Interviewing Adult Sexual Assault Survivors with Intellectual Disabilities

Adults with intellectual disabilities who experience sexual assault are too often denied an effective investigative interview. Law enforcement professionals may be unsure how to ask questions in an accessible way, work appropriately with a support person, or communicate with someone who uses alternative forms of communication. As a result, survivors may not be interviewed at all—or may be referred to professionals trained to interview children rather than adults. Activating Change has developed a new toolkit to help law enforcement conduct effective, disability-informed interviews with adult sexual assault survivors with intellectual disabilities. Featuring recorded lectures, demonstration videos, and downloadable resources, the toolkit translates best practices into practical guidance investigators can use. Join us on September 15 for an introduction to the toolkit, a discussion of best practices for interviewing adults with intellectual disabilities, and information about how to access and use these new resources.