Safety should never depend on someone's ability, yet for many people living with disabilities, barriers to safety, support, and independence remain a daily reality.

In this episode of Root for Each Other, Branches advocates Sara Blevins O'Toole, Kaitlyn Chapman, and Blue Davis explore the unique ways domestic violence can impact individuals with disabilities and the importance of creating services that are accessible, responsive, and centered on dignity.

Together, they discuss:

• Why people with disabilities experience higher rates of domestic violence.
• The unique forms of abuse survivors with disabilities may face, including coercive control through caregiving, finances, communication, and accessibility.
• How trauma-informed advocacy means adapting services—not expecting survivors to adapt to systems.
• Why Rapid Rehousing can be such a key tool in removing barriers for survivors with disabilities

Episode Notes

In this episode:

• Understanding the co-existence of disability and domestic violence.
• Recognizing barriers that can prevent survivors from seeking help.
• How Branches works to provide survivor-centered, accessible advocacy.
• Small changes that can make a big difference in creating safe communities.

Featured Guests

• Sara Blevins O'Toole, Director of Development, Branches
• Kaitlyn Chapman, Court Advocate, Branches
• Blue Davis, Rapid Rehousing II Navigator, Branches

Learn More
This episode is part of our Safety Across the Spectrum of Ability awareness series, highlighting the importance of ensuring that every survivor—regardless of ability—has access to safety, support, and opportunity.

Read the accompanying blog series on the Branches website to continue the conversation and learn how you can help build a more accessible and trauma-responsive community. Start here!

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available 24 hours a day through Branches. You do not have to face abuse alone. Call our hotline at 304-529-2382 to speak to an advocate.