Risk Factors for Sexual Violence Among People with Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities

The Abuse Prevention Disability Task Force completed a literature review in 2018-2019 to identify risk factors associated with sexual violence and people with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Sexual violence (SV) primary prevention requires increasing protective factors and reducing/eliminating sexual violence perpetration risk factors; and though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified risk and protective factors for sexual violence perpetration, the research may not include people with cognitive and developmental disabilities. People with cognitive and developmental disabilities communicate using a variety of methods and some people do not use written or spoken “standardized” language. The result is hundreds of thousands of people are left out of scientifically designed SV data collection practices, such as NISVS and YRBSS. The task force literature review included science-based evidence (journal articles), practice-based evidence (toolkits), and practice wisdom (community resources) created after the year 2000.

Risk Factor Infographics
Risk Factor Plain Text

These free and readily available resources reviewed (see citations below) generally associated risk factors with victimization and with disability increasing one’s risk for sexual violence victimization (as a result of structural inequities that place people with disabilities at greater risk). There were no clear findings to report beyond the CDC about risk and protective factors for perpetration. The task force organized the sexual violence risks for victimization across the social ecological model according to the level of their impact on people with disabilities, including cognitive and developmental disabilities. We are developing recommendations to pass along to those who are interested, so keep checking back.

Orgainizational Risk Factors for People with Disabilities
Orgainizational Risk Factors for People with Disabilities
Societal Risk Factors For People with Disabilities
Societal Risk Factors for People with Disabilities
Community Risk Factors for People with Disabilities
Community Risk Factors for People with Disabilities

References:

  • Alriksson-Schmidt, A. I., Armour, B. S., & Thibadeau, J. K. (2010). Are Adolescent Girls With a Physical Disability at Increased Risk for Sexual Violence? Journal of School Health, 80, 361–367. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00514
  • Basile, K. C., Breiding, M. J., & Smith, S. G. (2016). Disability and Risk of Recent Sexual Violence in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 106(5), 928–933. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2015.303004
  • Cowley, Kelsey, Fellow, Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center. (2018). Starting the Conversation: A Toolkit for Self-Advocates to Talk About Sexual Violence in Their Community. Toolkit available online February 13, 2020 at: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/resource/starting-the-conversation-a-toolkit-for-self-advocates-to-talk-about-sexual-violence-in-their-community/
  • Davis, Leigh Ann, M.S.S.S.W., M.P.A., L.A.D. (2019). Resources, People with Intellectual Disability and Sexual Violence. The Arc. Retrieved online at May 20, 2019: https://www.thearc.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=2457
  • Euser, S. , Alink, L. R., Tharner, A. , IJzendoorn, M. H. and Bakermans‐Kranenburg, M. J. (2016). The Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse in Out‐of‐home Care: Increased Risk for Children with a Mild Intellectual Disability. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29: 83-92. doi:10.1111/jar.12160
  • Fredriksen-Goldsen, Karen I., Hyun-Jun Kim, and Susan E. Barkan (2012). Disability Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults: Disparities in Prevalence and Risk. American Journal of Public Health 102, e16_e21. doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300379
  • Hughes K, Bellis MA, Jones L, Wood S, Bates G, Eckley L, McCoy E, Mikton C, Shakespeare T, Officer A. (2012). Prevalence and risk of violence against adults with disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Lancet; doi:10.1016/S0410-6736(11)61851-5.
  • Keilty, J & Connelly, G. (2001). Making a statement: An exploratory study of barriers facing women with an intellectual disability when making a statement about sexual assault to police. Disability & Society, 16 (2), 273-291.
  • Krahn, Gloria L. PhD, MPH, Deborah Klein Walker, EdD, and Rosaly Correa-De-Araujo, MD, PhD (2015). Persons with Disabilities as an Unrecognized Health Disparity Population. American Journal of Public Health, Supplement 2, 2015, Vol. 105, No. S2., p. S198. Retrieved November 1, 2018 from: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302182
  • National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention (2020). Risk and Protective Factors. Accessed online May 20, 2019 at https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/riskprotectivefactors.html
  • Normand, C.L. and Sallafranque‐St‐Louis, F. (2016), Cybervictimization of Young People With an Intellectual or Developmental Disability: Risks Specific to Sexual Solicitation. Journal ofApplied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29:99-110. doi:10.1111/jar.12163
  • Plummer, S.-B., & Findley, P. (2012). Women With Disabilities’ Experience With Physical and Sexual Abuse: Review of the Literature and Implications for the Field. Trauma Violence Abuse 2012 13: 15. Accessed online May 21, 2019 at:
  • https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patricia_Findley/publication/51787909_Women_With_Disabilities’_Experience_With_Physical_and_Sexual_Abuse/links/0deec5304c5a1c79d8000000.pdf
  • Taggart, L. & R. McMillan (2009). Listening to women with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems: a focus on risk and resilient factors. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 2009, vol 13(4) 321‒340. doi: 10.1177⁄1744629509353239
  • West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (2019). West Virginia S.A.F.E. Training and Collaboration Toolkit, Serving Sexual Violence Victims with Disabilities, B1.1 Sexual Violence 101. Sexual Victimization of Persons with Disabilities: Prevalence and Risk Factors Sexual Victimization of Persons with Disabilities: Prevalence and Risk Factors. West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services. Accessed online May 20, 2019 at:
  • https://www.arcnj.org/file_download/eeead953-679c-4937-9f6e-596248f9261e

Credit

Research conducted and post written by  Cierra Olivia Thomas-Williams, Prevention Specialist, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), cwilliams@icadvinc.org. Infographics created by Kat Chappell, Outreach and Operations Manager, Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, kchappell@gcpd.in.gov. Post edited by Skye Ashton Kantola (she/they), Assistant Director at Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault, kantola@purdue.edu.

Artistic Reflections on Disability and Acceptance

Everyone Loves Dogs By Lessa

This piece was created on paper, in a vertical rectangle shape, using colorful markets in pink, blue, orange, green, and black. There is a poem centered along the piece and it reads: “When you hear me, I make a mistake, You raise your hand, And I don’t fear it, There is a weight on my head, It isn’t stress, It’s your hand, Patting me like a dog, Everyone loves dogs, And you love me, And you love me..” There is a green road-like line going through the middle of the piece, horizontally. Throughout the piece there are dots, stars, squiggly lines going in a circle, and hearts. At the edges of the piece there is a green house and bookshelf. There is a blue silhouette of a dog’s head. There is also a pink book, a pink silhouette of a cat’s head and a pink drawing pencil.

Description of Art: This piece was created on paper, in a vertical rectangle shape, using colorful markets in pink, blue, orange, green, and black. There is a poem centered along the piece and it reads: “When you hear me, I make a mistake, You raise your hand, And I don’t fear it, There is a weight on my head, It isn’t stress, It’s your hand, Patting me like a dog, Everyone loves dogs, And you love me, And you love me..” There is a green road-like line going through the middle of the piece, horizontally. Throughout the piece there are dots, stars, squiggly lines going in a circle, and hearts. At the edges of the piece there is a green house and bookshelf. There is a blue silhouette of a dog’s head. There is also a pink book, a pink silhouette of a cat’s head and a pink drawing pencil.


Artist: Lessa (They/It) Interview:
This project has been exciting for a number of reasons but especially because we had the opportunity to talk to each of the artists about their piece. Here is just some of what Lessa (They/It) shared with us on August 9th, 2024.

Lessa (They/It) is a lover of digital and physical art, in fact they sometimes take commissions. They are a young adult living in a housing program for LGBTQ+ youth and described themself as a queer non-binary lesbian with both physical and mental disabilities.

Describing their Art:

“When I first got to (housing program) I found it really hard to sleep in my bedroom because I was anticipating the other shoe drop, where it would be revealed that it was not in fact as safe as it was.”

Lessa recalled some advice that people should avoid reaching to pet the top of a dog’s head because it could create fear. They said there is panic that comes with being helped because you expect a “smack” and not the weight of a “gentle hand” on your head.
“I’m allowed to not be a perfect human being and still be helped. I’m allowed to make mistakes and there still be a roof over my head and food on my table.”

Lessa feels like the program they’re in reaches out, not with anger but with concern when they are struggling. They want to know how to make it better, make it okay, “And what is more okay than a dog?”

When it comes to systems… Lessa feels like the people who get to decide if they are “disabled enough” don’t understand the disabled experience.

“People in power around disability seem to be inclined to assume they know the best and treat disabled people like they’re all children or stupid, especially people with mental disabilities.”

Lessa was intentional about using the line “When you hear me” in their poem to emphasize how important it is to listen to disabled folks.
When it comes to the folks who view this piece…

Lessa expressed hope that you find humor in the way they compare themself to a dog but also see the symbolism.

“A dog is man’s best friend, this person just wants to be liked, understood, and accepted. Dogs will tear apart entire houses and people will forgive them. And yet, if a person does that because of a mental illness or a disability, they’re usually demonized…Try to understand why.”

Autism Perspective

By Ben

Description of Art:
This piece was submitted and created digitally utilizing a tool that mimics watercolor paint. At the center of the piece is a person with long, green, messy hair and pale skin. They are wearing a blue striped shirt and blue pants with blotches of blue-green and purple colors. The person is sitting down, legs bent in front of them, with their hands together at their front. Around them are blotches of blue-green color with a white star inside each one. Among the blotches are 4 different sharks with blue and green coloring, floating around the image with small eyes and smiles.

Description of Art:
This piece was submitted and created digitally utilizing a tool that mimics watercolor paint. At the center of the piece is a person with long, green, messy hair and pale skin. They are wearing a blue striped shirt and blue pants with blotches of blue-green and purple colors. The person is sitting down, legs bent in front of them, with their hands together at their front. Around them are blotches of blue-green color with a white star inside each one. Among the blotches are 4 different sharks with blue and green coloring, floating around the image with small eyes and smiles.

Artist: Ben (He/Him)


Image Description: Ben has short, vibrant green hair, brown eyebrows, and white skin. He is wearing glasses with a brown frame at the top, silver septum jewelry, and a black t-shirt with bold red lettering.




Image Description: Ben has short, vibrant green hair, brown eyebrows, and white skin. He is wearing glasses with a brown frame at the top, silver septum jewelry, and a black t-shirt with bold red lettering.

This project has been exciting for a number of reasons but especially because we had the opportunity to talk to each of the artists about their piece. Here is just some of what Ben (He/Him) shared with us on September 6th, 2024.

Ben (He/Him) is a lover of music, but especially the music you can hear in the 317 hardcore scene he frequents. He is an autistic and trans young adult living in a housing program for LGBTQ+ youth.

Describing their Art:
Ben was very invested in conveying what brings him joy rather than suffering in his piece. The white background with the spaced-out, flowing colors were meant to give the viewer a sense of calm.

The person at the center of the piece is meant to represent Ben, his face intentionally left with a lack of expression. He sits in his room just like the character drawn, with his hands clasped, often fidgeting together. “I wanted to very clearly represent an Autistic person.” The sharks floating around him are representative of one of his special interests.

“It’s like the best coping mechanism because my brain has trained itself to be like, okay that (special interests) means happy and that means engaged, interested and calm.”

For Ben, a safe, stable, and nurturing environment engages those special interests, those joyous parts about being an autistic person. “People who have disabilities and people who are neurodivergent, it isn’t some kind of horror for them. I just drew what represents a big part of my autism. Being autistic doesn’t have to mean that you’re stressed all of the time, that you’re isolated or weird and different. I mean yeah, you’re weird and different but in a good way.”

Ben expressed frustration around people finding him rude or thinking he is unfeeling because there are times where he is not as expressive. He wants people to walk away knowing this:

“If anything else, autistic people, they have more passion and more interest and more affinity for things.”

Madd House

Description of Art:
 Front: This piece is on a white rectangle canvas and the art was created with a black graphite pencil. The border of the canvas has a cloud shape, inside the shape are the following series of words and phrases: Irrational, Worry, Dont give up on me, exhausted, irritability, overwhelmed, sadness, intrusive thoughts, fear, brain moves slowww, numb, fear of failure, excessive sleep, introvert, worried, isolation, slow, intense, lazy, losing people, no down time, tired, lonely, not enough, routine, hopeless, drained, behind, guilt, panic, and the words inconvenience and burden are underlined. There is smudging from the graphite throughout the piece, giving it a darker appearance. At the center of the canvas is a door that is slightly open, revealing tile flooring and a peek into a blank room. There are 3 rows of tape outside of the door with the word “Caution” written on them.

Description of Art:
Front: This piece is on a white rectangle canvas and the art was created with a black graphite pencil. The border of the canvas has a cloud shape, inside the shape are the following series of words and phrases: Irrational, Worry, Dont give up on me, exhausted, irritability, overwhelmed, sadness, intrusive thoughts, fear, brain moves slowww, numb, fear of failure, excessive sleep, introvert, worried, isolation, slow, intense, lazy, losing people, no down time, tired, lonely, not enough, routine, hopeless, drained, behind, guilt, panic, and the words inconvenience and burden are underlined. There is smudging from the graphite throughout the piece, giving it a darker appearance. At the center of the canvas is a door that is slightly open, revealing tile flooring and a peek into a blank room. There are 3 rows of tape outside of the door with the word “Caution” written on them.


Back of the Art: At the top of canvas is a cloud with the phrase: “Madd House ~ No Room For Error!”. Underneath this is a note from the artist: Surround yourself with people willing to learn you. Support and creating your own family is a huge impact on one’s mental health. Set and respect boundaries, be willing to grow, and leave room for error. My biggest and strongest character trait is resilience... Work at your own pace. Don’t compare yourself to others! Overall, allow open communication, have Clear (underlined) expectations, and love/allow to be loved.


Back:At the top of canvas is a cloud with the phrase: “Madd House ~ No Room For Error!”. Underneath this is a note from the artist: Surround yourself with people willing to learn you. Support and creating your own family is a huge impact on one’s mental health. Set and respect boundaries, be willing to grow, and leave room for error. My biggest and strongest character trait is resilience… Work at your own pace. Don’t compare yourself to others! Overall, allow open communication, have Clear (underlined) expectations, and love/allow to be loved.

About the Artist: O’Shani (She/They)

Image Description: O’Shani has very short, blonde, coiled hair and brown skin. She is holding up her phone to take her picture and on the other hand she is making a peace sign. She is wearing a tan cropped shirt, blue jean pants, and is adorned with golden hoop earrings, a couple of bracelets, a septum piercing, a nose ring, and long jeweled nails.

Image Description: O’Shani has very short, blonde, coiled hair and brown skin. She is holding up her phone to take her picture and on the other hand she is making a peace sign. She is wearing a tan cropped shirt, blue jean pants, and is adorned with golden hoop earrings, a couple of bracelets, a septum piercing, a nose ring, and long jeweled nails.

Interview:
This project has been exciting for a number of reasons but especially because we had the opportunity to talk to each of the artists about their piece. Here is just some of what O’Shani (she/they) shared with us on August 1st, 2024.

O’Shani is a lover of cats, long nails, long-boarding, and Anime. They are a young adult living in a housing program for LGBTQ+ youth and they experience anxiety and depression.


Describing their Art:
O’Shani described how they present themselves as a welcoming person that anyone can vent to but internally, they are very anxious. So, “the door” is always open but it gets exhausting, they’re always worrying about “checking off the list” but they’re also a perfectionist so it’s easy to get stuck on one thing. The caution tape is the warning and the words around it are just some of the thoughts they are battling each day.
“A lot of people think I’m lazy, because there are some days where I don’t do anything. But my mind just won’t allow me to.”
O’Shani finds that she is hard on herself, describing her self-reflection as like “grading papers” because there is no room for her to make mistakes. She underlined the words inconvenience and burden because those “hit” her the hardest.
O’Shani shared that it was difficult to come out as a queer person, especially to her mom.
“A lot of the things I did put on that paper were what I heard from her or how she feels about me.”
Now that she lives in this housing program, she finally feels like the people in her life are supportive of every part of her.
“It’s overwhelming, because I’m not used to it, but I love it.”
For O’Shani, a safe, stable, and nurturing environment has family that is created, not by blood but by choice. That environment allows you to make mistakes and teaches you how to not just love but how to be loved.
“Your struggle does not define who you are.”

 Navigating Life After Diagnosis

Arturo Contreras

 

Hey folks! I’m Arturo Contreras, a 25-year-old Latinx guy on a journey of understanding and advocating for disability justice. Like many of us, I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD. That moment was both a relief and a revelation—a chance to finally put a name to all those quirks that made me feel out of place. But let me tell you, disability justice goes far beyond just an individual diagnosis. It’s about building a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, feels seen, valued, and supported.

Today, I want to dig a little deeper into some of the key areas that have helped me make sense of this new chapter, and how they relate to broader disability justice. Let’s jump in with a positive, solutions-focused mindset.

1) Holistic Wellness: Caring for Both Body and Mind

Taking care of your body isn’t just good advice—it’s essential for navigating life with ADHD, ASD, or any other condition. I’ve found that regular exercise and a balanced diet can really make a difference. But beyond individual wellness, we have to look at the bigger picture. The disability justice movement teaches us that accessibility in health and wellness is crucial.

In an ideal world, everyone should have access to affordable, inclusive health care, nutrition education, and adaptive exercise programs. Whether it’s creating sensory-friendly gym spaces or offering affordable, healthy food options in low-income communities, there are ways we can make wellness more accessible. These steps help dismantle ableism, the systemic discrimination against disabled people, by making it easier for everyone to thrive.

 2) Building Community: The Power of Interdependence

 The principle of interdependence, from the Disability Justice framework, reminds us that we don’t have to face our challenges alone. Community is a powerful thing, and it’s not just about socializing; it’s about mutual support. When I was first diagnosed, I felt isolated. But connecting with others who shared similar experiences was transformative. It’s in these communities that we can share strategies, vent frustrations, and most importantly, feel understood.

Disability justice pushes us to expand our definition of community. We need to make sure that digital spaces are as inclusive and safe as physical ones, so that everyone can find their “neurokindred,” no matter where they are. We also have to remember that community spaces must be accessible in terms of transportation, language, and sensory accommodations.

3) Medication: Your Body, Your Choice

Medication can be a complex decision. While it’s an incredibly personal choice, it’s also something that disability justice emphasizes should be accessible and informed. We need to advocate for greater transparency and accessibility in healthcare systems, so that everyone can make informed decisions about their bodies. This also means pushing for healthcare that is culturally competent and sensitive to the unique needs of disabled folks from marginalized backgrounds.

We must also support those who choose not to take medication. The disability justice framework reminds us that disability is not inherently negative. Society often tells us that the goal should be to “cure” or “fix” our conditions, but it’s about embracing our unique perspectives and ways of being.

Looking Forward: A Call to Action

Disability justice is not just about acknowledging that disability exists. It’s about addressing the societal barriers that make disability harder to live with. We must commit to making systemic changes that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and the voices of disabled folks. Together, we can create a world that values diversity of all kinds—one that moves beyond mere tolerance toward genuine celebration and support.

So, whether you’re newly diagnosed, or you’re a long-time disability justice advocate, remember this: You’re not alone, and you have a community that has your back. And as we continue to learn, share, and fight for justice, let’s hold on to hope and solidarity. Together, we’re unstoppable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Arturo Contreras

Arturo Contreras Mejia is a 25-year-old Mexican Man. He is currently a student at IUPUI studying digital marketing. Arturo is also a part of IDJ as a social media captain (intern). In his free time, Arturo enjoys spending time with his loved ones.

Image Description: Arturo is standing on the left of the picture, in front of a telephone pole with his arms crossed. He is wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sunglasses. He has a serious bearded face. To the right, is a plentiful cactus plant. Behind a gas station that reads “kinda tropical”

Image Description: Arturo is standing on the left of the picture, in front of a telephone pole with his arms crossed. He is wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sunglasses. He has a serious bearded face. To the right, is. a plentiful cactus plant. Behind a gas station that reads “kinda tropical”