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Abuse Deserves Special Vigilance

Violence is a serious problem for many women with disabilities. 

Two small studies by the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD) at Baylor College of Medicine found 10 to 13 percent of women with disabilities reporting being abused within the past year, a rate similar to that of women without disabilities.  But women with disabilities were more likely to be abused for longer periods of time.  They were also abused by a wider variety of people, such as health-care providers, strangers, or attendants, in addition to partners or family members.

Women with disabilities experience the types of physical and mental abuse women in general do.  But they also are subject to unique forms of abuse:  caretakers have been reported withholding medicines and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or braces, or being refused essential care.

Women with disabilities need to know about resources that can help them if they are abused.  Few women with physical, visual, or hearing disabilities use battered women's services, according to another CROWD study.  The study suggested that many shelters may be accessible to women with physical disabilities but may not reach out to them or offer services such as sign language interpreters or personal care attendants.

Health-care providers can routinely screen for abuse by asking four simple questions:

Within the last year,

1. Have you been hit, slapped, kicked, pushed, shoved, or otherwise physically hurt by someone?

2. Has anyone forced you to have sexual activities?

3. Has anyone prevented you form using a wheelchair, cane, respirator, or other assistive device?

4. Has anyone you depend on refused to help you with an important personal need such as taking your medicine, getting to the bathroom, getting out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, or getting food or drink?

Source:  Center for Research on Women with Disabilities at Baylor College of Medicine

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National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) promotes the health of babies, children, and adults, and enhances the potential for full, productive living.  Our work includes identifying the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.