The Intersection of Disability and Domestic Abuse: Interrupting the Cycle

Deputy District Attorney Melissa McMurdo and Senior Victim Advocate Kellie Tyndall will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Friday, June 30, 2023, to deliver a workshop titled, “The Intersection of Disability and Domestic Abuse: Interrupting the Cycle.” The workshop begins with an overview of the legal protections of people with disabilities. After a discussion of the law, Ms. McMurdo will explain the theoretical foundations of how disability is conceived by society by discussing the medical model versus the social model of disability. This discussion lays the foundation for an explanation on how perpetrators exploit people with disabilities. Ms. McMurdo and Ms. Tyndall will also explain the common myths and stereotypes at play in victimization. The workshop includes a discussion of financial abuse and domestic violence, and how these are two areas in which people with disabilities can be targeted. Finally, the workshop ends with a discussion on the resources available to those who are crime victims, both in and outside the criminal justice system. Melissa McMurdo received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 2008 and subsequently attended law school at Chapman University School of Law. In 2013, Ms. McMurdo joined the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a deputy district attorney. Since that time, she has successfully tried dozens of jury trials. She is currently assigned as the on-site prosecutor at the Family Justice Center. Ms. McMurdo engages in significant public outreach to educate the community about domestic violence, the intersection of the criminal justice system and disability, and legal issues that affect seniors. Kellie Tyndall is a Senior Victim Advocate at the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and a member of Ventura Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST). Ms. Tyndall collaborates with other groups and agencies across the United States to educate the public, families, and providers about exploitation and fraud against our senior population and vulnerable adults with disabilities. In her caseload, Ms. Tyndall serves victims of financial abuse across the United States and internationally. Ms. Tyndall is passionate about her job, helping victims, and preventing others from becoming victims. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or ron.solorzano@ventura.org. The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.