Susan Fraker to speak at “Disabilities & Domestic Violence” event Oct. 29

People with disabilities are at greater risk for abuse, violence and harm than people without disabilities. They are 4 to 10 times more likely to be victimized than those without disabilities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Victimization can occur in hospitals and homes by health care workers, intimate partners or family members.

To address this issue and the unique challenges those with disabilities face, the Greene County Disability Coalition and the Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County are cosponsoring a free event, “Disabilities and Domestic Violence,” on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2:30-4 p.m., at the Herman N. Menapace Center (1141 N. Monroe Drive) in Xenia, Ohio.

Featured speakers include Debbie Matheson, director of the Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County, and Susan Fraker, project coordinator of Substance Abuse Resources and Disability Issues (SARDI) at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.

The event also includes a panel discussion with Gene Fischer, Greene County sheriff, and Josh Carson, major unusual incidents  investigative agent with the Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Victimization includes physical violence with or without a weapon; sexual violence, including rape; emotional abuse, including verbal attacks or being humiliated; and neglect of personal needs for daily life, including medical care or equipment.

The Master of Public Health program of the Center for Global Health at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine is part of the Greene County Disability Coalition. The coalition also includes Access Center, Goodwill Easter Seals, Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Greene County Combined Health District, Joni and Friends, Rob’s Rescue, Shepherds Foundation, TCN Behavioral Health Services and Greene County residents.