Keep in mind that false disclosures are rare. People may retract their stories of victimization due to fear, confusion or pressure from the perpetrator or others. The simplest way to find out if someone has been hurt is to ask. Victimization is so common among people with disabilities that it should be asked about routinely. Once victimization is disclosed, action must be taken as quickly as possible in order for the individual to be and feel safe in her daily environment, and begin the healing process.
Many crimes occur in places where women with disabilities receive services, learn, work or live.
For this reason, when violence occurs, a call to the police must be thoughtfully considered. The individual should have the opportunity to decide whether or not to report to the police. However, reporting suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to Adult Protective Services is the law in most states. If there are no safe people who can be trusted by the victim, reporting the crime to police may be an important option to consider. Often when crimes occur they are reported only to the administrator or supervisor of the facility where the crime happened.