Untold Stories about Sexual Violence

About

Untold Stories is a research project about sexual violence against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) 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 IDD. The project was approved by the University of Arizona’s Human Subject Protection Program.

The objectives of this project are 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.