#44 - Sexual Assault Risk Reduction
As parents, we need to be aware there is a heightened risk of sexual abuse for our loved ones with disabilities.
In this episode, we speak with Nora Baladerian, Ph. D., one of only a handful of therapists in the country specializing in sexual education and therapy for individuals with differing abilities.
Dr. Baladerian educates us on who the perpetrators are and why they target those with special needs. She teaches us 10 things to do when abuse is suspected, as well as tools to utilize before, during, and after sexual assault.
Mentioned in This Episode
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Nora Baladerian, Ph. D., is the director of the Disability and Abuse Project and the recipient of many distinguished awards. She conducts seminars and training across the country and is often consulted by attorneys litigating cases of assault on a victim with disabilities.
There are only a handful of therapists specializing in trauma therapy for sexual assault victims with special needs.
Dr. Baladerian participated in the NPR series by Joseph Shapiro which was a 10 part investigative series focusing on the prevalence of sexual assault on those with disabilities. We highly recommend listening to the series.
Dr. Baladerian tells us why perpetrators target those with disabilities and who the perpetrators typically are.
For parents and caregivers, she has developed 10 tips to responding to suspected abuse. The tips are in English and Spanish
Dr. Beladerian has an in depth Risk Reduction system focusing on what to do before, during, and after abuse. It is for both the individual with differing abilities and the caregiver. We discuss the before, during, and after. A comprehensive and in depth book with plans, guides, and information on the topic is available at the Disability & Abuse Project website or on Dr. Baladerian's website. Also available on the website are other books and manuals on the topic including information for physicians, interviewing skills, etc.
Each child should have an IRP (Individual Response Plan).