Transcript of “Rights
Here, Rights Now –
Episode 32— An Interview with the Virginia Sexual & Domestic
Violence Action Alliance.
Produced
by the disAbility Law Center of
Virginia.
[INTRO]: **The
information provided on this podcast does not, and is not
intended to, constitute legal advice. Instead, all information, content
and materials available are for general informational purposes only.**
[Enter host, Virginia Pharis.]
[Virginia]: Welcome
to Right Here, Right Now! A podcast
about disability advocacy and activism. I'm your Advocate host, Virginia Pharis.
[Enter host, Ren Faszewski]
[Ren]: And I'm your Advocate host, Ren Faszewski.
[Virginia]: Every
two weeks we dig into to relevant issues, current events, and avenues for
self-advocacy.
[Ren]: Because someone has to!
[Virginia]: And it might as well be us!
This podcast is produced and
edited by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, the Commonwealth’s protection
and advocacy agency for disability rights. Find out more at: www.dlcv.org.
[VIRGINIA]: This
week, we have a very important organization with a very long name, here with us.
And it is the Virginia sexual and domestic violence action Alliance. (Ren—Try
saying that five times fast! {Bahahaha.} Virginia’s reply—I cannot even attempt!)…I have a group (here)
from the alliance with us to talk about disability, domestic violence, sexual
assault, and the resources available. If, somebody is having a hard time, I
feel like this is as good a time as any to put a pretty strong content warning on this episode… -We certainly don't get
into anything drastic but if our listeners are not comfortable with talking
about the subjects out of domestic violence through sexual assault then this
might not be the right episode for them.**
[REN]:
But, if we--- {you
know}, -- they do incredible work and I think one of the same dLCV wants to promote to this episode and in the future
episodes is this intersectionality of issues. And… how different things that
affect people in the community also how they particularly affect folks with
disabilities so that's something we really want to highlight, and, we're so
happy that the action alliances with us today.
[Virginia]: But,
before we jump in, let's check out disability in the news!
[Federal
funding to support respite care for families of those with disabilities will
increase dramatically under new legislation. The legislation is
called the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act and it increases
funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Program to $10 million annually through
2024. This program supports an entire network of community based respite care
services across the country. This is a $7.6 million dollar increase from the previous
legislation. The legislation was introduced in 2006
and since then 41 states have received grants to create resources and help
ensure that respite care is widely available to caregivers. There are an
estimated 53 million family caregivers across the country, so this legislation
will help make sure family caregivers will receive quality respite services,
especially during the pandemic. ]
[Virginia]: Ok.
So, today, we have (the) staff from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action
Alliance (VSDVAA) with us today. Specifically, we've got Carmen, Courtney, Reid,
& Caitlin- Thank you guys all for being with us today and answering all of
our questions.
[Enter, Carmen]: Thank you to
you for the invitation.
[Virginia]: Well,
first and foremost, just to get the ball rolling, tell us about your
organization: The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, &,
what it is that you guys do?
[Carmen]: The
Alliance is the Virginian’s (and Virginia’s) leading voice on (both) sexual and
intimate partner violence. Our history is rooted in the battered women and rape
crises movement. And of course, the values that define this movement,
INCLUDING: Working towards social justice, self-determination, and, to end
the oppression of women. This actual alliance is the result of joining
Virginians Against Sexual Violence with Virginians
Against Domestic Violence. So, these two groups were both formed
in 1981 by a small group of Grassroots Activists who were organizing/occupying
in Virginia to establish shelters, Rape Crisis Centers, & Crisis Lines.
And,
of course, to raise awareness about rape & domestic violence. So these
activists began meeting throughout Virginia. But very rarely had the resources
needed. With a strong commitment to sharing information. And- developing the
strategies for social change. So the Action
Alliance BECAME the Action Alliance in 2004. Over the years, the Action
Alliance has grown, but it remains true to the vision(s) of its founders. So
that’s just a little bit about how the alliance or the coalition was formed.
[Enter, Reid]: Hi, so this is Reid,
pronouns are he/they & I I can give a little overview
of kind of what services and things look like now so at the state Coalition we
have membership services so that can look like technical assistance in support
of which there are over 60 though every city county and town has a place where
folks can go to receive services that are free and confidential. We also have our training institute so that
provides training, and support, agencies the general public and I we’ve pivoted
w/covid-19 so there's a lot of virtual learning opportunities that we have available
many of them are free so we welcome to participate in ways that feel good to
them.
We also have that policy can't so that can look like things on the
local level certainly things on the state level and also Federal support and we
have other types of services the direct service aspect which the members of
Staff who were on a call today including my cell are part of what we have
statewide hotline which is 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year we also
have chat and text Services accessed by visiting. { } or texting us at 7939 999
and we have an LGBTQ help line that is something we also answer just because we
found that numbers of that Community really wanted a dedicated service and to know
that staff who were going to respond understood there unique needs. So welcome we
also also offer as part of our Direct Services
answering for the prea hotline which is the prison
rape elimination act adult incarcerated in a felony in Virginia you are welcome
to dial out for support-- emotional support around sexual sexual
harassment incarcerated Survivor but that's going to be our legal team to help
a sister survivors who are working with the court system or the legal system around
lots of different issues as it affects them.
And, I'm trying to think if there were any other pieces of
Coalition work I might be missing that around education and awareness that's
also just kind of the general peace that we-- we all
share and a happy to provide resources for.
[Ren]: That’s
a very impressive list of services! So, I am- Yes, I am VERY impressed!
With, with everything you do one thing that really stood out of me is that
project of the empowerment of survivors can we get a little bit more details
about some of the cases you take on or what that work really looks like in
particular?
[Enter,
Courtney]: So, Caitlin & I work with a project for
the empowerment of survivors as, as the attorneys and we work closely with the project
for the empowerment of survivors as the attorneys with the agency and also with Kathy Coleman who's not able
to be today.[….] And so, what Caitlin and I do, as the attorneys, as, you know,
-- people call into the hotline they'll speak to you, you know, and then and
then they end up on the main line, or then, with Kathy, they go over the legal
issues that they have.
And,
you know, it's any kind of legal problem that comes out of an abusive situation.
So, of course, that can be a lot of legal problems. It's a lot of family losts of the protective orders, and of course; But, then
there's also you know some ancillary issues- like maybe the landlord tenants
kind of problems, so can we get some questions about rentals. And, there is
there is a pretty vast array of different kinds legal issues that (the)
survivors have coming out of their abuse situation. And so, what Caitlin and I
provide, is- We do over the phone consultation, for up to an hour, we know
where we can get case specific legal advice, you know, based on what the client
is telling us.
And
then, we also help direct the client, you know, towards these kinds of issues
by helping (them) find, and maybe help direct them into other Legal Services--
if that's appropriate. (If that’s appropriate) We might give referrals for
private attorneys, in the area in which they live, because, of course, they're
all over the state. And so, yeah, so, that's what we kind of do. And also,
then, from the Direct Services now, we also have the legal finance, which is, a
really amazing service! So, it's, you know it's a cool fund of money that's there for survivors to
have that access to pay legal fees. Because, of course, Caitlin and I can't
take on any kind of direct representation. Since we’re (we are) limited to over
the phone consultation.
The
survivors need important representation-- they're going to either have to get
it themselves, or, get it through legal aid; And
private attorneys tend to be very expensive. And so then the legal fund: it is
designed to help people with so then like those who have to (…) like minorities.
Or, people that have like a background that makes them particularly vulnerable
to violence. Or anybody. But, we try to specifically target people within those
more vulnerable communities. So. the other (…) fund is a really amazing
resource. And, that is another way that we can help survivors with their legal issues.
And,
something that Caitlin I have done is to try to do some networking with
attorneys throughout the state, you know that are willing to work with (all) these
legal fines. Because they have to be willing to accept certain conditions with the
legal fund. Working with attorney throughout is also an important piece of this
incentive in the project of survivors. So, that just seemed like a pretty good
summary. Caitlyn, Carmen? Do y’all have anything to add?
[Enter,
Caitlyn]: That was a really great explanation!
And, like Courtney mentioned, the legal fund is really meant to be there for
the folks who fall through the cracks. So, (it is really for those) who
don't qualify for legal aid. For one reason or another. But, otherwise, can't
really afford representation and still are in need of them (that). So, we
always rely on legal aid, &, refer clients to legal aid, if they can
access those services. That's always our first , of course, referral. And so,
like, what you mention for marginalized groups-- for adults who are part of (or
in) marginalized communities we do [in fact] earmark those funds to try to give
(the) access to discounted, or pro bono, legal services. For the folks who
can't otherwise access legal aid so that was the only thing but otherwise,
Courtney, that (was) a great explanation.
[Virginia]: So,
(pause)… you guys-- you've talked some about how important it is to ensure
outreach and provide services to minority and underserved communities. Can you
tell us a little bit about how disability factors into that and into your work
in general?
[Caitlyn]: Yeah,
and I’ll sort of let Reid talk (more) about the hotline piece of this, but,
from the P.E.S. perspective, like I mentioned, we do earmark funds for
underserved communities. And disabled folks are certainly part of that. So,
whenever, you know… (pause) if we have a survivor that presents with, you know,
some other,
you know, or has trouble accessing traditional legal services, that person to
become a priority for us! And, so, in terms of that, that might be someone who
we would certainly refer to legal projects, existing legal projects that would
benefit them. But, who would also really be a priority candidate for use of the
legal funds.
[Enter,
again, Reid]: Thanks, Caitlyn. I did want to highlight a
couple of things. Around power and disability and control. And how it shows up in relationships. (Pause.)
So,… you know, on the hotline, a lot of our
conversations are around like “is my relationship healthy?” or like: “what's
going on?” or: “I'm going to ask you kind of questions, around ‘what is abuse?’
Or, what does this look like for me? And [so] that's what survivors are asking
about. And usually when people think about abuse, they tend to think of things
that are really clear-cut situations for example, you know, “this person has
hit me; that’s abuse.”
But
it also comes in less obvious forms. So, that can look like—coercion, or
threat. Or, maybe, you know, -- I’m going to harm your pet, or your emotional
support animal. Or,I’m going
to give you more of your medication than what you’re supposed to take- and that
makes you groggy or disoriented. I’m going to withhold support or treatment.
So, I’m not going to take you to that doctor’s appointment, or, I’m going
to do something to make you more
dependent on me. I might break your phone, or take away (your) assistive
devices. Or, the emotional abuse that comes into play- Not consulting folks,
cancelling people.
Outing people.
Maybe your employment status is miserable (visible?) but then they aren’t
sharing that with (your) friends or your family. Or, with other people that you
have to have that information to share with. (?) Isolation is a big one. L Especially right now, during
COVID. Because all of our support looks different. [Abuse looks different,
too.] The typical trips to the grocery store, or (other ways of) how we might
interact are not happening. And they are certainly not happening in the same
way that they were before. How does anything change for a while? So, how are
you maintaining your support system, and the people that you love and trust?
Are
you talking with them about what’s happening in your life? Someone who is
harming you might minimize, deny, or blame you, for what’s going on. “Oh, they
just fell out of their chair,” or, “They’re forgetful; they didn’t take their
medicine.” “They’re just not being compliant.” You know, & really cause you
to question, or gaslight, even, what has actually happened. Even going so far as to like, moving furniture
around somebody’s home-- Making it more difficult to get around. Or, just being
like: “Oh no. That lamp has always been there.” Causing you to ask questions,
like, “Has it, though? I don’t recall it being there.” And sexual abuse.
Particular activities always come to mind for a lot of people. But this also
means decisions around birth control. Or, pregnancy. Or maybe that other person
is seeing other people, and that’s not an arrangement that you have set up in
your relationship.
[Continued,
Reid]: Economic abuse is a big one! Probably where we get a lot of calls from folks- whether you are in a facility where
you do need a higher level of care and support, or you are working with a
caretaker. And, the other person is controlling that money and you’re not sure where
that disability money is going. Maybe there’s some sort of favor, or
exchange that’s having to happen. Or you’ve got the opportunity to work, or, to
be doing other things, but that person doesn’t let you. And lastly, the person
who is able-bodied, or who has that kind of privilege, might be making some
decisions on your behalf, right?
Or,
they might be overprotecting you – [maybe they are…] Making decisions
without talking to you about them…And keeping tabs on you “because of safety,”
but in reality, it’s about control, and power, right? Or, again, just taking
over tasks, to kind of, again, decrease that independence. And this can happen
across the lifespan, too. I feel like a lot of our conversations about this
happen with folks who are older, or, who might be in a facility, or (who) have
a higher level of care, but we’re talking about anybody who…may need to
interact with folks who are in relationships.
So,
you’re talking about a caregiver, you’re also talking about a romantic partner,
maybe friends or family, it can look like a lot of different things. But…I
understand it gets complex and complicated pretty quickly. But I do want
everyone to know that we have support and we’re here. And if…we are not the
best resource, we will find the best one for you! There are lots of agencies
who work with these communities in general. So if it’s not our specialty, I
promise there’s someone out there who…it’s theirs. So. We’re all about making sure that folks stay connected,
and happy, and healthy, regardless of what else is going on in the world.
[Ren]: Thank
you, Reid. That was, I mean, I think that there's a lot of misconceptions about
domestic violence and sexual violence- and what that looks like. I mean, I
think people have a really black and white understanding. And, particularly
involving disability, I think there are a lot of misconceptions about how
that's looked at. You actually mentioned it is kind of pinged—(??) that idea,
of the romantic partner. What kind of misconceptions do you all kind of see in
your work and try to educate people on in relation to like, disability and
sexual and domestic violence?
[Reid]: I
think that’s a great question, Ren. About what it looks, like particularly in
romantic relationships, boyfriend, girlfriend, person you’re dating, etc. Whoever
that might be. It shows up in lots of different ways. But I will say, for a lot
of people: that initial part of your relationship, that, you know, that kind of
honeymoon phase, if you will, you know…Someone doesn't show you everything
about them initially. So, at first, you know, it might be that things are going
really well and then little pieces kind of add up. So, whether that’s [that
comes across in]…”Oh, let me take care of this.”
You
know, or,”Oh, I’m going to go ahead and do that.”
Even if I haven’t talked to you about it. And then, all of a sudden (you know),
you have some time to reflect, or, maybe you're talking with a friend or family
member, who’s like, “Ok, I haven’t heard from you in a while.” Or, “This (just)
doesn’t seem like you!” Or, “You’ve just never expressed interest in these
particular things before,” So, I think that, for a lot of people, in
reflection, then when we talk about some of these pieces of how they are [or aren’t]
in control, then they’re like, “Oh!” The doctor connected us, actually. This is
just more than just argument…this is abuse!
You
know. We’re HUMAN, and we’re all going to have different views. And you know,
we’re never going to see eye to eye. And we’ll have moments where we do not
agree with someone else. That is perfectly normal. But, when you’ve got a
pattern going on and it almost feels like a cycle, and for some people
it is pretty regular and you’re able to predict, like, “This is a trigger, ok.”
“This person is/was dealing with stuff at work.” Things do get worse. (Or,)
you’re able to kind of isolate different pieces. But sometimes, it’s not that
clear. It’s really muddy. And it takes conversation. And it takes advocacy—with
someone that you love & trust to (be able to) say: Actually I don't know
that this is the right relationship for me, or the right person (for me) & that they MAY be willing to go on our journey
with you. And then change.
And,
really think about their behaviors and what's going on. Or, they may not! And I
really think that that's the other hard part of these (situations), that is,
knowing what to separate. And what is the difference?? Because, we know that,
when that separation happens, you know, when that person leaves, that is the
most threatening time, most dangerous time. When the person who’s abusing feels
like, “This is going to be over; this is threatening,” That’s the most dangerous time for survivors. So, navigating that
in a careful, thoughtful, way, and then, safely planning out, different
pathways, is really, really critical for ensuring everybody’s safety involved.
[Ren]: I
really appreciate that breakdown, because, just overall, because I think one of
the things that just an overall disability advocacy that we see is this
misunderstanding that people with disabilities can’t be in romantic
relationships. We see a lot of that infantileization
occurring and so I think that really plays into a lot of the things that you've
talked about and how these things to play out so again I think that's really
important and I think again this overall understanding about how these dynamics
play and how people disabilities you know can have you know these relationships
have the same thing .That then being disabled does not mean they can't have
romantic Partners it cannot mean they can't you know be subject to a Domestic
and Sexual Violence. That’s really important. so with all of misconceptions
around disability I think that one of the thing that a lot of people don't
consider is just be intersectional nature of disability a
[Virginia]: so
with all of misconceptions around disability I think that one of the thing that
a lot of people don't consider is just be intersectional nature of disability. And
Carmen, I believe you wanted to say something about that regarding language??
[Enter,
Carmen]: Yes, and now when you [first] mention(ed)
that, I was thinking oh my God—Spanish! But (at first, clients) [they] she only
called me and communicate with me letting me--- sending me text messages but no
messages you know how to read so please send me all the information some
aspects of communication that you were working with were not able to write the
same way that you and I wouldn't be had to figure out surf work around
Communications for that and especially when it comes to interpretation services
for people who speak another language.
That's
certainly an issue that we also see a lot in the disability Community is access
to interpreters so if France is one of our listeners is listening to this that
go absolutely I want to get in touch with these folks but I need some kind of
accommodation to do that whether it's like a sign language interpreter or if
it's alternative materials because of the visual impairment how do they let you
know that they might need to go we're happy to take calls with interpreters on
a regular basis my name is whether it's in a language other than English or
something we're happy to provide that have everything in writing afterwards or
to have a transcript of something just because they want to be able to do
whatever we can to make that accommodation and again if we can't make that are
self then we will speak what language is it. Those accommodations. By all
means let us know! We will figure it out… And certainly we're happy to have
that challenge, too, because that means that we're becoming (more accessible)
and being better about [that] accessibility
[Virginia]: When
you were talking you mentioned, (you know) communication. You know, you said that, this person, you know,
doesn’t, & wouldn’t communicate in the same way that you or I would. You
know, you sort of have to work around the communication style for that. And,
you know,esp. when it comes to interpretation. For
people who speak another language. That’s, certainly an issue we see a lot
in the disability community, you know. It’s, the access [or lack of access] to
interpreters. So, if someone’s listening to this and is like, “Yes! I need/want
to get in touch with them, BUT, I need some sort of accommodation, like, a
Sign-Language interpreter, or, some sort of accessibility, assistive
technology, etc. ?? If it’s alternative materials
because of a visual impairment—How do they let you know that they might need an
accommodation? “How do I get in touch with these folks
[Reid]:
So, we’re happy to
provide all (sorts of) accommodations. We provide calls with interpreters—on a
regular basis. name is whether it's in a language other than English or
something we're happy to provide that have everything in writing afterwards or
to have a transcript of something just because they want to be able to do
whatever we can to make that accommodation and again if we can't make that are
self then we will speak what language is it As for accommodations by, all means
let us know we will figure it out! And certainly we're happy to have that
challenge too, because that means that we're becoming and being better about
accessibility and Carmen I think you could probably talk a little bit about our
our staff is a whole or really looking to become a
more accessible service?
So
that looks like doing audits on ourselves and Consulting with those outside the
agency and making sure we're providing things that honestly should be pretty
standard across the board so that looks like was captioning that looks like ASL
for different people that looks like the ability to have things in multiple
languages book written and verbal we really want her to be able to live through
or accessibility please and have a good plan in place the certainly welcome
boats to reach out to work with me to tell me about that what I would like to
watch the previous about making sure because she has funny making sure that was
a police officer who is speaking Spanish Advocate from the local Authority
member also with the communities also a problem working together or altogether
trying to find somebody making sure your connection???
[Carmen]:
[Reid]:
I will say there are times more
busy. But you are always welcome to send us a chat or a text or an email if
that's easier so the chat link is ww.w. Victor data data. Org chat line is 804-793-9999 but I know people have
different services or different devices do the texting depending on what your
plan is you know you may have she is with your carrier but it's regular phone
number that you would text just like you would have texture your friend if you
want to do email for the legal team the best way to reach them is going to be
legal psdv Alliance. Org and into the hotline very
similar hotline add VSP the alliance. Org
We're
happy to take requests in whatever ways that may come up and certainly if you
have accommodation near that you'd like to share beforehand you're welcome to
do that and certainly if it comes up in conversation just know that that the
hotline services are available around the clock and then are our legal team
kind of keep those traditional hours but we're certainly willing to make appointments
and work with folks depending on that is going to be:\\and then it's BSD via alliance//O
RG delete that last part of our email and pretty we did too, basic
accessibility audit before it launched so as far as contrast goes and things
like that it should be okay but I will say if you have any difficulties please
let us know we definitely want to make sure that folks are able to accept that
no matter what device or after things that they may be using the better see the
things that they need so yes and technology is forever a challenge for all of
us and I am extremely grateful to have been invited and Carmen thank you for
making that Happen!
[Virginia]: Thank
you for making that happen thank you everybody for joining us for giving us a
better look at not just not just the alliance but also sort of this issue as a
whole and how it affects different please especially communities surrounding
disability so again thank you so much and listeners as always we will have all
those links and numbers in the show notes in our transcripts below. !!
[Virginia]: And
now a dLCV highlight!
[dLCV recently
investigated a huge spike in the number of abuse/neglect complaints against
Catawba Hospital. This led to our discovery of problems with the quality
of care the hospital provided to patients with dysphagia and other swallowing
disorders. In an effort to address the care needs of these
patients, the hospital joined the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation (sic) Initiative and made policy and
practice changes to ensure the accuracy of diet orders, transfer responsibility
for preparation of artificially thickened liquids and mechanically processed
food items from unit staff to trained dieticians, and replaced their system of
categorical standard "diets" with individualized meal planning
protocols. ]
[Enter, again,
Virginia Pharis and Ren Faszewski.]
[Virginia]: Okay,
well: Thank you again to the crew from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence
Action Alliance for taking the time to give us the really comprehensive
overview of what it is that we do and the issues at hand (in our community.)
[Ren]: Yes,
they do incredible work we're so lucky that they were able to join us today and
obviously any of their resources we're going to have available to our listeners
and again hopefully we're going to have even more intersectional content in the
future! J
[Virgina]: Thank all of you for
listening to this episode of Right Here Right Now, brought to you by the disAbility
Law Center of Virginia. We are available
on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcast Don't forget to subscribe, share us with your friends, and
leave a review!
[Ren]:
If you need assistance or want
more information about dLCV and what we do, visit us online at www.dLCV.org.
[Virginia]: You
can also follow us on Twitter
@disAbilityLawVA
and we also have a Facebook
disability Law Center of Virginia— and, like us, subscribe to usu share
that with your friends, share us with strangers who seem nice. LOL. Until next
time I'm Virginia Pharis—
[Ren]: Far
and wide! And next time, I’m Ren Faszewski!
[Virgina]: And
I’m Virginia Pharis! And this has been: Rights Here!
[Ren]: Rights
Now!
***[End of Transcriptions]***