About the Peer Support Network
The Peer Support Network (PSN) is a network created by and for people with disabilities who are survivors of sexual violence. The Peer Support Network creation and ongoing operations are funded and supported by Building Partnerships Initiative, Disabled Persons Protection Commission, and Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance.
The Peer Support Network helps people with disabilities who are survivors come together to lead and support each other. The PSN members spread awareness and provide education on sexual violence. A self-advocate-led network is a powerful advocacy leadership tool to represent and support all persons with disabilities from all backgrounds.
The Peer Support Network works with Adult Protective Services agencies, advocacy organizations, and survivors to improve the services provided to survivors of sexual violence, because we are stronger together.
Our Vision
A future where no child or adult with an intellectual/developmental disability will be a victim of sexual violence.
Our Mission
To have a network led by – and for – people with I/DD to ensure victims of sexual violence have access to peer support, tools, and community resources.
What We Do
- Raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence against persons with disabilities
- Collaborate in state and national projects
- Provide awareness of the importance of trauma-informed care
- Provide awareness for the use of accessible formats
- Communicate survivor needs
- Create training for APS professionals
- Provide free services
Peer Support Network Co-Chairs
Patty Quatieri and Kecia Weller are the founding Peer Leaders of the Peer Support Network.
Patricia Quatieri
Patty is a talented speaker in the field of disability rights, based in Massachusetts where she travels and shares her experiences and recommendations. Patty has received many awards for her civil rights advocacy. Since joining the Sexual Assault Response team at the DPPC in Massachusetts, Patty created the first agency newsletter called “The Peer Support Press.” Patty’s #MeToo Story.
Kecia Weller
Kecia is an abuse prevention and disability rights advocate. Kecia lives in California. Kecia has advocated for persons with disabilities for over 25 years. Kecia is one of the first members of the California statewide Silence Equals Violence network. She works with UCLA’s Tarjan Center as a statewide self-advocate and community liaison. In 2017, Kecia was selected by Governor Brown to the state rehabilitation council. Kecia is also a dedicated peer mentor. Kecia’s #MeToo Story.
2019 Convening
The first meeting, called the ‘Convening,’ helped to create a plan to handle sexual violence against persons with disabilities. This meeting took place August 19, 2019.
The event provided an opportunity for self-advocates to work with partners to address sexual assault survivors with disabilities. The meeting was at a pre-Conference event at the NAPSA Annual Conference in Denver, CO. The meeting included presentations by self-advocates , other professionals and round table discussions.
Coalition of agencies that was instrumental in arranging this convening:
- Building Partnerships for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (BPI)
- Massachusetts Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
- National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)
Key topics presented:
- Peer leaders must be at helm of finding solutions that work for them and their peers.
- Gaps that prevent sexual assault survivors with disabilities to receive appropriate trauma-informed care.
- Outreach to raise awareness and educate people and agencies about trauma-informed care.
- Collaboration amongst service organizations to understand, provide care, and support sexual assault survivors with disabilities.
“This project was (partially) supported by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance through a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.”