When Innocence Hurts

"When Innocence Hurts" is a zine designed for the non-profit organization, Vera, addressing the sexual abuse of children with disabilities. Research reveals that children with disabilities face a staggering 2.9 times higher risk of sexual abuse than their non-disabled peers. This vulnerability is even more pronounced among children with intellectual and mental health challenges, who experience a 4.6 times greater risk.

Despite these alarming statistics, the plight of sexually abused children with disabilities remains underrepresented in policy discussions and advocacy efforts. The absence of attention from policymakers, practitioners, and the broader community translates to insufficient support services for these victims. Existing organizations equipped to serve people with disabilities often lack the expertise to address crime victimization, while agencies centered on crime and victim services typically are not designed to cater to those with special needs.

In “When Innocence Hurts,” every design choice is intentional. Hand-written messages imitate the innocent, child-like scrawl, acting as a poignant reminder of the young voices yearning to be heard. To ensure inclusivity, key content is integrated in braille, allowing readers with visual impairments to engage and connect with the message. Through the curation and design of "When Innocence Hurts", my aim is to amplify awareness of this pressing issue and drive a transformative change. The zine is not just an advocacy tool; it's a call to action to ensure that these innocent victims receive the attention, care, and support they rightfully deserve.