The Academy of Forensic Nursing is actively participating with the Disability Without Abuse organization. I will post resources and education that the organization provides.
What I have learned from this dynamic interprofessional advisory group is that we, as healthcare professionals, have significant deficits related to the care of persons with disabilities (the very wide range of conditions). Also, there are significant regulations and laws governing what we (hospitals, clinics, etc.)
If any of you are interested in working on research to practice project, I am doing with DWA, please email me off- line to learn more. It is an exciting opportunity to gain experience first-hand from experts about disability law, gain insight into abuses for the population and to be involved in advancing viable interventions for our specialty that are based in evidence based practice- reach out! I am learning tons and sharing healthcare experiences with those that don't understand our industry. The information exchange is about informing all of us on how we can improve care, management and expectations of the consumers.
This is one link. I will aim to provide an update periodically.
Thimsen- Treasurer
Kthimsen@afnmail.org
Val, you are so spot on... as I listened to the testimony of several parents of disabled adult children, I was shocked to learn about the injustice and inhumane ways that forensic nurses had treated the victims. Some had been children and some were adults. The countless stories just screamed that we as the Academy of Forensic Nurses need to lead the way in creating education, awareness and most importantly a new trajectory of care that is equitable and evidence-based to the vulnerable. We certainly have the opportunity and now we need to create the change!
KT, Thanks for sharing this information and references. The story behind the Natalie Project is really important and heartbreaking. As forensic nurses we must do more for this vulnerable patient population.
Articles specific to Sexual Assault and Disabled Populations
Tomsa, R., Gutu, S., Cojocaru, D., Gutiérrez-Bermejo, B., Flores, N., and Jenaro, C. (2021). Prevalence of sexual abuse in adults with intellectual disability: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 18:1980. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041980
PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar
Edelson, M. G. (2010). Sexual abuse of children with autism: factors that increase risk and interfere with recognition of abuse. Disabil. Stud. Q.30, 1–17. doi: 10.18061/dsq.v30i1.1058
CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar
Willott, S., Badger, W., and Evans, V. (2020). People with an intellectual disability: under-reporting sexual violence. J. Adult Prot. 22, 75–86. doi: 10.1108/jap-05-2019-0016
CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar
https://safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/Disabled_Survivors_Too_Report.pdf
https://disabilityjustice.org/justice-denied/violent-crime/