May 26, 2016

NEADS AND DAWN Canada CONDUCTING RESEARCH TO DETERMINE PREVALENCE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES AND DEAF WOMEN ON CAMPUSES IN CANADA

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The DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN) Canada and the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) are conducting collaborative research to determine the prevalence of violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women on college and university campuses in Canada.

A 2014 review of sexual assault policies on campus by the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC) found that “most institutions reviewed do not have a sexual assault-specific policy.”

In society at large, a number of studies have shown that women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience violence by an intimate partner and three times as likely to be forced into sexual activity compared to the general population of women. But to date no Canadian research has been undertaken to determine the prevalence of violence experienced by women students on post-secondary campuses who are disabled or Deaf. Nor has there been an examination of the level of support for victims in our country’s universities and colleges who are women with disabilities or Deaf women.

Data will be collected from women students in higher education across Canada who identify as having a disability or being Deaf and also from campus-based service providers who provide support to students with disabilities. It will be led by Jewelles Smith, PhD student at the University of British Columbia.  Jewelles is currently leading a project on violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women in B.C. for DAWN Canada and is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive of NEADS.

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We want to thank you for your participation in this important work.  Be sure to provide your contact information so you can follow this research and continue to participate towards ensuring the safety and security of all women at colleges and universities across Canada.

Bonnie Brayton                                               Frank Smith

National Executive Director                             National Coordinator

DAWN Canada                                                NEADS

admin@dawncanada.net                                frank.smith@neads.ca

514-396-0009                                                 613-380-8065 ext. 201