PTSD, DISABILITIES AND THE COURTS: EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL?

This special episode is being repreated in honor of Dr. Karin Huffer, friend, teacher, scholar, author, and tireless advocate for those who suffer at the hands of the courts. Thank you, Karin. Rest in peace.

PTSD, DISABILITIES AND THE COURTS: EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL?

Did you know that as many as 85% of women who experience Intimate Partner Violence have PTSD?  Some studies say a little less, but no matter which study you read, the numbers are alarming.

Did you know that in courts a person with PTSD or other disability is often accused of being “crazy,” or lying to manipulate the court rather than being recognized as a person with a disability?

Just because some disabilities are not visible doesn’t mean they are not included under federal regulations. People with PTSD may qualify for taking breaks in the proceedings, may be able to get extensions on deadlines, may be able to testify in court from a safe room or even on the phone.  Courts are mandated to accommodate to ensure equal access to the justice system, but how can we get them to do it?

Dr. Karin Huffer is doing something about that.

Dr. Huffer is an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, and knows plenty about the law, disability accommodation, and domestic violence.  She is starting a program at John Jay to teach people how to be advocates for those whose disabilities are exploited and not accommodated in court, even when those people are representing themselves.

Learn more about what an Equal Access Advocate can do, how to learn to be one and get one, and find how this whole thing can work to help women deal with and get their rights in courts.  Join us Saturday with Dr. Karin Huffer and information about equal access and the courts.