#66 - Sexual Assault Epidemic in the Special Needs Population

Individuals with disabilities are 7x more likely to be the victim of sexual assault. After learning of her sister’s abuse our guest, Julie Newart, began an advocacy organization called Natalie’s Voice. Mission Natalie’s Voice is a family-driven sexual assault prevention advocacy organization aiming to: Raise awareness that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are highly vulnerable to sexual assault. Empower caregivers with effective planning tools. Build a community around response so that perpetrators are brought to justice. Vision Each and every non-verbal person with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have their voice be heard, by way of loving care providers, through effective planning, adaptive technology, and a cohesive agency response system, in the face of the sexual assault epidemic. RELATED EPISODES: #36 - Trauma Indicators for Individuals with Special Needs - Dr. Hoover #40 - Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms - Dr. Dusty Columbia Embury  #44 - Sexual Assult Risk Reduction - Nora Baladerian, Ph.D