The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities is working to protect people from abuse and neglect.
Theresa Schnipke took advantage of Disabilities Awareness Month to tell us that abuse and neglect of those with disabilities is very real and happens right here in our community. The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities offers a full range of services beginning with in-home early intervention programs for very young children and their families to service coordination for individuals who are elderly. Investigative Agent Shelly Snyder told us their services include crisis intervention. "Individuals with developmental disabilities experience serious crimes more than 10 times higher than the general public. The rate of theft is about 13 times higher and the rate of sexual abuse is 11 times higher. It is staggering, but that is the reality."
Support Services Coordinator Anne Dunbar told us that there is help for caregivers who feel overwhelmed and don't know what to do. "Sometimes caregivers aren't aware of the support that exists and that breaks my heart too because that's part of what we do is just getting our information out there that we're here to serve and if they need help we can help them get connected."
They told us that they rescued a woman from a Lima house who had been chained to her bedroom for a long period of time. They were able to help her achieve a better life, but unfortunately the other woman who was being held in the house with her decided not to leave.
If you suspect someone is being abused or neglected, call 419-221-1385 or 911 if it is an emergency.
