Disabled Persons Protection Commission

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DISABLED PERSONS PROTECTION COMMISSION

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

DPPC logo

Abuse is REAL.
Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.

These four actions, Recognize, Empower, Ask, Listen, can change a life. The Abuse is REAL campaign was created to raise awareness, inspire action, and protect adults with disabilities from abuse and neglect. Each graphic in this series is designed to educate, engage, and remind us of the responsibility we all share, and the power we each have to make a difference. You are encouraged to download, print, and post these materials in workplaces, programs, and public spaces to spark conversation, strengthen awareness, and reinforce the importance of recognizing and reporting abuse.

A close-up of a woman’s eye that shows the reflection of a man screaming in its pupil. Text on the left reads “Abuse isn’t always visible, but it is REAL. Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.” The blue and gold Disabled Persons Protection Commission logo is in the bottom corner along with text that reads “24-hour Hotline 1-800-426-9009, Deaf or Hard of Hearing callers, please use Video Relay Service (VRS) or MassRelay at 711"
Click the image above to download the "Abuse is Real" graphic.
A young man is sitting on a gray couch with his arms crossed and holding his feet. He has a distraught look on his face. Text on the left reads “Abuse isn’t always visible, but it is REAL. Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.” The blue and gold Disabled Persons Protection Commission logo is in the bottom corner along with text that reads “24-hour Hotline 1-800-426-9009, TTY 771, DPPCMASS.GOV Deaf or hard of hearing callers please use Video Relay Service (VRS) or MassRelay at 711"
Click the image above to download the "Abuse is Real: Emotional Abuse" graphic.
A woman’s hands taking money out of a wallet from a bedside drawer. Text on the left reads “Financial Abuse: Abuse isn’t always visible, but it is REAL. Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.” The blue and gold Disabled Persons Protection Commission logo is in the bottom corner along with text that reads “24-hour Hotline 1-800-426-9009, Deaf or hard of hearing callers please use Video Relay Service (VRS) or MassRelay at 711"
Click the image above to download the "Abuse is Real: Financial Abuse" graphic.
A young woman with her knees pulled to her chest and her head in her arms. Text on the left reads “Abuse isn’t always visible, but it is REAL. Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.” The blue and gold Disabled Persons Protection Commission logo is in the bottom corner along with text that reads “24-hour Hotline 1-800-426-9009, Deaf or hard of hearing callers please use Video Relay Service (VRS) or MassRelay at 711"
Click the image above to download the "Abuse is Real: Neglect" graphic.
A woman holding the top of her blouse open to expose a dark bruise beneath her collarbone. Text on the left reads “Abuse isn’t always visible, but it is REAL. Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.” The blue and gold Disabled Persons Protection Commission logo is in the bottom corner along with text that reads “24-hour Hotline 1-800-426-9009, Deaf or hard of hearing callers please use Video Relay Service (VRS) or MassRelay at 711"
Click the image above to download the "Abuse is Real: Physical Abuse" graphic.
A woman is sitting on a bed with her back turned to the camera and holding her arms against her. Text on the left reads “Abuse isn’t always visible, but it is REAL. Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.” The blue and gold Disabled Persons Protection Commission logo is in the bottom corner along with text that reads “24-hour Hotline 1-800-426-9009, TTY 771, DPPCMASS.GOV Deaf or hard of hearing callers please use Video Relay Service (VRS) or MassRelay at 711"
Click the image above to download the "Abuse is Real: Sexual Assault" graphic.
A man is sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. Text on the left reads “Abuse isn’t always visible, but it is REAL. Recognize. Empower. Ask. Listen.” The blue and gold Disabled Persons Protection Commission logo is in the bottom corner along with text that reads “24-hour Hotline 1-800-426-9009, Deaf or hard of hearing callers please use Video Relay Service (VRS) or MassRelay at 711"
Click the image above to download the "Abuse is Real: Sexual Assault" graphic.

For general inquiries about learning opportunities, outreach, prevention materials, or upcoming events, please contact: DPPC.Learning@mass.gov