Gender-based violence against women with disabilities

ENDomestic violence experienced by women with disabilities is characterised by exclusively profound and complex causal factors of victimisation. The vulnerability of women with disabilities as victims of violence is influenced by various interconnected factors, including the existence of a disability itself as well as social isolation, restrictions or barriers in studying and working, and the victim’s dependency on other persons or institutions. The most crucial here is the interaction between the victim and the abuser, the direct dependence of the victim with a disability on another person in the closest environment, where a woman finds herself under the constant psychological and economic control of the perpetrator. Another important aspect of violent victimisation experienced by women with disabilities is the latency of victims and victimisation processes. This chapter presents a victimological survey “Experiences of Violence of Women with Disabilities” and examines well-being and service delivery practices for women with disabilities. The analysis reveals that victims experience intense negative feelings such as constant fear, frustration, anger, tension, despair, and a desire for revenge. These feelings indicate the need for targeted comprehensive services to support victims with disabilities. Yet, almost half of all respondents stated that their disability had not been taken into account in the provision of assistance. [From the publication]