Everyone deserves safety, dignity, respect, and access to support.

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CARA is committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and abuse throughout Cape May County, including people with physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and other disabilities.

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If you or someone you care about is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. CARA is here to listen, help you understand your options, and connect you with support.

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Abuse Can Happen to Anyone

People with disabilities may experience many of the same forms of domestic and sexual violence as anyone else. They may also experience forms of abuse related specifically to their disability, care, communication, mobility, finances, or independence.

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Abuse may include:

• Physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse

• Withholding medication, medical care, food, or necessary personal care

• Taking away, withholding, or damaging a wheelchair, communication device, hearing aid, or other assistive equipment

• Controlling transportation or preventing someone from leaving

• Taking or controlling disability benefits, wages, or other money

• Threatening to withdraw care, services, or assistance

• Using a person's disability to manipulate, intimidate, control, or discredit them

• Isolating someone from family, friends, advocates, or service providers

• Preventing someone from communicating or asking for help

• Unwanted sexual contact or sexual activity without consent

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Abuse by a partner, family member, caregiver, service provider, or another trusted person is still abuse.

 

You Have Rights

Having a disability does not take away your right to make decisions about your body, relationships, safety, and future.

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You have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect

• Live without violence, abuse, exploitation, or coercion

• Set boundaries and give or refuse consent

• Ask for help and receive support

• Receive information in a way you can understand

• Participate in decisions affecting your safety and well-being

• Access services without being judged because of your disability
   

CARA Is Here for You

CARA provides confidential support and services to survivors throughout Cape May County.

 

Support may include:

• 24-Hour Crisis Support

• Someone is available when you need help, information, or a person to talk to.

• Safe Shelter

• Emergency shelter and support are available for individuals and families who need a safe place.

• Counseling and Advocacy

• Advocates can provide emotional support, information, safety planning, and assistance connecting with available resources.

• Legal Advocacy

• CARA can provide information and advocacy to help survivors understand and navigate options related to their safety.

• TTY Access

• CARA has TTY telephone access available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

 

For Family Members, Caregivers and Professionals

If you are concerned that a person with a disability may be experiencing abuse, CARA can provide information and help you understand available resources.

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Listen to the person and take their concerns seriously. Whenever possible, communicate directly with the survivor and respect their choices, privacy, autonomy, and ability to participate in decisions affecting them.

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If there is an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911.

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You Deserve to Be Heard

You do not have to face abuse alone.

Whether the abuse happened recently or in the past, CARA is here to provide information, advocacy, and support.

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