1. Self Advocate By-Stander Intervention Training
Helping Survivors of Sexual Violence
THE ISSUE METHODS RESULTSGOALS
REFERENCES
Jae Jin Pak – University of Illinois at Chicago
Sexual violence happens in the disabled
community, both victims and perpetrators.
This project was created with the goal to
inform people with disabilities about sexual
violence and provide strategies on how to
intervene as a by-stander when and if they
observe sexually inappropriate behavior.
• For adults with developmental disabilities;
83% of females and 32% of males are
victims of sexual violence
• Women with disabilities and deaf women
are at similar or increased risk of abuse
compared to non-disabled women
• Women with disabilities experience
increased severity of violence, multiple
forms of violence and experience the
violence for longer periods of time1
This project had 3 phases.
Phase 1: Outreach and marketing to recruit
participants. Outreach was done via e-mail
lists, social media sites, IE: Facebook, twitter,
and personal networks. A training flyer was
created and distributed.
ASL sign language interpreters were
arranged through Chicago Hearing Society.
Phase 2: Training conducted in partnership
with presenters from Rape Victim Advocates.
Megan Blomquist; Director of Education &
Training and Steve Adler: Prevention
educator.
The Training lasted 4 hours with breaks.
Lunch was provided for the participants.
Phase 3: Evaluation: Participants were
asked to complete an evaluation form to give
feedback on training content, flow and
presenter's. This information will be useful
for conducting similar trainings in the future.
I
Illinois Imagines Project Toolkit; May 2010
• Out of 8 participants, 6 evaluations were
collected.
• Evaluations had 8 questions, 2 multiple choice
and 6 short answer
• 100% responded “yes” to “Did you feel this
topic is important for people with disabilities
to learn about?”
• 100% responded “yes” to “was this training
informative and added to your
professional/personal development?”
• Eval quotes:
• Q: …learned from this session
• “how to stand up for myself in
sexual situations..”
• “rape culture”
• Q: what was most informative…
• “…prevention techniques…”
• Q: What professional or self advocacy
groups…suggest this training for?”
• Chicago Hearing Society
• High Schools & colleges
• Anixter Center
• Thresholds
• CACC
• Seguin Services
CHALLENGES
PROJECT
SUMMARY
In partnership with IL Imagines Chicago Team,
Rape Crisis Centers, Disability Service
Providers and Self-Advocates, a by-stander
intervention training will be developed and
conducted in March 2014.
The purpose of the workshop is to provide an
informational session about sexual violence
and provide self-advocates strategies to
recognize and positively and safely intervene
when and if they witness sexist situations.
Topics covered will include:
• Sexual violence definitions
• Rape and disability myths
• Rape culture
• By-stander intervention strategies
PARTICIPANTS
8 participants in the training.
1 male and 7 female
6 individuals were people with disabilities and 2
were allies and/or service providers
Funding was the largest challenge. Funding for
accommodations and refreshments came from
personal funds.
Upon completion of training, participants will;
 Have a understanding of sexual violence
definitions
 Have ability to distinguish myth from fact
surrounding sexual violence
 Have understanding of rape culture and how
connection other forms of oppression
 Be able to respond to disclosures of sexual
violence in supportive and appropriate ways.
 Be able to intervene in safe and appropriate
ways when observing sexist behavior.