Unveiling the Overlooked Nexus: The intersections of Abuse and Disability.
| Tuesday, November 26, 2024 |
| 4:20 PM - 4:50 PM |
Overview
Melonie Sheehan, Chief Operating Officer, Destination Accessible
Speaker
Ms Melonie Sheehan
Chief Operating Officer
Destination Accessible
Unveiling the Overlooked Nexus: The intersections of Abuse and Disability.
Abstract
Let’s uncover the interconnection and advocate for real change for people with disabilities who have experienced or are experiencing domestic and family violence.
“Join the movement to unveil the overlooked nexus of abuse and disability."
Destination Accessible has been providing accommodation and support services to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula for over 20 years. Initially part of the tourism industry, we expanded into disability support services in 2013.
Every second participant we support has identified as being impacted by domestic and family violence and/or sexual abuse. This stark reality highlights the critical need for acknowledgement of the interconnection and the importance of our collaborative efforts with the DFV/SA service system. Each story we encounter underscores the pervasive nature of these issues and the necessity for tailored, compassionate care to help individuals reclaim their lives and autonomy.
Destination Accessible proudly collaborates with the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Geelong, to provide safe accommodation and support for women and children with disabilities, escaping violence.
DFVSA exacerbates the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by women and children with disabilities. For women with disabilities, abuse often includes emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation, undermining their autonomy and well-being. Victim-survivors experience their disabilities being weaponized against them, increasing isolation and control.
The intersections of disability and domestic violence amplify the barriers to safety and recovery, necessitating comprehensive and inclusive interventions to address their unique needs and promote their rights to safety, dignity, and empowerment. Men and women with disabilities are more likely than those without disabilities to have experienced violence, abuse, or sexual harassment at some point in their lives.
Destination Accessible is an award-winning organisation undergoing an exciting period of change to contribute to the DFVSA service system and the interconnections with the disability sector to serve our participants and our community more wholistically.
Key Learnings:
1. Recognition of the deep interconnection between disability and domestic and family violence (DFV) is crucial for effectively addressing the needs of individuals experiencing abuse.
2. Collaboration between disability support and DFV organisations, like Destination Accessible and the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, ensures tailored support for survivors. The complexity of the interconnection between DFVSA and the disability sector emphasises the need for comprehensive interventions.
3. Promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities to safety, dignity, and empowerment is essential in addressing these complex issues.
“Join the movement to unveil the overlooked nexus of abuse and disability."
Destination Accessible has been providing accommodation and support services to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula for over 20 years. Initially part of the tourism industry, we expanded into disability support services in 2013.
Every second participant we support has identified as being impacted by domestic and family violence and/or sexual abuse. This stark reality highlights the critical need for acknowledgement of the interconnection and the importance of our collaborative efforts with the DFV/SA service system. Each story we encounter underscores the pervasive nature of these issues and the necessity for tailored, compassionate care to help individuals reclaim their lives and autonomy.
Destination Accessible proudly collaborates with the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Geelong, to provide safe accommodation and support for women and children with disabilities, escaping violence.
DFVSA exacerbates the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by women and children with disabilities. For women with disabilities, abuse often includes emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation, undermining their autonomy and well-being. Victim-survivors experience their disabilities being weaponized against them, increasing isolation and control.
The intersections of disability and domestic violence amplify the barriers to safety and recovery, necessitating comprehensive and inclusive interventions to address their unique needs and promote their rights to safety, dignity, and empowerment. Men and women with disabilities are more likely than those without disabilities to have experienced violence, abuse, or sexual harassment at some point in their lives.
Destination Accessible is an award-winning organisation undergoing an exciting period of change to contribute to the DFVSA service system and the interconnections with the disability sector to serve our participants and our community more wholistically.
Key Learnings:
1. Recognition of the deep interconnection between disability and domestic and family violence (DFV) is crucial for effectively addressing the needs of individuals experiencing abuse.
2. Collaboration between disability support and DFV organisations, like Destination Accessible and the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, ensures tailored support for survivors. The complexity of the interconnection between DFVSA and the disability sector emphasises the need for comprehensive interventions.
3. Promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities to safety, dignity, and empowerment is essential in addressing these complex issues.
Biography
Melonie Sheehan, a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers, has over 25 years of experience in Child and Family Services and Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Abuse sectors. She led National Governance and Partnerships at 1800RESPECT for six years and the operations team at No to Violence from 2020 to 2022. Transitioning to the disability sector, Melonie has addressed the intersections of DFVSA and disability services, focusing on barriers to support and advocating for the recognition of individuals with disabilities as victim survivors of abuse. Her career is dedicated to enhancing support for vulnerable populations.
