Vulnerability in Sexual Violence Primary Prevention

Originally published by ICADV on October 22, 2020

At some point in the last five years the phrase “vulnerable populations,” used heavily in grant announcements and research articles, has leaked into my writing and my speech, especially in professional settings. For years I introduced myself as a Preventionist who works with vulnerable people or populations to engage in sexual violence primary prevention (SVPP). Last fall I attended a presentation that left me feeling challenged by how I understood vulnerability and the way I have used it to construct a frame for the work to end sexual violence (SV) against people with disabilities.

The fact is all humans are vulnerable and all humans are exposed to varying degrees of risk for different kinds of harm throughout their lives. Vulnerable is an adjective that means easily hurt, wounded, or attacked (from the Latin verb “to wound”). In a culture that glorifies, normalizes, and capitalizes on violence it makes sense to have such language to describe people. When vulnerability becomes shorthand for the problem of historic and continuous inequity within and across systems, bias can thrive, and the connection to the problem—systems inequity for people with cognitive disabilities—is lost. Vulnerability then becomes a tool of silence integrating to the cultural scaffolding of sexual violence as an option with few consequences for people who harm.

People with cognitive and developmental disabilities experience disproportionate rates of sexual violence, but they are not inherently more vulnerable to violence victimization or perpetration than people without disabilities. Instead of seeing an individual as “vulnerable” we should look towards the disproportions or inequalities in our society that make some people more vulnerable to sexual violence and address the willingness of people who cause harm to exploit those inequities to abuse people with disabilities.

People with cognitive or developmental disabilities have less access to opportunities and resources across the lifespan and it is these differences that are disabling to individuals and their families. It is not the person’s identity that makes them vulnerable. The scale of exclusion from protective systems of support—like having one’s basic needs met and connectedness through a variety of human experiences across the lifespan—makes a person vulnerable to increased risk of experiencing violence or causing harm. This makes critical the need for sexual violence prevention strategies that create protective environments. 

When our prevention strategies address community or neighborhood specific risk factors, like poverty, no internet access, or inaccessible and unavailable public transportation, we create opportunities for safety, stability, and nurturance among people. This connectedness-architecture is population level infrastructure that reduces toxic stress—a precursor to violence perpetration—broadly benefitting everyone in the community. It is from within this web of social connectedness experiences that humans can and do take risks in relationships and build resilience. Resilience is a survivor’s callous, it does not prevent sexual violence or vulnerability, but social connectedness does.

Our organizations can lead with policies and practices that support human connectedness among staff, such as paid family leave, and tele-commuting post-pandemic. In day-to-day operations, addressing inequity within our prevention practices could include budgeting time, space, and dollars to create accessibility in events, on websites, and in programs; organizations can also create accessible in-person and online meeting environments. Prioritizing accessibility creates an invitation for people with disabilities to be part of and learn about the work of prevention. However, accessibility is a legal baseline and not the same as inclusion.

Building connectedness across difference requires time, trust, genuine understanding, and intentional relationship building with people with disabilities. It is harder for me as a professional primary preventionist of violence to replicate structurally supported inequitable conditions in my work if I am accountable to people with disabilities. My professional inclusion practice is in the elevating of the voices of people with disabilities in the work to end sexual violence. Because the Rape Prevention and Education grant allows consultants to be paid an equitable rate, people with disabilities are paid for their feedback and contibutions to end sexual violence. I have colleagues with disabilities who are willing to help me learn when I am using able bias and ableism in my prevention strategies and leadership practices. Recognizing and acting against bias and discriminately wielding equity is critical to ending sexual violence in Indiana.

The problem of sexual violence is not with individuals, but with how individuals and systems use power-over to maintain the status quo. I am a gatekeeper of sexual violence prevention work in Indiana and I can cause harm through my professional practices. I am a Prevention Specialist who works with leaders and decision makers in our state to address the lack of access to opportunities and resources for people with disabilities who are continually segregated, isolated, and marginalized from essential systems like transportation, employment, and education, and from critical violence prevention strategies and crisis intervention services. By addressing equity in internal organizational practices and in external partnerships, preventionists can work to change the systems that marginalize and devalue people and construct vulnerability. We can’t shorthand anti-oppression work—there is nothing short or easy about it.

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

Indiana Family and Child Services Agencies

What is this Resource? Below is a list of agencies, arranged by county, that are invaluable resources to those looking for financial, emotional, and social support for their families and children. Many resources listed are agencies specifically prepared to support children who have experienced trauma and violence.

How to Find What You Are Looking For: The fastest way to find resources relevant to you is to scroll down to the county  where you live (counties are listed in alphabetical order).  Another way to find resources is to access this list on a computer and hold down “control” and tap the letter “f” (for PC) or hold down “command” and tap the letter “f” (on Mac).  These keys will bring up a search bar and you can type any search term, such as the county or specific services.  Then click “next” in the search bar to scroll through every found matching term.

Adams County

SAFE (Supporting All Families Everyday) in Adams County

  • Mission:  SAFE in Adams County works to prevent child abuse through education and events to educate and support children and families.  
  • Services:   Educational classes for children, parents, and community; activities for families throughout the year. 
  • Location:  125 E. Monroe Street Decatur, Indiana 46733
  • Phone:  260-724-2604  
  • Email:  cthieme39@gmail.com 
  • Website:  http://www.decaturchamber.org/members/SAFE-in-Adams-County/631 

Allen County

SCAN, Inc.

  • Mission:   SCAN protects children, prepares parents, strengthens families, and educates our community to Stop Child Abuse and Neglect 
  • Services:  Home-based therapy, community and family connections development, fatherhood engagement
  • Location:  500 W. Main Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802-1406 (Serves the following counties: Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, & Whitley)
  • Phone:   (260) 421-5000 ;  (800) 752-7116  
  • FAX:  (260) 421-5003 
  • Email:   programs@scaninc.org 
  • Website:  https://www.scanfw.org/

Bartholomew County

Child Abuse Prevention Council of Bartholomew County – Family Service Inc

  • Mission:  To strengthen and enhance the well-being of individuals and families in our community
  • Services:  The Counseling Program, Caring Parents program,  In-Hospital Program, The Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Program   
  • Location: 13th Street, Suite 2540, Columbus, IN, 47201
  • Phone: (812) 372-3745
  • Fax: 812/372-5367 
  • Email:  rjones@familyservicebc.org 
  • Website:  https://www.familyservicebc.org/services.html 

Boone County

Prevent Child Abuse Boone County

Clark County

Prevent Child Abuse Clark/Floyd Counties

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse Clark/Floyd Counties is dedicated to making Clark and Floyd Counties a better and safer place for Indiana’s most precious resources – our children.  
  • Services: It incorporates a broad array of services and supports organized into a coordinated network such as  mental health care and substance use treatment are available and accessible to children and youth. 
  • Location:  3000 Technology Drive New Albany, IN 47150
  • Phone:  502-821-2746 
  • Email:   acarruthers@clarkfloydcommunities.org 
  • Website: http://www.clarkfloydcommunities.org 

Crawford County

Pinwheels Partners (aka Crawford County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Inc.)

  • Service:  Public activities for children and families 
  • Location:  392 English, IN 47118
  • Email: gladysryan@hotmail.com 

Dearborn County

Prevent Child Abuse Dearborn/Ohio Counties 

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse strives to bring child abuse awareness and prevention education to Dearborn and Ohio County residents, promoting healthy families through information, workshops, community events and special promotions. 
  • Services: pinwheels, awareness campaigns, counselling.
  • Location:  860 W Eads Pkwy, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, USA 
  • Email:  suzziromines@gmail.com 
  • Website:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prevent-Child-Abuse-of-Dearborn-and-Ohio-County/181653748526012 

Decatur County

Decatur County 4 Kids Prevent Child Abuse Council, Inc.

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse strives to bring child abuse awareness and prevention education to Dearborn and Ohio County residents, promoting healthy families through information, workshops, community events and special promotions. 
  • Services: pinwheels, awareness campaigns, counselling.
  • Location:  860 W Eads Pkwy, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, USA 
  • Email:  suzziromines@gmail.com 
  • Website:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prevent-Child-Abuse-of-Dearborn-and-Ohio-County/181653748526012 

Delaware County

Prevent Child Abuse Council of Delaware County, Inc.

  • Mission:  We believe that every child deserves to be cherished and nurtured in a safe and healthy environment. 
  • Services: awareness campaigns, counselling.
  • Phone:  765-289-0409 
  • Location:  330 E. Main St. Muncie, IN 47305
  • Email: delawarecountypca@gmail.com
  • Website:  https://pcadelawarecounty.org/ 

Elkhart County

Child and Parent Services, Inc. (CAPS)

  • Mission:  CAPS’ mission is to ensure that every child lives a life free from abuse and neglect  
  • Services: CAPS accomplishes this through education, advocacy, and intervention with families and the community to support safe, stable, nurturing relationships for all children. 
  • Phone: 574-522-1998 
  • Location: 1000 West Hively Avenue Elkhart, IN 46517 
  • Email: jvandeputte@capselkhart.org
  • Website:  http://www.capselkhart.org/

Fayette County 

Every Child Matters Prevent Child Abuse Fayette County

  • Every Child Matters – PCA Fayette County has been a PCAIN Chartered Council since 2018. 
  • Services: pinwheels, awareness campaigns, counselling.
  • Location:  2508 Western Avenue, Ste E Connersville, IN 47331
  • Email:  jmccarrell@childrensbureau.org

Floyd County

Prevent Child Abuse Clark/Floyd Counties

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse Clark/Floyd Counties is dedicated to making Clark and Floyd Counties a better and safer place for Indiana’s most precious resources – our children.  
  • Services: It incorporates a broad array of services and supports organized into a coordinated network such as  mental health care and substance use treatment are available and accessible to children and youth. 
  • Location:  3000 Technology Drive New Albany, IN 47150
  • Phone:  502-821-2746 
  • Email:   acarruthers@clarkfloydcommunities.org 
  • Website: http://www.clarkfloydcommunities.org 

Franklin County

Every Child Matters PCA Franklin County

  • Every Child Matters – PCA Franklin County has been a PCAIN Chartered Council since 2018. 
  • Services: pinwheels, awareness campaigns, counselling.
  • Location:  2508 Western Avenue, Ste E Connersville, IN 47331
  • Email:  jmccarrell@childrensbureau.org

Grant County  

Prevent Child Abuse Grant County

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse, Grant County believes the most effective approach to reducing child abuse and neglect is to maintain a network of volunteers to work on the behalf of child abuse prevention in our community 
  • Services: pinwheels, awareness campaigns, counselling.
  • Phone: 765-251-6335 
  • Email: grantcountypca@gmail.com
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/PCAGrantCounty

Hamilton County

Pinwheel Promises of Hamilton County

  • Mission:   Prevent Child Abuse Indiana serves as a catalyst for preventing child abuse in all its forms and thereby enhancing the quality of life for children and families in Hamilton County, Indiana. 
  • Services:   Advocate for expanded and improved programs and policies to prevent child abuse.,  Increase awareness of the problem and inform communities about solutions. 
  • Location:  15530 Herriman Blvd, Noblesville, IN 46060 
  • Phone:  317-446-2145 
  • Email: jreich@indysb.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/PCAHamiltonCountyPinwheelPromises/

Hancock County

Hancock4Kids — Prevent Child Abuse Hancock County

  • Mission:    Provide positive parenting education and raise awareness of child abuse prevention through activities that teach, strengthen, empower, and assist families and the community so that children may grow up in safe and nurturing homes 
  • Services: Monthly council meetings, attend yearly events in the community to share information on prevention of child abuse, and a yearly community forum to share important educational information and services provided to our children and community.  
  • Location:   801 N. State Street Greenfield IN 46140 
  • Phone:   317-468-8525 
  • Email:  dmburklow@hotmail.com 
  • Website: http://www.pcahancockcounty.wix.com/child

Harrison County

Prevent Child Abuse Harrison County – Blue River Services

  • Mission:    To assist people in realizing maximum personal growth and development in home, work and community by providing a continuum of individualized services and supports in settings least restrictive for the needs of the individual. 
  • Services: Community training, outreach events, family assistance and food drives, as well as an annual spring event to bring more awareness to the community. 
  • Location: 1365 Old Hwy. 135  Corydon, Indiana 4711 
  • Phone:    (812) 364-1142  
  • Email:  brccdir@brsinc.org
  • Website:  https://www.brsinc.org/index.php/blue-river-services-programs/blue-river-services-children-services 

 Hendricks County   

 Prevent Child Abuse Hendricks County

  • Mission:  The mission of Prevent Child Abuse Hendricks County is to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting positive and supportive community for our families. 
  • Services:  Events include pinwheel gardens, a proclamation and kick off with the community, a day of free community training and family fun. PCA Hendricks County provides FREE Darkness to Light trainings through the year to the community in an effort to educate and prevent child sexual abuse. 
  • Location: 1925 Crown Plaza Boulevard Plainfield, Indiana 46168
  • Phone: 317-891-4722 
  • Email:   pca@pcahendricks.org 
  • Website:  www.pcahendricks.org

Howard County

Family Service Association of Howard County, Inc.

  • Mission:   The Family Service Association (FSA) is a non-profit organization that promotes healthy families and empowers vulnerable individuals and families through education, prevention, and crisis intervention programs. 
  • Services:  Parent consulting and healing process information, community and public support activities.
  • Location: 618 S. Main Street Kokomo, IN 46901
  • Phone-765.457.9313 
  • Fax-765.868.4122 
  • Email:    barbhilton@fsahc.org 
  • Website :http://www.fsahc.org/

Huntington County  

SCAN, Inc.

  • Mission:  SCAN protects children, prepares parents, strengthens families and educates our community to Stop Child Abuse and Neglect 
  • Services:   Home-based therapy, community and family connections development, fatherhood engagement 
  • Location:  500 W. Main Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (Serves the following counties: Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, & Whitley)
  • Phone: 260-421-5000 ext 2223
  • Email: dszyndrowski@scaninc.org 
  • Website: www.scanfw.org

Jackson County

Caring 4 Kids Jackson County

  • Mission:  Caring 4 Kids of Jackson County is a group dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. 
  • Services: The council works to educate the community about car seat safety as well as child abuse prevention in general. 
  • Phone: 812-524-2585 
  • Email: ccn1@cabjackson.org 
  • Website:  https://www.facebook.com/Caring4KidsJC/ 

Jay County

Prevent Child Abuse of Jay County 

  • Mission:  The Mission of the Jay County Prevent Child Abuse Council is to be the voice in Jay County for preventing child abuse in all its forms 
  • Location:  John Jay Center for Learning, 101 S Meridian St, Portland, IN 
  • Phone:  260-307-1563 
  • Email: emily.leas@meridianhs.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/PCAofJayCounty/

Jennings County

Jennings County Pinwheel Alliance

  • Mission:   Continually work within a statewide organization and network that enables all sectors of the community to play a significant role in preventing child abuse and neglect. 
  • Services:  Jennings County Pinwheel Alliance shares information and child abuse/neglect prevention educational materials within our community through participation in community health fairs and public events. 
  • Location:   216 North state Street in North Vernon. 
  • Phone:  812-352-0029 
  • Email: Darragh.wilson@centerstone.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/jenningcountychildabuseprevention/

Johnson County  

Prevent Child Abuse Johnson County

  • Mission:   Continually work within a statewide organization and network that enables all sectors of the community to play a significant role in preventing child abuse and neglect. 
  • Location:   520 Tracy Road, Suite 160 New Whiteland, IN 46184
  • Phone:   317-850-5355 
  • Email: rsteele@childrensbureau.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/JohnsonCountyPreventChildAbuseIndiana

Knox County

Prevent Child Abuse Knox County

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse Knox County is a not-for profit group aiming to bring education and prevention efforts to Knox County.  Dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and committed to making Knox County a better, safer place for our most precious resources – our children. 
  • Location:   545 Willow Street  Vincennes, IN 47591 
  • Phone:    812-881-5762 
  • Email: knoxcountypca@gmail.com
  • Website: http://www.knoxcountypca.wix.com/online-pcaknoxcounty

LaGrange County  

SCAN, Inc.

  • Mission:   SCAN protects children, prepares parents, strengthens families and educates our community to Stop Child Abuse and Neglect 
  • Services:  Home-based therapy, community and family connections development, fatherhood engagement
  • Location:  500 W. Main Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802-1406 (Serves the following counties: Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, & Whitley)
  • Phone:   (260) 421-5000  ext 2223 
  • FAX:  (260) 421-5003 
  • Email:   dszyndrowski@scaninc.org
  • Website:  https://www.scanfw.org/

Lake County

Prevent Child Abuse Lake County

  • Mission:  Our mission is to prevent child neglect and abuse through education, increased awareness, and advocacy. 
  • Services: Prevent Child Abuse Lake County (PCALC), a chartered council of Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, is an all-volunteer board dedicated to educating our community about what we can do at a local level to prevent child abuse. The board works with other non-profit groups and agencies to further this cause through networking and information sharing. 
  • Location:  5201 Fountain Drive, Suite I, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 
  • Email: joyhemi@yahoo.com
  • Website: www.pcalc.org

Madison County

Prevent Child Abuse Madison County

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse Madison County is a council of concerned citizens and nonprofits helping to educate the community on primary prevention education  
  • Location:  5201 Fountain Drive, Suite I Crown Point, Indiana 46307 
  • Phone: 765-643-8022 x22 
  • Email: hburke@childrensbureau.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/Madison-County-Prevent-Child-Abuse-842163355909305

Marion County

STARS for Children of Marion County

  • Mission:  Stars for children of Marion county is the local council that supports families in taking action, addressing issues, recognizing challenges and strengthening the community.
  • Location:   5435 N Emerson Way Indianapolis, In 46225
  • Phone:  317-870-3267 ext 605 
  • Email: hwholman@childrensbureau.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/PCAINMarionCounty

Miami County

Prevent Child Abuse Miami County 

  • Mission:  Children are 100% our future. Our goal is to prevent child abuse before it happens by providing resources to the community. 
  • Location:    E Main St & N Huntington St, Peru, IN 46970 
  • Phone:   765-776-1699 
  • Email: denise.brehmer@indwes.edu
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/MiamiCountyCAP

Montgomery County

Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau

  • Mission: The Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau empowers children/youth to become responsible citizens through delinquency prevention, community education, youth advocacy, direct services and information and referral.
  • Services: Child abuse prevention services, court appointed special advocates.
  • Location: 808 W Pike St Crawfordsville, IN  47933 
  • Phone:  765-362-0694 
  • Email: admin@mcysb.org
  • Website: http://www.mcysb.org/ 

Noble County

SCAN, Inc.

  • Mission:   SCAN protects children, prepares parents, strengthens families and educates our community to Stop Child Abuse and Neglect 
  • Services:  Home-based therapy, community and family connections development, fatherhood engagement
  • Location:  500 W. Main Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802-1406 (Serves the following counties: Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, & Whitley)
  • Phone:   (260) 421-5000 ;  (800) 752-7116  
  • FAX:  (260) 421-5003 
  • Email:   programs@scaninc.org 
  • Website:  https://www.scanfw.org/

Ohio County

Prevent Child Abuse Dearborn/Ohio Counties

  • Mission:  Prevent Child Abuse strives to bring child abuse awareness and prevention education to Dearborn and Ohio County residents, promoting healthy families through information, workshops, community events and special promotions. 
  • Services: Pinwheels, awareness campaigns, counselling.
  • Location:  860 W Eads Pkwy, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, USA 
  • Email:  suzziromines@gmail.com 
  • Website:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prevent-Child-Abuse-of-Dearborn-and-Ohio-County/181653748526012 

Parke County

Prevent Child Abuse – Parke-Vermillion

  • Mission: Prevent Child Abuse Indiana is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and is committed to making Indiana a better, safer place for Indiana’s most precious resources – our children. 
  • Services: Advocate for expanded and improved programs and policies to prevent child abuse, Foster a statewide network committed to child abuse prevention.
  • Location: 4600 South Springhill Junction, Terre Haute, IN 47802
  • Phone: 317-500-1169
  • Email: wcorrell@childrensbureau.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/pcaparkevermillion/

Porter County

Dunebrook, Inc. (Covers LaPorte & Porter Counties)

  • Mission: Dunebrook’s mission is to help parents build healthier, happier families
  • Services: Healthy families program, Child Advocacy center, Westville Little school facilities.
  • Location: 7451 West Johnson Road Michigan City, IN 46360
  • Phone: 219-874-0007
  • Email: jcannon@dunebrook.org
  • Website: http://dunebrook.org/

Posey County

Prevent Child Abuse Posey County

  • Mission: Prevent Child Abuse Posey County is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and is committed to making Indiana a better, safer place for Indiana’s most precious resources – our children.
  • Services: Advocate for expanded and improved programs and policies to prevent child abuse, Foster a statewide network committed to child abuse prevention.
  • Location: Mt Vernon, IN 47620
  • Phone: 812-838-3193
  • Email: poseypca@gmail.com
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/Prevent-Child-Abuse-Posey-County-416957475166122/

Starke County

Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, Inc. (PCA Starke County)

  • Mission: The Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) recognizes that the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault affect all socioeconomic levels of society. CADA will work toward the goal of the elimination of domestic violence and sexual assault through education and awareness, through referrals of resources to victims, through work toward a combined community response to aid victims, and through support of emergency shelters and transitional housing for victims, and through holding abusers accountable for their actions.
  • Services: CADA provides information and services to Starke County residents, shelter and services to victims of domestic abuse, rape, and sexual assault in Starke, Porter, and Lake counties. An advocate works in Starke County to assist the victims. CADA seeks to promote awareness and education about domestic and family abuse to victims of abuse and to the public as well.
  • Phone: 574-772-3331
  • Email: cada@embarqmail.com
  • Website:  http://www.starkecountycada.org/index.php/prevent-child-abuse/

Steuben County

SCAN, Inc.

  • Mission:   SCAN protects children, prepares parents, strengthens families and educates our community to Stop Child Abuse and Neglect 
  • Services:  Home-based therapy, community and family connections development, fatherhood engagement
  • Location:  500 W. Main Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802-1406 (Serves the following counties: Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, & Whitley)
  • Phone:   (260) 421-5000 ;  (800) 752-7116  
  • FAX:  (260) 421-5003 
  • Email:   programs@scaninc.org 
  • Website:  https://www.scanfw.org/

Tippecanoe County

Tippecanoe Child Abuse Prevention Council (T-CAP)

  • Mission: The mission of Tippecanoe Child Abuse Prevention Council is to positively impact the prevention of child abuse through education and awareness, while enhancing the quality of life for families in Tippecanoe County.  We strive to educate the community as well as provide fun activities to promote healthy family relationships.  In addition to April’s events, we also host events in the summer and fall
  • Services: Advocate services, Education services, Building coalitions
  • Phone: 765-423-7028
  • Email:   tippchildabuseprevention@hotmail.com
  • Website:  www.tippecanoechildabuse.org

Vanderburgh County

Prevent Child Abuse of Vanderburgh County

  • Mission: To be the voice in Vanderburgh County for preventing child abuse in all of its forms.
  • Services: Resources and advocacy services about all forms of child abuse in our community.
  • Phone:  812-483-8474
  • Email:  jldillingh@usi.edu

Vigo County

Vigo County HOPE (Hands for Outreach, Prevention & Education)

  • Mission: to provide outreach and education to aid in the prevention of child abuse and neglect throughout all of Vigo County.
  • Services: Outreach, prevention and educational services.
  • Location: 4600 South Springhill Jct Terre Haute, IN 47802
  • Phone:  812-500-1169
  • Email:  wcorrell@childrensbureau.org
  • Website:  https://vigocountyhope.wixsite.com/home

Wayne County

Wayne County Kids First (Prevent Child Abuse Wayne County)

  • Mission: Through forensic interviews, advocacy, and education, JACY House will create an environment for children and families that is child-centered and trauma-informed, so that healing can begin.
  • Services: Forensic interviews, advocacy, and education, caregiver support group
  • Location: 2508 Western Avenue, Ste E Connersville, IN 47331
  • Phone: 765-827-2045
  • Email:  jmccarrell@childrensbureau.org
  • Website:  www.jacyhouse.org

Wells  and Whitley County

SCAN, Inc.

  • Mission:   SCAN protects children, prepares parents, strengthens families and educates our community to Stop Child Abuse and Neglect 
  • Services:  Home-based therapy, community and family connections development, fatherhood engagement
  • Location:  500 W. Main Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802-1406 (Serves the following counties: Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, & Whitley)
  • Phone:   (260) 421-5000 ;  (800) 752-7116  
  • FAX:  (260) 421-5003 
  • Email:   dszyndrowski@scaninc.org
  • Website:  https://www.scanfw.org/

Credit

Resources compiled & post written by Reshma Rawlani, Graduate Student Worker at Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault. Post edited by Skye Ashton Kantola, Assistant Director at Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault (MESA).

Indiana Culturally Affirming Healthy Sexuality Education & Resources for People with Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities

This page will provide contact and program information for organizations in Indiana that provide healthy sexuality education supported by organizational policies:

AccessAbility

  • Type: disability services
  • Mission:   The result is that our communities are enriched through the full participation of ALL PEOPLE. Building advocates and inclusive communities.
  • Services: Provide individual consumers, governmental agencies, corporations and other non-profits with the tools necessary to ensure the acceptance, respect and inclusion of everyone. 
  • Location:  9105 East 56th Street Suite 308 Indianapolis, IN 46216
  • Phone:   (317) 926-1660
  • Fax:   (317) 926-1687
  • Email: info@abilityindiana.org
  • Website:  http://www.abilityindiana.org/

The Arc of Indiana

  • Type: disability services; Policy advocacy and direct services
  • Mission:   The Arc of Indiana is committed to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realizing their goals of living, learning, working and fully participating in the community.
  • Services: pooled special needs trust, advocacy network, support in applying for medicaid, medicaid waviers, SSI, SSDI, vocational rehab, career counseling, community living options, lifecourse framework, supported decision making, education for consumers and providers, health insurance education, audio and visual resources
  • Locations:  https://www.arcind.org/about-the-arc/local-chapters/ 
  • Phone: 800-382-9100
  • Fax: 317-977-2385
  • Email:   https://www.arcind.org/contact-us/ 
  • Website:  https://www.arcind.org/ 

Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC)

  • Type: disability services; advocacy, education, community services, research
  • Mission:   to work with communities to welcome, value, and support the meaningful participation of people of all ages and abilities through research, education, and service. 
  • Services: Interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education; Research, including basic or applied research, evaluation, and public policy analysis; Information dissemination; and Community services, including training, technical assistance, and model demonstration.
  • Location: 1905 North Range Road, Bloomington, IN 47408-9801 (https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/contact-us-map )
  • Phone:  812-855-6508
  • Fax:  812-855-9630 
  • Email:  iidc@indiana.edu
  • Website:   https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/ 

Self-Advocates of Indiana (SAI)

  • Type: disability services; Personal Advocacy
  • Mission:   Self-advocacy is important because it is a way for people to know that all people, including people with disabilities, have rights. We help people understand that we want to be treated with respect. It is a way for our voices to be heard.
  • Services: education, state and local advocacy, resource consolidation
  • Location: 143 W. Market Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN  46204
  • Phone:  317-977-2375 
  • Fax:  317-977-2385 
  • Email:  https://www.saind.org/contact-us/ 
  • Website:  https://www.saind.org/ 

The Village of Merici

  • Type: disability services; direct services
  • Mission:  The Village of Merici, Inc  provides residential and community opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities that promote a strong sense of community. By creating a sense of community we will create a sense of belonging.
  • Services: provides residential supported living and community integration services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The Village of Merici is an approved provider through the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities (BDDS) Waiver programs and is accredited through CARF International.
  • Location:  5707 Lawton Loop East Drive, Indianapolis  IN 46216
  • Phone: 317-292-9408
  • Email:   colleenrenie@villageofmerici.org 
  • Website: http://villageofmerici.org/

Credit

Post written by Skye Ashton Kantola, Assistant Director, Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault, kantola@purdue.edu and  Cierra Olivia Thomas-Williams, Prevention Specialist, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), cwilliams@icadvinc.org.

Live with Christine Dahlberg and Jody Powers from Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities

Live with a Christine Dahlberg and Jody Powers from Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. (This interview was conducted in early March 2020.)

Credit

 Post by Cierra Olivia Thomas Williams, Prevention Specialist at Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence