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Violence Against Women with Disabilities

Violence Against Women Home > Resources by Groups > Violence Against Women with Disabilities

About 10 -13% of women with disabilities report having experienced abuse, a rate similar to that of women without disabilities. Yet, according to the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities at Baylor College of Medicine, women with disabilities report more intense abuse, a larger number of abusers, more incidents of abuse, and longer length of abuse. For all women, the abuser is often a partner or family member, but women with disabilities are more likely to be abused by health care providers or caretakers.

Women with disabilities face the same types of physical and verbal abuse reported by all women. But they also are subject to unique forms of abuse. Caretakers can withhold medicine and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or braces. They can also refuse to help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, or eating.

If you're being abused by someone you rely on for help with daily living, you may feel trapped. If you can, reach out to someone close to you, such as a family member, a caretaker, a good friend, or a neighbor and ask for help.

Additional Information on Violence Against Women with Disabilities:

Publications

1.   Abuse of Women with Disabilities - This is a page of the Womenshealth.gov illness and disabilities section that contains information and resources for women with disabilities about abuse.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/wwd/abuse.cfm?style=module

2.   Abuse Deserves Special Vigilance - This publication gives information on why violence is a serious problem for women with disabilities. It provides four questions that doctors and nurses can ask if they suspect their patient is being abused.

   http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/women/abuse.htm

3. Victims with Disabilities Face Unique Challenges (Copyright © NCVC) - This article explains the likelihood of stalking and abuse happening to persons with disabilities. It provides information regarding the obstacles of being protected from an abuser, and the manipulation that can occur between a person with a disability and an intimate partner.

   http://www.ncvc.org/src/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?Documen...

4. Violence Against Women with Disabilities - Prevalence (Copyright © CROWD) - This fact sheet contains statistical information concerning the prevalence of abuse of women with physical disabilities from the National Study of Women with Physical Disabilities.

   http://www.bcm.edu/crowd/?pmid=1338

Organizations

1.   DisabilityInfo.gov
2. Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services
3. Victims of Crime With Disabilities Resource Guide

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated September 1, 2007.