The Peer Support Network (PSN) is a Massachusetts network created and led by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) for people with disabilities who are survivors of sexual violence.
PSN, funded and supported by the Building Partnerships for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults Initiative (BPI), Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC), and Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA), brings together survivors of sexual violence with disabilities to support each other on their paths to healing.
PSN members spread awareness on recognizing, reporting, and responding to sexual violence committed against people with disabilities. This self-advocate-led leadership network is a powerful advocacy tool to represent and support people with disabilities from all backgrounds.
PSN collaborates with Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, trauma services, advocacy organizations, and survivors to improve and provide access to services for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities.
Patricia “Patty” Quatieri: Founder and Chair
Patty Quatieri currently serves as a Peer Support Leader within the innovative Sexual Assault Response Team at the Disabled Persons Protection Commission of Massachusetts. With a deep commitment to disability rights, Ms. Quatieri founded the Peer Support Network.
WHAT WE DO
How We Help
RAISE AWARENESS
Raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence against people with disabilities
COLLABORATION
Collaborate in state and national projects
TRAUMA CARE
Provide awareness of the importance of trauma care
ACCESSIBILITY
Provide awareness for the use of accessible formats
SURVIVOR SUPPORT
Communicate survivor needs
TRAININGS
Create training for APS professionals
ACCESS
Provide free services
Our Vision
The Peer Support Network (PSN) vision is a future where no person with a disability will be a victim of sexual violence.
Our Mission
The Peer Support Network (PSN) mission is to ensure that sexual violence victims with disabilities have access to peer support, trauma services and community resources through active collaboration with federal and state agencies, and other partner organizations.
