UMass Chan Medical School — Sexual Assault Response and Prevention

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, in partnership with Strategic Education Solutions, addressed gaps in the prevention and response to cases of sexual assault on people with developmental disabilities (DD) in Texas. The project published a comprehensive gap analysis (PDF, 118 pages, 1.2 MB) and led statewide listening sessions with self-advocates, families, service providers, and criminal justice professionals. These activities informed a series of videos led by self-advocates sharing personal stories and peer support on healthy relationships. The project also developed interactive toolkits focused on consent, safety, and other related topics.

Participants said the project helped strengthen their autonomy and self-advocacy while increasing their confidence in setting personal boundaries, ending unsafe relationships, and seeking support from people they trust. One participant said the project gave them a better understanding of how to recognize unhealthy friendships. 

The project team also shared videos, resources, and research at national conferences and professional events. One law enforcement investigator said that hearing personal stories from self-advocates helped them identify ways to improve their investigating and reporting of sexual assault cases involving people with DD while also promoting long-term community safety.

The project was part of a broader TCDD initiative to reduce the number of people with DD who are victims and survivors of sexual assault. Projects in this initiative increased the number of people who can identify and report sexual assault. The initiative also improved access to support and services for sexual assault survivors.