Disabilities

Thank you for your email. I am so sorry that you are going through all of this - it is understandable that you are scared and confused, especially since you cannot leave the house. I cannot imagine how frustrating and painful this has been for you.

You asked many good and important questions about the abuse you are experiencing. I hope this information can get you started in the right direction - including contacts for resources that may be able to support and guide you further.

Services for Adult Abuse Victims. You may want to start by contacting Adult Protective Services (APS). APS works to protect the health and safety of elders and adults with disabilities who are in danger of being mistreated or neglected, are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm, and have no one to assist them. In most states, APS workers are the first to respond to any reports of neglect or abuse of vulnerable adults. In many cases, Adult Protective Services may be able to arrange for someone besides the abuser to provide care. You can read more about APS here: [GOOGLE ‘ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES’ IN HER STATE]. You can contact them via telephone at: [CHECK APS WEBSITE]. You can call them and ask generic questions about your situation, without giving identifying information. This might give you a better understanding of your options.

[THIS PARAGRAPH IS NEW YORK-SPECIFIC] Also, there is an organization called Barrier Free Living, Inc., that offers services for the physically disabled, including assistance with crime victim compensation, domestic violence counseling, case management, advocacy, and assistance in obtaining Orders of Protection. I am not sure where in New York you are located. Barrier Free Living, Inc., is based in New York City, but they may be able to help you over the phone or provide a referral to a similar program in your area (if you live outside of NYC). You can contact them at: (212) 677-6668.

In addition to these referrals, you may want to create a personal safety plan. We have some tips to get you started at www.womenslaw.org/safety.htm, but an advocate at your local domestic violence organization can help you design a more personal plan based upon the specific facts of your situation.

Domestic Violence Organizations. You should know that domestic violence organizations might be able to help, too. They often offer victims of abuse much more than just shelter. Your local program might be able to help you figure out how to get out of your abusive house, and what legal options you have. They may be able to offer you counseling, individual safety planning sessions, information on resources specific to your community, and help navigating the legal and social services systems. To find a domestic violence organization in your area, go here:[INSERT STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS PAGE]. If you’re located far away from the nearest organization and have access to a safe phone (one that your abuser is not monitoring), they may be able to provide you with some information over the phone that’s helpful to you or even arrange some way for you come in person.

Restraining Orders. One thing that you may want to consider including as a part of your safety action plan is a restraining order. In your state, they are called [INSERT STATE NAME FOR RESTRAINING ORDER]. Your local domestic violence organization may be able to help you with applying for one if you choose, including transportation options, should you need to leave the house. Additionally, state courts are generally required to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities so that they can access court services. In some cases, a protective order can help because police are likely to take the victim’s calls more seriously if the victim has one. With a protective order, an abuser may be arrested and charged with a crime if s/he violates the order. For more information on [INSERT STATE NAME FOR RESTRAINING ORDER], and how to get one, go here: [INSERT RESTRAINING ORDER PAGE].

Legal Help. Understanding your legal options - especially when it involves domestic violence and disability - can be quite complicated. You may find it helpful to speak with a lawyer, if you have not done so already. If you can afford a lawyer, a lawyer referral service can help you find a lawyer in your area who has experience with this type of law. If you can’t afford one, you may be able to get help from a legal services organization, who provides free or low-cost legal help in some cases. If they can’t help you, they might be able to refer you to someone who can take your case on a sliding scale fee or for free. Some legal aid organizations that can give referrals don’t advertise that they do - be sure to specifically ask for a referral if you need one. You’ll find contact information for legal aid lawyers and a lawyer referral number for your state here: [INSERT STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS PAGE].