Service Dogs Help Abuse Victims in the Disabled Community

Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse are on so many peoples minds right now. 

Being a domestic violence survivor myself it I had not thought until recently just how my situation could have been if I could not see, walk or hear.

How does a person protect themselves , save themselves or try to escape from an abuser. Society has learned the cycle of abuse, and that abuse is not only violent, but emotional, sexual, financial and also isolation.

How isolated are you already when you can't hear, see, or walk. If you rely on your spouse for help to shop, drive, go to church, walk you dog, and lead a normal life. Think of the many ways that people with disabilities live on their own.

People with disabilities have found ways to be more independent in the last 30yrs. They have adaptive equipment, computers that speak and listen, smart phones, and service dogs.

Abusers are now able to restrict a disabled persons independence by "disciplining" the abused spouse.
If you "lose" a smart phone or the pc is unplugged or broken, your ability to call for help is gone.
If your service dog is chained outside, muzzled or worse killed, you have now way to get help, leave or run for your life.
Research shows us that leaving an abuser is the leading cause of death related to domestic violence, because in order to safely leave an abuser, you must have a solid safety plan. A safe way to leave.

If your safety plan requires your smartphone to call for help or your service dog to lead you to a safe place what can you do? As a compassionate society we need to help men and women in these situations.
The fist thing to do, is to educate yourself to the warning signs of abuse of disabled people.

Adult abuse is expected to increase

Each year more than 20,000 calls of concern come in and we investigate more than 12,000 complaints of adult abuse and self-neglect. In 2010, 13 percent of Oregon's population was 65 or older. In 2030, 20 percent will be 65 or older. 

Indicators of Physical Abuse

• Cuts, lacerations, punctures, wounds.
• Bruises, welts, discolorations, grip marks.
• Any unexplained injury that doesn't fit with the given explanation of the injury.
• Any injury incompatible with the person's history of unexplained injuries.
• Any injury which has not been properly cared for (sometimes injuries are hidden on areas of the body normally covered by clothing).
• Poor skin condition or poor skin hygiene.
• Dehydration and/or malnourished without illness-related cause.
• Unexplained loss of weight.
• Burns, possibly caused by cigarettes, caustics, acids or friction from ropes or chains.

Indicators of Verbal or Emotional Abuse

• Being emotionally upset or agitated;
• Being extremely withdrawn and non communicative or non responsive;
• Unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia e.g., sucking, biting, rocking); and
• An elder's report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated.

Indicators that may be warning signs of sexual abuse

• Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding.
• Torn or bloody underwear.
• Bruised breasts.
• Venereal diseases or vaginal infections.
• Sudden changes in the emotional or psychological state of the person.

If you believe an older adult or an adult with physical disability is being subjected to physical abuse, contact your local DHS or AAA office. If you believe an assault or crime has been committed, call your local law enforcement. If an injury needs medical attention, get immediate medical help or call 911.