Access to Justice for Crime Survivors With Disabilities

People with disabilities are disproportionately victims of crime. The statistics are shocking. People with developmental disabilities are over four times more likely to be victims of violent crime. Individuals with cognitive disabilities are seven times more likely to be victims of violent crime. Victims with disabilities face steep obstacles to access to justice in the criminal system. Many obstacles prevent victims from reporting the crime in the first place. Crimes against people with disabilities are greatly under investigated and under prosecuted. Professionals who work with people with I/DD, including case managers, can play vital roles in ensuring that abuse and crimes against people with disabilities are reported and that individuals are connected to appropriate, trauma informed legal and social services.

Presented by

Beth Brownhill

Managing Attorney

Disability Rights Oregon

Beth Brownhill is a Managing Attorney at Disability Rights Oregon. Beth leads teams that promote empowerment and justice for people with disabilities who are survivors of abuse and crime. The Crime Survivor Project and Developmental Disability Rights Project advocates and attorneys help to ensure individuals receive the information and support, advocacy, and legal services to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability.

Clare Pledl

Advocate

Disability Rights Oregon

Clare is an advocate with Disability Rights Oregon's Crime Survivor Project. Clare has a J.D. and Masters in Restorative Justice from Vermont Law School. She is passionate about disability justice.