Barrier Free Living’s Experience
Servicing victims of domestic violence since 1986Comprehensive city-wide non-residential domestic violence program since 1997Operating a transitional shelter for homeless people with disabilities since 1990Funded to Create the first totally accessible Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter in the U.S. in 2002
The Domestic Violence Risk for People with Disabilities
Up to 85% of women with disabilities are victims of domestic abuse (Colorado Department of Health)
Approximately 223,000 in NYCChildren with Disabilities are at 4-10 times the risk of abuse (National Resource Center for Crisis Nurseries and Respite Care Centers, 1994 Report)
1993 Study documented twice the rate of abuse among disabled children (National Resource Center on Child Abuse and Neglect)
Domestic Violence Leads to Disability
The Incidence of disabilities caused by maltreatment is 147 per 1,000 maltreated childrenMaltreatment related injuries contributed or led to disabilities for 62% of sexually abused children; 48% of emotionally abused children and 55% of children experiencing neglect (National Resource Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, August, 1995 Report)
COLLUSION BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS AND CARE GIVERS
PHYSICAL SOCIAL
ISOLATION
THREATS OF
LOSING CHILDREN
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
CONTROL OF MONEY
CONTROL OF
WHEELCHAIR MEDICATIONS
THREATS OF
PHYSICAL ABUSE
POWER AND
CONTROL
SEXUAL ABUSE PHYSICAL
ABUSE
Duluth Power and Control Wheel adapted by Barrier Free Living Inc. New York, NY (212) 533-4358
Power and Control Wheel For People with Disabilities
Inaccessible
Housing
High levels of dependence fit into the cycle of Power and Control
Withholding of SSI ChecksRestricting access to transportationWithholding wheelchairs and medicationsRefusal to assist with personal needsRestricting access to friends
Americans with Disabilities Act
Title II for State and Local GovernmentsTitle III for Public Accommodations
Other Legal Protections
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Architectural Barriers Act of 1968
LACK OF SERVICES
Social Service System NOVA survey of 150 victims agency; 6
interested in disability access Lack of access in shelters for victims who
are mobility impaired Lack of services for victims who are hearing
impaired
Disability system Denial of Problem Ignorance about problem
People with Disabilities stay in Dangerous conditions significantly longer
11.3 years vs. 7.1 years in situations of physical abuse8.3 years vs. 4.1 years in situations of sexual abuse (Baylor University Study)
Need for Shelter
Over 80% of calls are requesting shelterUpwards of 70% of women in our singles residence are there due to DV
Financial Barriers to Shelter
Making facilities larger to accommodate mobility impaired individuals is more expensive.Adding other features for access adds to the expense.Building for durability is another important factor
An accessible shelter is more than meeting the requirements for physical access
Accessible NeighborhoodAccessible BuildingProgram that meets the needs of people with disabilities
Accessible Entrance on Accessible Route
Where is the nearest accessible public Transportation?Is paratransit available? Reliable?Are there accessible Stores and services in the neighborhood?
Accessible Public/Common Use Areas
Access for Residents with Mobility ImpairmentHallwaysElevatorsStairwaysMeeting Rooms and Offices
Access for Residents with Sensory Impairment
Signs with Braille and Raised Letters
Fire Alarms with Strobe Lights
High Contrast Design for people with low vision
Access in Apartments
Accessible Light Switches, Electrical OutletsAccessible Environmental ControlsReinforced Walls in BathroomBars by toilet, tub, shower or shower seatUsable Kitchens and Bathrooms
Need for a Multifaceted Approach
Intervention for the Individual Victim/SurvivorSystems InterventionPrevention
Role of the Social Worker as Case Manager
Initial IntakeConcrete benefits related advocacySection 8 ApplicationHelp decipher the mail
Safety Planning Considerations
Contact with family and FriendsContact with medical providersContact with schools
Initial Evaluation
Occupational Therapy Assessment Allen Cognitive Levels KELS Abused Women’s Self Efficacy Scale Beck Depression Inventory
Need for Mental Health Intervention
“ Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” History of subjugation Alteration of Affect Regulation Alteration of Consciousness Alteration of Self Perception Alteration in Perception of Perpetrator Alteration in relation to others Alterations in systems of meaning
Role of the Social Worker as Therapist
Establishing Trust Social Worker as Caregiver
Psychoeducation Social Worker as Teacher
Psychotherapy Social Worker as Midwife
The Need for a Habilitation Model
Money ManagementTime ManagementTravel TrainingShopping and Cooking Skills; Nutrition EducationHealth Care Management; Home Care ManagementAdvocacy with support systemsStress Management
Positive Parenting Intervention
Orientation to Childhood DevelopmentPositive Discipline TechniquesNegotiating SkillsBuilding Strong Parent-Child RelationshipsEstablishing BoundariesManaging Daily FrustrationsIncreasing a child’s self esteemCreating/Maintaining Family Traditions
Strengths of Collaboration
Different disciplines approach issues with different questionsImportant information comes from nontraditional sourcesNo one worker gets the full story
BFL’s Philosophy
When people build the skills and the mind set to become independent, they are less likely to accept abuse“Supportive Agnosticism”The only way in which an individual can achieve success is if they have the opportunity to take risks.
BARRIER FREE LIVING
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMVoice Hotline (212) 533-4358TDD Hotline (212) 533-4632Main Office (212) 677-6668
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