A Mother’s Promise to Protect Individuals with Disabilities

At Voices of Change 2018, we exist because of what happened to our founder, Nicole Moehring’s family. And because no individual with a disability should ever be harmed and then silenced. Listening to and believing an individual with a disability when they disclose inappropriate touching is not just an act of compassion. It is an act of protection, justice, and prevention. Research shows that individuals with disabilities are 3 to 4 times more likely to be victims of abuse than those without disabilities, and that nearly 1 in 3 individuals with disabilities will experience abuse in their lifetime often repeatedly, and often by someone they know and trust. ¹'²

These are not abstract numbers to Nicole Moehring. They are lived reality. Voices of Change 2018 was created out of the devastating experience of watching her son be harmed and seeing firsthand what happens multiple systems fail to protect those who are most vulnerable. Abuse does not end when the abuse stops. The consequences are lifelong. For an individual with a disability, abuse can permanently impact their sense of safety, their ability to trust, their communication, their relationships, and their confidence in their own body. Trauma can shape how they move through the world for the rest of their life. Research shows that individuals with disabilities are not only abused at higher rates but are also more likely to experience repeated and chronic abuse, compounding trauma over time. ³ The impact does not stop with the individual families carry the weight of that trauma every single day. Many individuals with disabilities face barriers that make disclosure incredibly difficult limited or nontraditional communication, dependence on caregivers, fear of retaliation, and the devastating reality that they may not be believed. Studies indicate that while individuals with disabilities make up a smaller portion of the population, they account for a disproportionately high percentage of abuse and maltreatment cases, demonstrating how often their voices are overlooked or ignored. ⁴ When an individual with a disability does find the courage to speak up, that moment may be their only chance to be protected. When they are not believed, the abuse often continues and the message they receive is devastating: your voice doesn’t matter. 

At Voices of Change 2018, Nicole Moehring’s advocacy is rooted in her family’s lived experience and her son’s journey. She believes prevention saves lives. That is why she speaks publicly. That is why she educates and advocates. That is why she raises awareness and speaks truths others are uncomfortable hearing. The mission is to ensure individuals with disabilities are given the language, tools, and support they need and that parents, caregivers, professionals, and communities know how to listen, respond, and act. Believing an individual does not mean assigning blame.

It means assigning safety.

It means choosing protection over doubt.

It means honoring the courage it takes for an individual with a disability to speak at all. This is the mission.

This is the responsibility. And this is why Voices of Change 2018 will continue to stand up, speak out, and fight for a world where individuals with disabilities are believed the first time they tell so they do not have to carry trauma for a lifetime. Every individual deserves safety.

Every individual deserves dignity.

And every individual deserves a voice that is heard and protected.

Footnotes / Citations

1. Vera Institute of Justice. Sexual Abuse of Children with Disabilities: A National Snapshot.
   Reports that individuals with disabilities are approximately three times more likely to experience sexual abuse than individuals without disabilities and face greater barriers to disclosure and protection.
2. Jones, L., Bellis, M. A., Wood, S., et al. (2012).
   Prevalence and risk of violence against children with disabilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. The Lancet.
   Found that nearly 1 in 3 individuals with disabilities worldwide experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence, neglect, or exploitation.
3. Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
   Summary of global research indicating individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience repeated and chronic abuse, including abuse by multiple perpetrators.
4. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services / Child Welfare Research (via PubMed).
   Research shows individuals with disabilities represent approximately 10% of the population, yet account for 26–29% of substantiated maltreatment cases.