Michelle
09-15-2006, 11:25 PM
Preying On the Vulnerable - Disabled Are Targets of Abuse
By Stephen Witt 09/15/2006
People who are mentally retarded/developmentally disabled (MR/DD) are easy targets for sexual abuse.
And with about 200,000 people in New York City classified as MR/DD, the Kings County District Attorney’s office is attempting to educate the public about this type of victimization.
Catherine Reed, the program coordinator for the DA’s Project Shield program, was at last week’s Community Board 2 meeting to help educate the community at large on the issue.
Reed said there were five major types of developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairments and mental retardation.
“A lot of perpetrators work in group homes,” Reed explained of the sexual assault crimes.
Reed said often it is other workers at group homes who realize that such an assault has taken place and it is important for them to come forward and report the crime.
Reed stated studies that found among adults who are developmentally disabled up to 83 percent of females and 32 percent of males have been victims of sexual abuse.
Reed suggested people working with the MR/DD should be aware that such people probably never had appropriate sexual education or social training.
As such, a person working with the MR/DD and who suspects sexual abuse should ask simple, direct and concrete questions, Reed said.
Reed said to ask such questions as, ‘Who told you to do this?’ or ‘Have you ever done this before?’ or ‘Who was the person you did this with?’
Once reported and the DA becomes involved, Reed said her office often works with the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities in interviewing victims.
“Our collaborator at the YAI assists in doing consent determinations and if this person can give consent,” said Reed. “If they can’t they charge it differently in court. You can charge rape even if person can’t give consent because of their disability.”
Reed said it is uncommon though for the DA’s office to determine some with MR/DD can’t give consent.
“Most people who make it as far as the DA’s office can give consent and know what’s going on,” she said. “There are a few cases where people can’t give consent and they are straight up victimized.”
Reed said they can also use a third person’s testimony in rape cases and other times theirs is physical evidence.
“Other times a perpetrator will admit it and say, ‘She wanted to,’ and think they’re getting themselves off by saying that, but really they’re admitting to having sex with the person,” said Reed.
For further information on the DA’s Project Shield program call (718) 250-3391 or (718) 250-3820.
The contact phone number for the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities is (212) 273-6202.
By Stephen Witt 09/15/2006
People who are mentally retarded/developmentally disabled (MR/DD) are easy targets for sexual abuse.
And with about 200,000 people in New York City classified as MR/DD, the Kings County District Attorney’s office is attempting to educate the public about this type of victimization.
Catherine Reed, the program coordinator for the DA’s Project Shield program, was at last week’s Community Board 2 meeting to help educate the community at large on the issue.
Reed said there were five major types of developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairments and mental retardation.
“A lot of perpetrators work in group homes,” Reed explained of the sexual assault crimes.
Reed said often it is other workers at group homes who realize that such an assault has taken place and it is important for them to come forward and report the crime.
Reed stated studies that found among adults who are developmentally disabled up to 83 percent of females and 32 percent of males have been victims of sexual abuse.
Reed suggested people working with the MR/DD should be aware that such people probably never had appropriate sexual education or social training.
As such, a person working with the MR/DD and who suspects sexual abuse should ask simple, direct and concrete questions, Reed said.
Reed said to ask such questions as, ‘Who told you to do this?’ or ‘Have you ever done this before?’ or ‘Who was the person you did this with?’
Once reported and the DA becomes involved, Reed said her office often works with the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities in interviewing victims.
“Our collaborator at the YAI assists in doing consent determinations and if this person can give consent,” said Reed. “If they can’t they charge it differently in court. You can charge rape even if person can’t give consent because of their disability.”
Reed said it is uncommon though for the DA’s office to determine some with MR/DD can’t give consent.
“Most people who make it as far as the DA’s office can give consent and know what’s going on,” she said. “There are a few cases where people can’t give consent and they are straight up victimized.”
Reed said they can also use a third person’s testimony in rape cases and other times theirs is physical evidence.
“Other times a perpetrator will admit it and say, ‘She wanted to,’ and think they’re getting themselves off by saying that, but really they’re admitting to having sex with the person,” said Reed.
For further information on the DA’s Project Shield program call (718) 250-3391 or (718) 250-3820.
The contact phone number for the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities is (212) 273-6202.