Whom We Serve
Students with Disabilities
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), people with disabilities are victimized by crime at higher rates than the rest of the population. There is a wide range of limitations categorized as “disability” such as sensory (vision, hearing), cognitive, self-care, ambulatory and mobility limitations. Factors that place people with disabilities at higher risk of violence include stigma, discrimination, and ignorance about disability, as well as a lack of social support for those who care for them.
There are many reasons why a person with disabilities would not report a crime of interpersonal violence. The disabled person might depend on the perpetrator for care, may be frightened to tell someone their caretaker is abusing them, or feel that no one would believe their story. Other reasons include a lack of understanding of what is happening to them or that abuse is against the law.
Sign language interpreters are available free of charge through MSUB’s Disability
Support Services. Information shared with the interpreter is confidential.
The MSUB Phoenix Center recognizes the different challenges that students with disabilities may experience. We strive to offer confidential, free, inclusive care, advocacy and support during your time of healing.
Additional resources:
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can access help via videophone at 1-855-812-1001.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN)
- National Disability Rights Network
