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Information and Resources for Victims/Survivors with Disabilities

At the Network, we are committed to ensuring that victims and survivors with disabilities have equitable access to support, services, and information.
People with disabilities or who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing are 3-5 times more likely to experience violence victimization.
Reasons why people with disabilities experience violence at higher rates include:

  • Isolation
  • Disregard for People with Disabilities’ Credibility
  • Targeted with Impunity
  • A Hidden Problem

For more information, go to End Abuse of People with Disabilities, a project of Activating Change.

Liaison Services are Available for
Sexual Assault Victims/Survivors With Disabilities in South Dakota

Types of Services:

  • Case management
  • Civil legal advocacy (protection orders, accompanying to court hearings)
  • Civil legal assistance (provided by attorney or paralegal)
  • Criminal justice advocacy/ court accompanying
  • Crisis intervention
  • Employment assistance Uob training, coaching, supported or sheltered employment)
  • Forensic exam assistance (provided by nurse or forensic examiner)
  • Hospital/clinic accompanying
  • Language services (interpreters and translators)
  • Long term Care (assist with connecting to services for daily needs)
  • Peer Support connections
  • Personal Planning (assist victim/ survivor with goal-setting and develop plans to accomplish)
  • Respite (connect to short term care to victim/survivor to relieve primary caregiver[s])
  • Transportation acquisition (assist victim/survivor with securing means of transportation)
  • Victim/ Survivor advocacy (actions designed to assist victim/survivor in obtaining support, resources or services, including housing, employment shelter services, health care, victim’s compensation, etc.)

For more information, check out South Dakota Agencies for People with Disabilities.

The resources below provide guidance and practical tools to help address accessibility needs, improve communication, and reduce barriers to services. These materials include information on hiring interpreters, accessing liaison services, understanding the role of service animals, and best practices for working with Deaf survivors. Together, these resources are intended to support survivors, advocates, and service providers in creating safe, accessible, and inclusive responses.