Untold Stories About Sexual Violence
Sexual Violence Told Through Lived Experiences of Survivors, Families, and Professionals
The impact of sexual violence on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The report is for an adult audience. The content of this report includes honest, vivid, and painful stories from survivors, families, and professionals with extensive experience working in the disability field. The report includes graphic descriptions of sexual violence against persons with disabilities. The information may trigger difficult emotions and memories. If you are unsure how you may react to graphic descriptions or have any concerns, please do not read this report.
About the Project
Untold Stories is a research project about sexual violence against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism. It shares the lived experiences of survivors, families, and the professionals who support them in the community. The project was funded by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council and is part of Arizona’s effort to respond to sexual violence against children and adults with I/DD. The project was approved by the University of Arizona’s Human Subject Protection Program.
The objectives of this project were to:
- Increase public awareness of the “Hidden Epidemic of Sexual Assault” (NPR, 2018).
- Interview and report on the “lived experiences” of survivors, families, and professionals.
- Identify next steps for risk reduction and system collaboration.
This research project included 1) trauma informed trainings by national expert, Dr. Karyn Harvey, 2) My Life My Choices: A Journey of Self-Discovery community forums for teens and young adults, 3) community survey on sexual violence awareness, and 4) interviews on lived experiences about sexual violence.
Contact
For more information about this project, contact Dr. Lynne Tomasa at ltomasa@arizona.edu.
You may also leave a message at the Sonoran Center at 520-626-0442.
This project was made possible through funding provided by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Contract No. RFGA #ADDPC-FFY19-SARSH-02. The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,500,930 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. Council efforts are those of the grantee and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by any speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the ADDPC or the Administration for Community Living, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.