Researchers have found that individuals with disabilities are more likely to be victimized. In 2009, the United States Justice Department released the first National Crime Victimization Survey, a national survey addressing crime against persons with disabilities. This study found the following:

• Persons with disabilities were 1.5 (one and one-half) times more likely to be the victim of non-fatal violent crimes than individuals without disabilities;
• Persons with disabilities were more than twice as likely to be sexually assaulted than individuals without disabilities;
• Females with disabilities had a higher rate of victimization than males with disabilities;
• Persons with a cognitive disability were at a higher risk of victimization than individuals who had any other type of disability;
• Persons with multiple disabilities accounted for more than half of all persons with disabilities that fell victim to violent crime; and,
• Nearly 1 in 5 violent crime victims with a disability believe that they were victimized because of their disability.

For individuals with disabilities, the criminal justice system can sometimes appear to be overwhelming. The United States Supreme Court, however, has firmly held that there is a fundamental right of access to the courts by individuals with disabilities. Where necessary, individuals with disabilities must be provided with reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In New Jersey, the Administrative Office of the Courts assures that each county has a court official that can handle requests for special accommodations. When a victim-witness counselor or assistant prosecutor is advised that a victim with a disability has special needs, the assistant prosecutor can inform the judge so that reasonable accommodations can be made. Court rules further provide that, except for some limited exceptions, every person is considered to be competent to be a witness to testify in a judicial proceeding. While the criminal justice system can be difficult to navigate, crime victims with a disability can expect to receive support from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office so that their voices can be heard.

Your victim advocate can help you to coordinate the services you need as your case progresses through the criminal justice process. Please contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy at 973-621-4687 for additional information.