Abuse against people with Disabilities
Women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence than women without disabilities and are more likely to experience abuse for longer periods of time. Disabled men also report being abused at a higher rate than men who are not disabled.
The abuse is rarely from strangers, but often by someone a disabled person trusts. In many cases it is family members, transportation providers, and other caregivers.
The caregiver may control every part of a disabled person's life, which makes it hard to seek help by using the phone or disclosing during doctor's visits.
DV + Disabilities
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Domestic violence can cause temporary or permanent disability;
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People with disabilities experience higher rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse;
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Violence, assault and abuse against a person with a disability often take on non-“traditional” forms;
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People with disabilities face additional barriers when seeking help. Shelters may not be equipped.
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People may admire caregivers for taking care of the victim which can make it hard to recognize abuse.
Empowering people with disabilities
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When we deny sex education to people with intellectual disabilities, it makes it much harder for them to recognize the abuse. We have an obligation to help people with disabilities understand consent.
There are many forms of domestic violence like stealing income, limiting food, physical violence, calling them useless, and suggesting that no one else would love or take care of them.
Listening to people with disabilities
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One way abuse is extended is by people without disabilities dismissing the experiences of real abuse that disabled people report.
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People with disabilities are often encouraged to be compliant.
That attitude makes it harder for disabled people experiencing abuse to come forward.
They may also be afraid of what will happen if they are removed from their families or fear they will lose their independence. Think about what it means when someone who is supposed to assist you creates barriers to your quality of life.
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According to the American Psychological Association, women with disabilities may experience unique forms of abuse that are difficult to recognize — making it even harder to get the kind of help they need.
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Such abuse may include:
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Removing or destroying a person’s mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, walkers).
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Denying access to and/or taking prescribed medication from someone.
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Forcing someone to take medication against her will.
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Forcing someone to lie in soiled undergarments.
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Preventing access to food.
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Inappropriately touching a person while assisting with bathing and/or dressing.
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Denying access to disability-related resources in the community and/or to health care appointments.
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Moving furniture around the house to block the person from moving freely through the house
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Name-calling and insults about looks or value of your life (ex. "you are useless")
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Abusive behavior against people with disabilities doesn't just happen in our community, it's worldwide. The language and abusive patterns are similar across cultures.
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But, together we can help by supporting organizations that advocate for disabilities like The Arc. They provide helpful information and action steps for supporting disabled survivors.
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Help raise awareness by listening to disabled people and busting myths. Disabled advocates have been at the forefront of civil rights movements. Check out these links on disability activists and disability history.
Disability advocates recommend having a safety plan to help with leaving. Survivors will need to gather their medicines, medical equipment, and arrange for new housing and maybe even new caregivers.
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