What is violence against women with disabilities?
Research suggests that women with disabilities are more likely to experience domestic violence, emotional abuse, and sexual assault than women without disabilities. Women with disabilities tend to have lower educational, financial, professional, and social success than both non-disabled females and their disabled male counterparts. Women with disabilities may also feel more isolated and feel they are unable to report the abuse, or they may be dependent on the abuser for their care. Like many women who are abused, women with disabilities are usually abused by someone they know, such as a partner or family member.
Because many disabled women are placed in institutions by families who are unwilling or unable to care for them, the institutional setting is a common place for abuse. According to a publication from Hesperian Foundation, examples of institutional abuse are:
- Forced sex with workers, caretakers, or other residents
- Being beaten, slapped, or hurt
- Forced sterilization or abortions
- Being locked in a room alone
- Ice baths or cold showers as punishment
- Forced medication (tranquilizers)
- Having to undress or be naked in front of other people
- Watching other people be abused or hurt
- Being tied down or put in restraints
Signs of Abuse in a Loved one with a Disability
Relatives must be strong advocates for their loved ones with disabilities. If you have a relative with a disability, learn the signs of abuse, especially if your relative has trouble communicating. Report abuse to adult protective services if you notice any of the following with a loved one who has a disability:
- Suddenly being unable to meet essential day-to-day living needs that affect health, safety, or well-being
- Lack of contact with friends or family
- Visible handprints or bruising on the face, neck, arms, or wrists
- Burns, cuts, or puncture wounds
- Unexplained sprains, fractures, or dislocations
- Signs of injuries to internal organs, such as vomiting
- Wearing torn, stained, soiled, or bloody clothing
- Appearing hungry, malnourished, disoriented, or confused
Who commits violence or abuse against women with disabilities?
Most often, violence or abuse against women with disabilities is by their spouses or partners. But women with disabilities can also face abuse from caregivers or personal assistants. Women with disabilities who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating may be more at risk of abuse because they are physically or mentally more vulnerable and can have many different caregivers in their life.
Consequences of Violence Against Women with Disabilities
Studies specifically examining the effects and consequences of violence against disabled women are rare. Similar studies of non-disabled women, however, are helpful because the consequences may be similar. A worldwide study by the UN concerning violence against women noted that women subjected to violence were more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs and to report sexual dysfunction, suicide attempts, post-traumatic stress and central nervous system disorders.
The UN has reported studies that indicate that women with disabilities are more likely to be victims of violence or rape, but are less likely to obtain police intervention, legal protection, or preventative care. In a situation where violence is more common, but less punished, society begins to view the crime as less of a problem. This becomes a cycle and results in an ever-increasing incidence of violence against disabled women.
The Hesperian Foundation has addressed the issue of emotional abuse as it applies to disabled women in particular. The results are similar to those found for physical abuse. Disabled women tend to be marginalized in most societies, both because they are women and because they are disabled. Once a disabled woman is abused, she becomes more marginalized, and may even feel ashamed to leave her house. The emotional abuse will often lead to mental health problems or depression.