Compassions Training & Awareness Center

Despite the emergence of the #MeToo movement, people have still belittled, dismissed, and outright silenced women’s voices, as women have testified against the men who have sexually assaulted them. Imagine the plight of those who so often don’t have a voice.

Right now, in America, 70 percent of disabled women, of all ages and intellectual and physical capacities, are being sexually assaulted by the very people pledged to their care and protection — nurses, aides, and other caregivers — in facilities that advertise compassionate and loving care.

The police, who take an oath to protect and serve individuals who are vulnerable and in need of their help, are no different. They don’t report assaults, abuse, or thefts, for more than 50 percent of women, and 70 percent of individuals living with some form of disability.

Finally, among developmentally disabled adults, up to 83 percent of females and 32 percent of males are victims of sexual violence.

Compassions Training strives to empower diverse, disabled individuals to elevate their voices as vital, active community members. Even when disabled people are victims of abuse, people often treat them like villains — our organization will meet the needs of this community, and reverse people’s perceptions, through consumer advocacy and assistance.

Although there are some great law enforcement officers, many ignore or downplay the concerns of the disabled. We will improve relationships between these populations, through collaboration and mediation services. We’ll also provide our consumers — people with disabilities — with community resources, and assist them in coping with daily life.

Compassions has provided advocacy, workshops for the disabled, advanced job training, and development for caregivers, in the Cleveland community, for the past 13 years.