The topic of sexual assault and abuse is never an easy topic, most people would rather pretend that abuse just does not happen. You can’t deny that our society harbors some deep-seated rape myths – cultural misconceptions about sexual violence that interfere with our ability to adequately address the prevalence of sexual assault. The reality is the less we talk about this topic, the more it will keep happening. Sometimes writing and talking about what is hard to stomach is the only way to make real changes.

In January of 2008, Dorothy Dixon, a 29 year old pregnant woman who had a developmental disability was found tortured to death by housemates and in Alton, Illinois. Her story is shocking and clearly demonstrates the need for education about abuse and the development of more intense support for all people with disabilities who are able to live in the community.

The headline in the newspaper read like horror story: “Disabled pregnant women used as target practice”. Six people, including 3 minors were charged in her death. Yes, adults and children under the age of 18 participated in weeks of torture that included burning her with liquids, beating her, and repeatedly shooting her with BB guns and starving both her and her 1 year old son. Her son was only 15 lbs when they were found, but at least he was alive. Dorothy was found dead on a cold cement floor wearing only a sweater.

Over the years I have learned a tremendous amount about how persons with disabilities are often targeted and how their disabilities are used against them. I have heard from women who experienced abuse directly related to their disability such as leaving wheelchairs out of reach, over medication or denial of medications and leaving them naked in bed instead of helping them get dressed. Abuse comes from many sources, including care providers, loved ones, relatives, coworkers and strangers. It is an unthinkable sin that is unfortunately a constant plague in our community. In Dorothy’s case, her abusers were people who told her they would take her in and care for her, just to get her monthly social security check. What’s even more unthinkable, the adult in charge worked for an Independent Living Center. Abusers can work in all kinds of locations.

The US does not have clear studies and numbers directly related to abuse of women with disabilities, Canada on the other hand has some pretty decent studies. According to a study done by the DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN), over one million women in Canada have a disability. Over two-thirds of these women — about 670,000 — have been physically or sexually assaulted before they reach puberty. This figure is twice as high as it is for women without disabilities. One out of three women with disabilities in Canada — about 330,000 — experience physical and sexual assault as adults. This compares to about one out of four women without disabilities.

How can you support someone who has been abused?

• Do not blame the victim; assure her that the assault was not her fault.
• Listen. Often the best way to be of help to the victim is to be there for them as they grieve and sort through what has happened.
• Offer support. Let the victim know that you are available to help them.
• Respect the victim’s decision. Be educated about the services available to victims of violence and refer victims to professionals.

Often women with disabilities do not report sexual assault and abuse as we have seen many women discredited due to their disability. In Dorothy’s, all six people were charged but unfortunately she had to die for anyone to notice. As a group, we have to talk about this epidemic, educate the community, support women who have survived violence and hold together as a strong unit to stop this violence!