It Happens Here, Too

The reality of domestic violence in the disability community is one of sadness, tragedy, disconnection, and despair. However, there are also opportunities and large strides being made into, and addressing these issues that face the disability community. People with disabilities in the United States are three to five times more likely to be victimized.

Keith Jones

Persons with cognitive disabilities had the highest rate of violent victimization (83.3 per 1,000) among the disability types measured.
Nineteen percent of rapes or sexual assaults against persons with disabilities were reported to police, compared to 36% of those against persons without disabilities.

Crime Against Persons with Disabilities, 2009–2019 – Statistical Tables November 2021 U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics

As a Black man with a disability, the reality of violence is ever present. Having and continue to work in violence prevention and survivor support space, it is apparent that even here ableism impacts how domestic violence is viewed when disability is a factor. Instances of abuse have a long history in the disability community, often connected to society’s perception of the worthiness of our humanity. How can we make sure that those people who are victims have the ability to seek help, remediation and get recovery? More importantly, how can we make sure that the Survivor network is actually fully accessible and inclusive for all those who have had unfortunate events of experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault?

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There are several organizations across the country that are dedicated to helping the disability community address these issues. One such organization is Activating Change, as well as the Office of Victims of Violent Crime. There is a myriad of resources located locally and nationally to help survivors and victims of sexual or domestic violence become acquainted with resources in order to gain help and services. However, where we need help is in making sure that the providers and survivor networks are inclusive of people with disabilities. Often times people with disabilities feel victimized not only by the perpetrator but also, the very systems that are supposed to help them in the justice and healing process.

Over the past few years, there have been strides made in the community, yet we still have more to go. The last thing that the community is asking and or needing is not to be marginalized. At such an important time we encourage the larger community to do is to embrace our wholeness and our humanity and understand that disability does not preclude us from acts of violence.

Keith Jones is the President and CEO of SoulTouchin’ Experiences LLC,. It is an organization aimed at bringing a perspective to the issues of access inclusion and empowerment, which affect him as well as others who are persons with and without disabilities. Mr. Jones also is a Emmy Award winning lyricist and multitalented artist who along with Leroy Moore and Rob Temple founded Krip Hop Nation which is an international collection of artists with disabilities.