“We must listen to victims, observe behaviors, and adapt our investigative strategies to address this problem.” 

Sarah Ruf, Director of Communications

Phone: (480) 578-9668

Email: [email protected]

(Phoenix, AZ)—Hidden sexual abuse is more widespread among Arizonans with disabilities of all ages than was previously known, according to a new report released by a University of Arizona professor as part of a joint project with a state advocacy group.

The “Untold Stories” research project, sponsored by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, highlights what the authors call a “disturbingly high rate” of sexual violence among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Arizona.

The survivors’ stories reveal that healing from sexual trauma takes time, support, and community engagement. 

“As a society, we tend to avoid talking about and listening to conversations that make us feel uncomfortable,” says Dr. Lynne Tomasa, the author of the report and faculty member at the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities who spent nearly three years researching and interviewing victims. 

“This research tells us what we already know - sexual violence happens and impacts all aspects of survivors’ lives. We must listen to victims, observe behaviors, and adapt our investigative strategies to address this problem.” 

“We can do more if we engage self-advocates, families, professionals, and systems together in our efforts,” Tomasa adds.

Survivors were questioned about their responsibility in what happened, and whether they were telling the truth. The experiences revealed in the report show the hurtful impact of behaviors and words from individuals in our legal and healthcare systems. It took courage to report the abuse and yet victims faced ongoing challenges.

In response to the report, the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is releasing a grant opportunity for an organization to build a collaborative approach to better respond to sexual abuse and exploitation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Arizona. The total amount available is $75,000.

Since 2018, ADDPC and its statewide network of collaborators have worked to improve awareness of and response to sexual violence against the I/DD population, as well as to identify effective means of preventing incidents of sexual violence from occurring. 

“Over the past few years, we've invested significant time and resources, and our commitment is growing - we are not letting up the fight against sexual violence,” says ADDPC executive director Jon Meyers.

For more information about this project, contact Dr. Lynne Tomasa at [email protected]. You may also leave a message at the Sonoran Center at 520-626-0442.