AbuseAbout ACCD and This BrochureThe Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) is a consumer-driven, provincial organization of persons within the cross-disability community. We actively promote the full participation of persons with disabilities within the social, economic, and political life of our communities. We believe that all people have the right to be safe and to be protected from abuse. Recent research we've undertaken shows that women with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence and abuse. We want to share our findings with you and encourage you to join us as we work to end the violence. What is Abuse?Abuse occurs when a person in a position of power takes advantage of someone in a less powerful position. There are many types of abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional. Neglect and exploitation are also types of abuse. Did You Know?Women with disabilities in Canada "face the threat and the reality of all forms of violence confronting non-disabled women, but their disability compounds, alters, and increases their vulnerability" (Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women). Statistics concerning violence against women with disabilities paint a grim picture.
Why are Women with Disabilities More Vulnerable to Abuse?Like you, we at ACCD are shocked and appalled to hear about the violence faced by many women with disabilities. How can this be happening in a society that respects and values all individuals? The Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) suggests that women with disabilities are more vulnerable to abuse because society's perceptions of them are clouded by myths and stereotypes. Take a minute to examine your own perceptions of women with disabilities. Have you ever thought that women with disabilities
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are contributing to a perception of women with disabilities that increases their vulnerability to abuse. What Can We Do?First of all, we need to examine our perceptions regarding women with disabilities. We need to raise our own level of awareness and educate ourselves about the realities, not the myths, shaping the lives of women with disabilities in Alberta. Secondly, we need to raise the awareness of others. By educating people in our homes, workplaces, volunteer organizations, and communities we can begin to challenge stereotypical views. There are many service organizations committed to raising awareness about violence against women with disabilities in Alberta. Please call one of the numbers on the back panel and ask about guest speakers, invite us to speak to you, your colleagues, your constituents, your child's school, your rotary club or community organization, your community league, etc. ACCD believes we all have a role in making Alberta a safer place for women with disabilities. Together, we can make a difference! For More InformationACCD Persons with Developmental Disabilities Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary Independent Living Society The Office for the Prevention of Family Violence If the organizations listed here are not in your community, they will be able to refer you to a local contact. ACCD acknowledges the support of Status of Women Canada in the production of this series of brochures. Brochure 2: Are You Being Abused?About ACCD and This BrochureThe Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) is a consumer-driven, provincial organization of persons within the cross-disability community. We actively promote the full participation of persons with disabilities within the social, economic, and political life of our communities. ACCD believes that all people have the right to be safe and to be protected from abuse. Recent research we've undertaken shows that women with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence and abuse. In some cases, abuse may happen because you are not sure what it is or what you are able to do about it. We want to share some information we've gathered in the hopes that we can answer your questions and end the violence that many women with disabilities face. What is Abuse?Abuse occurs when a person in a position of power takes advantage of someone in a less powerful position. There are many types of abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional. Neglect and exploitation are also types of abuse. How Do You Know If You're Being Abused?Sometimes you might wonder if people you know or don't know are treating you properly. The following sections give examples of actions that are abusive. If someone is treating you in these ways, they shouldn't be! It is not right! What is physical abuse?You are being physically abused if someone hurts you with physical contact. This could mean punching, hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, or restraining you. If your caregiver handles you roughly or isolates you from other people, this is also abuse. What is sexual abuse?You are being sexually abused if someone kisses you when you don't want to be kissed. Or if someone touches your body in places that you don't want touched. You are also being abused if someone forces you into a sexual activity. If your caregiver helps you with personal care tasks such as bathing and hygiene routines, he or she needs to do so in a way that you are comfortable with. Remember that sexual abuse can come from males or females. What is emotional abuse?If you are being treated physically or verbally in a way that makes you embarrassed, humiliated, or upset, you may be experiencing emotional abuse. If someone says mean things to you, doesn't allow you to make decisions, threatens you, or keeps you isolated from others, you are being emotionally abused. What is neglect?If your caregiver or other support providers do not provide you with the food, shelter, personal care, or medical attention you need, in a timely fashion, you are being neglected. What is exploitation?If a caregiver or anyone else takes advantage of you, you are being exploited. They may use their position to take money they've not earned or ask you for money or belongings. They may also ask you to do things that you know are wrong or that you are uncomfortable with. Because you may depend on them for care or companionship, you feel you have to do what they say. They are exploiting their relationship with you. If you think you are being mistreated in any of these ways, you are being abused. It is not right! Something needs to be done. What Should You Do If You Think You're Being Abused?It is not always easy to tell someone that you think you are being abused. If you do tell someone, they may be able to help put a stop to the abuse. We encourage you to tell someone you trust-a friend, a doctor, someone from a church or other community group. They can help you escape the abuse you are facing! They can also support you through the process of reporting and ending the abuse. There is Help AvailableThere are many service organizations committed to assisting women with disabilities as they address violence or abuse in their lives. Some of these organizations offer training that will help you be more assertive when you interact with others. Other programs provide counselling to help you address the feelings you are having about the abuse. And there are "shelters" or "safe places" if you feel you must move from where you live. In an emergency situation, contact the police, RCMP, or a women's shelter. Numbers are listed in your phone book. For More InformationACCD Alberta Council of Women's Shelters Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary Independent Living Society If the organizations listed here are not in your community, they will be able to refer you to a local contact. As well, ACCD can refer you to appropriate organizations. Call us at 1-800-387-2514 or visit our web site at http://www.accd.net/. This brochure is based on a similar brochure produced by Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Alberta Provincial Board. ACCD acknowledges the support of Status of Women Canada in the production of this series of brochures.Brochure 3: Is Someone You Know Being Abused?About ACCD and This BrochureThe Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) is a consumer-driven, provincial organization of persons within the cross-disability community. We actively promote the full participation of persons with disabilities within the social, economic, and political life of our communities. We believe that all people have the right to be safe and to be protected from abuse. Recent research we've undertaken shows that women with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence and abuse. In this brochure we want to answer questions you may have about identifying abuse and supporting women with disabilities who are being abused. We encourage you to join us as we work to end the violence. What is Abuse?Abuse occurs when a person in a position of power takes advantage of someone in a less powerful position. There are many types of abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional. Neglect and exploitation are also types of abuse. How Can You Tell if Someone Is Being Abused?Have you ever wondered if a woman with a disability whom you know or care for is being abused? Often, there are signs or "indicators" when abuse occurs. Here are some of the indicators you can look for to confirm your suspicions about abuse. Possible signs of physical abuse
Possible signs of sexual abuse
Possible signs of emotional abuse
Possible signs of neglect
If you suspect a woman with a disability is being abused, listen to her carefully and pay attention to her behaviour. If you notice any of the possible signs listed above, she may need your assistance. (Note: These lists do not provide all possible indicators.) What Should You Do If Someone You Know Is Being Abused?
For More InformationACCD Alberta Council of Women's Shelters Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary Independent Living Society Persons with Developmental Disabilities Your Community Police or RCMP Office Numbers are listed on the Inside Cover of Your Phone Book If the organizations listed here are not in your community, they will be able to refer you to a local contact. This brochure is developed with information received from Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Alberta Provincial Board and on the booklet "Responding to the Abuse" produced by Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped. ACCD acknowledges the support of Status of Women Canada in the production of this series of brochures. Brochure 4: What Paid Caregivers Need To KnowAbout ACCD and This BrochureThe Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) is a consumer-driven, provincial organization of persons within the cross-disability community. We actively promote the full participation of persons with disabilities within the social, economic, and political life of our communities. We believe that all people have the right to be safe and to be protected from abuse. Recent research we've undertaken shows that women with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence and abuse. We would like to share our findings with you and encourage you to join us as we work to end the violence. What is Abuse?Abuse occurs when a person in a position of power takes advantage of someone in a less powerful position. There are many types of abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional. Neglect and exploitation are also types of abuse. Why Are Women with Disabilities More Vulnerable to Abuse?The Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) suggests that women with disabilities are more vulnerable to abuse because society's perceptions of them are clouded by myths and stereotypes. Take a minute to examine your own perceptions of women with disabilities. Have you ever thought or been taught that women with disabilities
Unfortunately, such myths affect the ways that many of us care for and interact with women with disabilities. These perceptions make women with disabilities more vulnerable to violence. The Client/Caregiver RelationshipACCD believes that, for the most part, caregivers choose their profession because they genuinely care for people. However, the nature of the relationship between caregivers and the people they support creates a power imbalance. If caregivers do not receive proper training, they may unintentionally misuse their power and take advantage of the women they are caring for. What Caregivers Can Do
What Training Organizations Can Do
What Home Care Agencies Can Do
What ACCD Can Do For You
For More InformationACCD Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary ACCD has other brochures in this series that you may be interested in. You can call our office or visit our web site to access these brochures. ACCD acknowledges the support of Status of Women Canada in the production of this series of brochures. Brochure 5: What Family Caregivers Need To KnowAbout ACCD and This BrochureThe Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) is a consumer-driven, provincial organization of persons within the cross-disability community. We actively promote the full participation of persons with disabilities within the social, economic, and political life of our communities. We believe that all people have the right to be safe and to be protected from abuse. Recent research we've undertaken shows that women with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence and abuse. We would like to share our findings with you and support you in the important role you have as a family caregiver. What is Abuse?Abuse occurs when a person in a position of power takes advantage of someone in a less powerful position. There are many types of abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional. Neglect and exploitation are also types of abuse. Caring for a Family Member with a DisabilityAs a caregiver of a family member with a disability, do you find
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are not alone. Many family caregivers feel the same way. It is also true, however, that the nature of the relationship between caregivers and the people they support creates a power imbalance. Combined with caregiver stress, this imbalance can place a family member with a disability in a potentially harmful situation. What Can Family Caregivers Do?
What Should You Do If A Family Member Tells You She Is Being Abused?As a family caregiver, your wife, mother, daughter, or sister with a disability may confide in you if she is being abused. The following guidelines provide some basic information about what to do in these situations.
For More InformationACCD Persons with Developmental Disabilities Grant MacEwan College, Millwoods Campus, Residential
Aide Training Program Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary Medicine Hat College Independent Living Society If the organizations listed here are not in your community, they will be able to refer you to a local contact. ACCD acknowledges the support of Status of Women Canada in the production of this series of brochures. |
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