Disability and Domestic Violence

Friday 03-12-2021 - 16:39

Right now it is both 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence AND Disability History Month. As such, I’ve been talking to and finding out more about how gender-based violence effects disabled women. This is something that is rarely talked about but it is time that we start this discussion about how these backgrounds intersect.

In the UK, Disabled Women are twice as likely to experience domestic abuse than non-disabled women. The abuser may be the carer for the disabled woman and they can exploit the power-imbalance between the carer/caree to coerce and control the victim. Due to the disabling world, a disabled woman may be more socially isolated or the abuser may use the disability to socially isolate making it harder for the victim to report or receive support. Visibility was a common theme in the reports I read and those I spoke to. Disabled women (and men) are often disempowered in our society which puts them at higher risk and can also be used by abusers to further disempower or taunt them. Domestic abuse organisations are starting to address the specific needs of disabled women. For example, Women’s Aid UK Survivor’s Handbook has a section for disabled women who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Internationally, disabled women also experience higher rates of domestic abuse which is often compounded by disability discrimination. Many international aid programmes that are meant to prevent gender-based violence do not incorporate disabled women’s voices and the unique dangers and challenges they face with domestic abuse due to their disability. Action on Disability and Development International has put together their learnings from working with disabled women in developing nations experiencing domestic abuse.

I not only read up on this issue but also spoke to disabled women in the Asian community here in Glasgow about their lived experiences. Sameera Khan is a disabled woman advocate and former Langside College student really brought it home for me “Anyone can be the victim of domestic violence and one should not suffer it alone. For me being in a wheelchair can be difficult because I have seen and I know how does it feel to be sexually assaulted. So, if anyone faces assault or harassment, they should report to the police and don’t keep things to themselves. It can be hard while facing a situation like this because the more you keep quiet, you will be more abused. Also, it should be banned as well but if you go in a relationship with someone, pick your life partner wisely and check if that person is good enough for you or not. Say no to things you don’t want to do because everyone has the right to say no to it.”

Everyone has the right to say no. Everyone has the right to be visible. Everyone has the right to access support that is inclusive of them. Please read these reports that I have linked to above and work towards a future where ones’ intersectionality does not disadvantage them.

Sadida Hasan

Women's Officer 2021-22