You are here: home > directory > What is DV & Victims > groups > disabled
Issues for Disabled women
Disabled women will face additional barriers when seeking help if they experience abuse and violence. For example, the person who is her main carer may also be her abuser. Her home may have been adapted to meet her care needs and this would make leaving an even more difficult option. She may be subjected to physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse in any of the ways that non-disabled women are but in addition, she may experience the following forms of abusive behaviour:
- The abuser may withhold care from her, or undertake it neglectfully or abusively
- The abuser may remove mobility or sensory devices that the woman needs for independence
- The abuser may be claiming state benefits in order to care for her –enabling him to control her finances more effectively
- Her abuser may use her disability to taunt or degrade her
A disabled woman who is experiencing domestic violence may find it harder to protect herself or to access sources of help
- She may be more physically vulnerable than a non disabled woman
- She may be less able to remove herself from an abusive situation
- She may be socially isolated both because of her disability and as a result of her abusers control of her social relationships
- She may find it harder to disclose abuse because she may have no opportunity to see health or social care professionals without her abuser present
- She may fear losing her children
Women with learning disabilities may fear that they will not be believed if they disclose abuse and might fear how they will cope with the consequences of revealing abuse. Some women may also have difficulties communicating their situation and may have difficulty in understanding information that is given to them.
Many of Birmingham’s refuges are adapted specifically to meet the needs of women and children with physical disabilities. The Birmingham Domestic Abuse Refugeline, which also has minicom facility, will be able to find refuge which meets an individual’s needs.
Workers should find out about accessibility when referring women to other agencies.
1.gif)