Disability Awareness Resources
People with disabilities (PwD) may face different challenges and have very different needs. Some disabilities may put people at higher risk for crimes like sexual assault or abuse. People with disabilities may be less likely to be taken seriously when they make a report of sexual assault or abuse. PwD may not understand or lack information about healthy sexuality. They may not know the kinds of touching that are good or bad (appropriate or inappropriate). This can be very hard. A person’s disability may require other people to touch them to provide care. Someone who has intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) may not be able to consent to sexual activity. Many people with IDD are survivors of sexual abuse.
PwD experience violent victimization at rates 3-5 times higher than people without disabilities. Yet, they are less likely to receive services that help stop violence and support healing from trauma. Only 13% of survivors with disabilities receive victim services.
Massachusetts Resources
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
Information on abuse and neglect, including explanations, signs of physical and sexual abuse, etc. Includes how to report abuse and neglect.
- What is abuse and neglect?
- List of dos and don’ts when abuse is suspected.
- Risk factors
- Vulnerability
How to file a report of abuse and neglect:
- Massachusetts abuse reporting numbers
- Information needed to file a report of abuse and/or neglect
- Information on the victim
- Information on the abuser
- Details of the incident
- Risk assessment
- Additional information
DPPC hotline: 800-426-9009
Mass.gov Statewide Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors
Here you’ll find a collection of survivor resources throughout Massachusetts.
Mass.gov Rape Crisis Centers
Rape Crisis Centers in Massachusetts have free, confidential services for teens and adult survivors.
- Western MA Rape Crisis Centers
- Central MA Rape Crisis Centers
- Northeast MA Rape Crisis Centers
- Southeast MA Rape Crisis Centers
- Boston and 128 Area Rape Crisis Centers
- Statewide Resources by County
Mass.gov Domestic Violence Programs for Survivors
If you are a victim of abuse, you are not alone. There’s more help for you (or your children) than ever before. You, and only you, can make the choice to change or end the abusive relationship. You don’t have to go through it on a daily basis. No one deserves to be abused. There are programs across the state.
Jane Doe Inc.
No one deserves to be abused or assaulted. No matter what you have been told, abuse to you is not your fault. You can call a domestic violence program. You can get the help you need.
Phone: 617-248-0922
Casa Myrna SafeLink
SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline.
Call SafeLink for:
- Safety planning resources for survivors. You can learn how you and your family can stay safe.
- A safe space in which to talk about your relationship or someone else’s.
- A direct link to domestic violence programs across Massachusetts.
- Referrals to local domestic violence services. Other community resources may help you.
- Support and resources for anyone who is worried about a victim of domestic violence
- Information about domestic and dating violence
Toll-free hotline: 877-785-2020
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Massachusetts Resources for People who Have Experienced Sexual Trauma
NAMI has a resource list for people who have experienced sexual trauma including sexual abuse, sexual assault, and rape.
Safe Kids Thrive
Safe Kids Thrive provides free tools and resources to schools, childcare centers, and other youth-serving organizations to prevent child sexual abuse.
MASS Advocates Standing Strong (MASS)
MASS has a guide for survivors of sexual abuse.
Download the Survivor Support Packet (.pdf)
National Resources
love is respect
love is respect offers 24/7 information, support, and advocacy to young people from 13 to 26. You may have questions about your romantic relationships. You may want to know the signs of dating abuse.
Want to know more about?
- Dating
- Personal Safety
- Get Help
- Healthy Relationships
- Supporting Others
- LGBTQIA+ Relationships
- Breaking Up
- Setting limits
Phone: 866-331-9474
Text: ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522
National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)
Sexual Violence affects every part of a person’s life. Her/his body, feelings, thoughts, behaviors, spirituality and relationships with others and the outside world are examples. This is true whether it is friend or family rape, stranger rape, date rape, child sexual abuse or marital rape.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.
Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities (PwD)
Sexual assault and abuse of people with disabilities often goes unreported. If you or someone you care about has a disability and has been sexually assaulted or abused, the most important thing to know is that it is never the victim’s fault. Help and support are available. Some disabilities may put people at more risk for crimes like sexual assault or abuse.
ValorUS® (VALOR)
ValorUS® (VALOR) is a California-based, national organization.
Support for Survivors
Phone: 916-446-2520
Respect Together
United to end sexual abuse, assault and harassment.
Contact form
Activating Change (End Abuse of People with Disabilities)
Creating Pathways to Healing for Survivors with Disabilities
How Safe are Americans with Disabilities? (.pdf)
Phone: 646-457-8067
Email: hello@activatingchange.org
Victim Connect Resource Center
VictimConnect Resource Center (VCRC) is a weekday phone, chat, and text-based referral helpline operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime.
Stalking
You may be a victim of stalking if someone:
- Keeps calling your phone, including hang-ups
- Follows you and shows up wherever you are
- Sends unwanted gifts, letters, texts, or emails
- Damages your home, car, or other property
- Monitors your phone calls or computer use, possibly through spyware
- Uses technology, like hidden cameras or global positioning systems (GPS), to track where you go
- Drives by or hangs out near your home, school, or work
- Threatens to hurt you, your family, friends, or pets
- Does other things that control, track, or frighten you
- Uses other people to try to get to you, like children, family, or friends
Call or text: 855-484-2846
