Maryann Stallone’s family thought she'd be safe in a home for people with disabilities.
Instead, she was sexually abused – and never taught the tools she needed to report it. buzzfeednews.com/article/ariane…
Instead, she was sexually abused – and never taught the tools she needed to report it. buzzfeednews.com/article/ariane…
Stallone, who’s autistic and requires 24-hour assistance, didn’t know the signs to tell anyone that an employee at the Rainier School, a state-run institution where she lives, had sexually abused her.
It was only discovered when an employee at the Washington institution said she walked into Stallone’s room and found a male employee holding her down, his pants dropped.
Another Rainier resident said the same employee, Terry Wayne Shepard, had sexually abused her, too.
Another Rainier resident said the same employee, Terry Wayne Shepard, had sexually abused her, too.
Shepard was found guilty of attempting to rape Stallone and of taking “indecent liberties” with the second victim. His sentencing is set for Friday.
Shepard could face life in prison, but Stallone’s sister believes the Rainier School is also at fault, and she’s suing the state for failing to protect her sibling.
Justice Department data shows that people with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at rates at least seven times greater than others.
Still, sex education for residents and training for attendants at state-run facilities fails to account for this risk.
Still, sex education for residents and training for attendants at state-run facilities fails to account for this risk.
Many people don’t realize institutions like Rainier still exist. But as of 2016, only 15 states had closed all their public residential facilities.
There are no federal standards for the amount or type of training attendants must receive. Generally, they get about 40 hours.
There are no federal standards for the amount or type of training attendants must receive. Generally, they get about 40 hours.
Activists say the power imbalance between staff and residents at institutions can foster a culture of abuse.
Court documents say the second victim who came forward about Shepard said she “was very worried that she would get into trouble because she reported the incident.”
Court documents say the second victim who came forward about Shepard said she “was very worried that she would get into trouble because she reported the incident.”
Developmentally disabled people are often denied accessible sex education, and it’s just one more way that they’re restricted: 
For now, Stallone is in limbo, still at the Rainier School while her sister faces the daunting prospect of moving her from the only home she’s known for 40 years:
“I always assumed that she was in a safe place with people that cared about her.” buzzfeednews.com/article/ariane…
“I always assumed that she was in a safe place with people that cared about her.” buzzfeednews.com/article/ariane…
