24

an internal exam. The procedure should be explained in detail in language they can understand.54 They may have limited knowledge of reproductive health issues and not be able to describe what happened to them. They may not know how they feel about the incident or even identify that a crime was committed against them. • Some victims with disabilities may want to talk about their perceptions of the role their disability might have played in making them vulnerable to an assault. Listen to their concerns and what the 51 The above two sentences are drawn from the Office for Victims of Crime, First Response to Victims of Crime Who Have a Disability, 2002, p. 1. 52 Examples of service animals include guide dogs and hearing-assistance dogs, and therapy dogs. 53 Note that individuals may have their own assistive devices, but words needed to communicate may have to be programmed. 54 Drawn from A. Conrad, SANE/SAFE Organizing Manual, 1998, p. 7, developed for the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault. 35 experience was like for them.55 Assure them that it was not their fault they were sexually assaulted. If needed, encourage discussion in a counseling/advocacy setting on this issue as well as on what might help them feel safer in the future. • Recognize that the exam may take longer to perform with victims with disabilities. Avoid rushing through the exam—such action not only may distress victims, it can lead to missed evidence and information.