Team TAASA is incredibly excited to announce registration is open for our October webinar with SAFE Disability Services. The SAFE Alliance provides prevention and intervention services to survivors of sexual assault and exploitation, domestic violence, care provider abuse, and trafficking in Austin, Travis County and surrounding areas. With the mission to Stop Abuse For Everyone, we are working towards a just and safe community for all. SAFE’s Disability Services staff works collaboratively to create opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in healthy relationships, reduce future violence, and better ensure access to support for healing and recovery.

Sexuality, Safer Relationships, and Assault Prevention for Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

October 20, 2023

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm CST

Youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face considerable barriers to accessing information about healthy relationships. This is just one factor that can increase the risk for sexual assault and exploitation. Webinar participants will review potential factors for why people with IDD have a higher likelihood of experiencing sexual violence, including the prevalence of pervasive myths around dating, sex, and disability. We will discuss indicators of sexual assault and appropriate responses to disclosures of sexual abuse within the disability community. Lastly, we will introduce resources designed to bridge the gap between education about sex and healthy relationships for those with IDD.

Anna Belle Burleson (she/her/hers), Disability Services Associate Director, earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Houston, and she has over 16 years of K-12 public-school classroom experience. She was a co-founder of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, serving as its first Program Director. Anna Belle has maintained affiliation with SAFE for over 35 years, first as a client, then a volunteer and board member. She is passionate about helping people and she is delighted to have joined SAFE’s Disability Services team!