$500,000 for Austin’s SafePlace to Address Obstacles Women with Disabilities have in Accessing Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
September 28, 2011
Washington— Today, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a senior member of the Ways and Means and Budget Committees, announced that the Travis County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survival Center (SafePlace) will receive $500,000 to collaborate with Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) to address obstacles that women with disabilities have in accessing domestic violence and sexual assault services. Understanding these obstacles is they key to developing services for individuals with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault.
"Just a few days before the start of Domestic Violence Awareness month, this is great news for a local organization working to provide safety, healing, prevention, and change for women and families who have been victimized by abuse," said Rep. Doggett. "These federal funds will allow SafePlace to continue their important work and make changes so that it can effectively reach even more individuals who may face unique challenges in seeking help."
"We know that there are high incidences of violence against women with disabilities and these funds will allow us to reach out further to women with disabilities in our community," said Wendie Abramson, SafePlace Director of Disability and Deaf Services.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office">
These federal dollars were funded through the Disability Grant Program created by the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 to enhance services to individuals with disabilities who may have been a victim of domestic violence or other forms of assault. Originally founded in 2006, SafePlace will build upon and enhance past efforts by increasing the awareness of the Deaf community and people with disabilities about domestic violence and sexual assault services that are available to them, enhancing the knowledge of all SafePlace and DRT staff about the intersection of domestic violence, sexual assault disability issues, and increasing access to safe, welcoming, and appropriate services. These goals will be achieved by developing an online cross-training for new employee orientation and continued education for existing staff; modifying policies and practices to increase access to services for women with disabilities; and engaging in outreach efforts targeting people with disabilities and the Deaf community to ultimately enhance services and response to victims.
SafePlace is ending sexual and domestic violence through safety, healing, prevention and social change. With more than 35-years experience working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in Austin/Travis County, SafePlace is an internationally recognized leader for its innovative and valuable programs.Learn more at https://www.safeplace.org. If you need help, call their 24 Hour Hotline: (512) 267-SAFE or 927-9616 TTY.
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