Sexual violence is a difficult but critical issue that people with disabilities, their families, advocates, and professionals must address. Research shows that individuals with disabilities experience sexual violence at significantly higher rates than those without disabilities. In response, the Arizona Sexual Violence and Disability Network and the Sonoran Center’s Silence to Safety project have partnered to develop accessible, trauma-informed resources that strengthen prevention efforts and improve community response. This session will highlight risk factors, systemic barriers, and practical tools designed to increase safety, awareness, and coordinated response. Participants will leave with information about available resources and strategies to better support people with disabilities in their communities.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe key risk factors and systemic barriers contributing to higher rates of sexual violence among people with disabilities.
- Identify evidence-based prevention and response strategies that are accessible and trauma-informed.
- Discover how to access resources to strengthen disability-inclusive sexual violence prevention and response efforts within their own communities.