Content Note: filicide, suicide, abuse
Every year on March 1st, the disability community across the United States comes together to remember the victims of filicide: people with disabilities killed by their family members or caregivers. To honor the victims, WEI took part in a virtual vigil hosted by the U.S. Alliance (now formally known as U.S. Gender and Disability Justice Alliance) with support from ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).
The event included a video tribute to the people in the disability community who were victims of filicide this year, created by ASAN. The moving tribute was followed by a candlelit moment of silence, remarks by US Alliance members, a poetry reading in memoriam, and an open opportunity for all to offer their words of support. The virtual space was comforting and inclusive, as everyone in attendance found strength in the sense of community. As one participant put it, “you are not alone in your fear, anxiety, and outrage.”
Please take time to scroll through these names and lift them up with light and love: Link to an accessible PDF by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network that displays all of the names of people with disabilities who have been identified as victims of filicide.
Additional resources for learning and advocacy:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: a United States-based network for confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental-health-related distress. It is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. An international list of crisis hotlines is available here [LINK].
- Disability Day of Mourning website: A memorial to the people with disabilities who were victims of filicide.
- Anti-Filicide toolkit by ASAN
- Self-care resource by ASAN
- Disability Day of Mourning 2023 Reflecting on the Impact of Filicide on the Disabled Community by Makahla Jackson
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network website and Facebook page
Stay tuned for more updates on US Alliance Webpage and Facebook page.