by Teresa Anderson, MPH

It is well documented in research that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and elderly are victimized at greater rates than the general population.  Advocacy efforts to prevent abuse include raising awareness and developing strategies to educate all community members – family, friends, co-workers, teachers, self-advocates, criminal justice professionals, health care professionals, etc. – about this human rights issue. Everyone has the right to live free and safe from harm yet abuse, violence and bullying are an all too frequent reality for many people with IDD.  In an effort to raise awareness and elevate the conversation about abuse Wells Fargo is sponsoring a multimedia contest via Facebook. Rules and judging criteria can be found at https://www.facebook.com/RaisingAbuseAwarenessinCA/.  The deadline for entry submission is February 1, 2018. For additional information or questions contact Lori.Delagramatikas@dds.ca.gov