According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statics, "the rate of crimes against persons with disabilities is at least twice that of persons without disabilities." People with disabilities who are victims of crime often find it difficult to navigate the criminal justice system and gain access to support services. The criminal and civil legal systems often find it challenging to provide appropriate, accessible services to people with disabilities. DRW provides support to victims and their families to ensure they understand and know how to exercise their rights while working within the criminal and civil justice systems. Advocates also work with service providers, District Attorneys, and others to educate them about the specific needs of survivors with disabilities.
How We Help
Our Victim Advocacy program provides direct service to individuals with disabilities who experience crime, even if the crime has not been reported. Our Victim Advocacy Specialists work to ensure that each eligible person receives the advocacy, services, and support that is desired to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability in whatever form the victim/survivor needs.
We do this through promoting:
- Personal Advocacy
- Victim Accompaniment
- Information and Referral
- Criminal Justice Support (Law Enforcement, Courts)
- Advocacy within Civil Proceedings
- Crime Victim Compensation
- Crime Victim Rights
- Co-Advocacy with Local Service Providers
- School Advocacy
- Housing Rights
- Employment Victim Related Supports
- Access to Services (criminal justice, victim services, disability services)
- Post Crisis Stabilization
- Safety Planning
Eligibility
To access Victim Advocacy services from Disability Rights Wisconsin, you must be:
- A child or an adult with a disability who has experienced crime, even if it has never been reported; or
- The family member of such an individual.
Our Team
Our Victim Advocacy team is made up of highly knowledgeable advocates who strive to help victims get the support they need.
Spread the Word!
Interested in helping us spread the word about our Victim Advocacy Program? Please download and print the resources below. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to request a larger order of resources, we’re more than happy to help facilitate that process. Thank you for joining our efforts!
Contact us
Advocacy services are free and confidential to victims of crime with disabilities and their families. Disability Rights Wisconsin is an equal opportunity service provider.
Toll Free Number: 1-800-928-8778
Resources
Wisconsin Lawyer Lookup
Look up a lawyer in the Wisconsin Court System.
Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault
WCASA is a membership agency comprised of organizations and individuals working to end sexual violence in Wisconsin.