PCADV works to end abuse against people who live with disabilities because we know that these survivors are at a higher risk for partner and family abuse than able-bodied people. We work with local Pennsylvania domestic violence programs to help survivors with disabilities get shelter, counseling, and other resources.
Like many people who are abused, people with disabilities often know who their abusers are: family members, caregivers, and other people who are close to them. Abusers know that the survivor may depend on them for care and might:
- Take away the survivor’s device they use to help them speak.
- Not bathe, feed, or take a survivor to doctors’ appointments.
- Hide the survivor’s medications.
- Tell the survivor that they will not be believed because they have a mental illness.
- Threaten to or hurt the survivor’s therapy or service animals.
Under a grant from the Office of Violence Against Women, PCADV works with these partners to improve our services to survivors who have complex communications needs in Pennsylvania:
PCADV Resources
Online Course — Restricted Access Survivors with Disabilities: A 3-Part Course
PCADV’s online learning course for advocates explains how they can work with survivors with disabilities to create safety. It includes basic information on people with disabilities, a summary about federal and state laws and some ways to improve services to these survivors.
Exclusive to affiliates of PCADV member programs.
Additional Resources:
Underserved Populations
People of Color
We support the unique needs of communities of color by creating opportunities to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, from our Women of Color Caucus to specific trainings.
The Initiative for People of ColorPeople with Disabilities
By partnering with local domestic violence programs, we help individuals with disabilities get access to the help they need, from shelter assistance to counseling.
The Initiative for People with DisabilitiesImmigrant & Refugee Communities
Through outreach, training, and focused partnerships, we support immigrant and refugee victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The Initiative for Refugee CommunitiesRural Communities
Since rural communities tend to be interconnected, it’s often more difficult for victims of domestic violence to get help. Through local and statewide programs, we connect these communities with the resources they need.
The Initiative for Rural Communities