Synopses & Reviews
People with disabilities are four to ten times more likely to experience violence and abuse than people without disabilities.* This is the one book that empowers everyone—professionals, families, and self-advocates alike—to solve and prevent this widespread problem.
In clear and straightforward language, abuse prevention educator Nancy Fitzsimons calls readers to action and gives them the no-nonsense guidance they need to stop violence and abuse before they start. Readers will discover how to
- help people with a wide range of disabilities learn concrete ways to arm themselves against violence and abuse
- identify situations that might make a person vulnerable to violence or abuse
- skillfully recognize the indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, psychological abuse, and financial exploitation
- take appropriate action if they suspect or know someone is being abused
- tear down the personal, societal, and organizational barriers that perpetuate violence and abuse
- make the most of supportive services and systems, including victim assistance programs, the criminal justice system, and advocacy services
- conduct effective training sessions that empower and educate people with disabilities about prevention of violence and abuse (includes lessons learned from a model program, the Advocacy and Empowerment Project)
Throughout this practical guide, thought-provoking anecdotes, exercises, and "Ask Yourself" questions help readers relate key concepts to their own lives, examine their beliefs and assumptions about disability and abuse, and expand their knowledge of how to take action. An eye-opening sourcebook for professionals and a must-share with anyone who has a disability, this book is the key to helping people with disabilities fight violence and abuse—and take charge of their bodies and lives.
*Petersilia, J.R. (2001) Criminal Justice and Behavior
Review
"An important text on an issue that has received far too little attention . . . I highly recommend this book to people with disabilities, families, advocates and practitioners across the human service spectrum." Barbara LeRoy, Ph.D.
Synopsis
Accessible book tackling the issue of violence and abuse of people with disabilities, educating and empowering both professionals and self-advocates.
About the Author
Dick Sobsey, Ph.D., is Professor of Educational Psychology and Director of the JP Das Developmental Disabilities Centre at the University of Alberta in Canada, where he also serves as an adjunct professor at the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre. He has worked with children and adults with severe disabilities since 1968 as a nurse, a teacher, and a researcher. His current research explores the relationship between disability and violence. Dr. Sobsey is also the father of two children, including a teenager who has severe and multiple disabilities and is fully included in his neighborhood school.
Table of Contents
About the Author
Contributors
Foreword
Dick Sobsey, Ed.D.
Preface
Acknowledgments
- Guiding Principles for Combating Violence and Abuse
- The Relationship Between Disability and Abuse
- Recognizing and Responding to Violence and Abuse
- Systemic Barriers to Preventing Violence and Abuse
- Personal Barriers to Preventing Violence and Abuse
- Understanding the System
- Empowering People with Disabilities to Prevent Violence and Abuse
with Dorothy Bell Wagner
- Principles in Action: The Advocacy and Empowerment Project
with Willi Horner-Johnson and Charles E. Drum
Appendix A: My Safety Network Resources Worksheet
Appendix B: Answers to Learning Activities
References
Glossary of Terms
Index