Losing out on both counts: disabled women and domestic violence

Abstract

The links between disability and domestic violence have been under-examined to date, leading to the marginalisation of disabled women affected by domestic violence in theory, politics, and practice. This paper draws on the findings from the first national study in the United Kingdom of the needs of disabled women experiencing domestic violence and of the services available to meet these needs. Utilising the concept of intersectionality to locate abused disabled women along axes of oppression/domination, the paper highlights the complex nature of women’s abuse experiences as well as the inadequacy of professional responses which leave women without support and protection.

Keywords:

• domestic violence
• disabled women
• gender
• intersectionality

Notes

1. It is recognised that abuse is a major issue for women with learning difficulties as well as for those dealing with mental health issues. Since the limitations of funding did not enable this to be the focus of this research, the importance of raising future funding to conduct further robust and comprehensive research on the needs of women in the United Kingdom with learning difficulties and mental health challenges is emphasised.

2. By drawing on lists compiled by the UK Disabled People’s Council and other national and local organisations, surveys were sent out to 348 disability organisations (of which 26 had to close during the survey process). After very lengthy follow-up, a total of 126 responses were received, giving a response rate of 39%. However, 53 of these said simply that they did no work in this area, so substantive responses were received from only 73 organisations.

3. Surveys were sent to 342 domestic violence organisations in England (identified through Women’s Aid lists and UKrefugesonline). After several follow-ups, the final number of responses was 133, giving a response rate of 40%.

4. The Leeds Inter-Agency Project. (2007) in Leeds, England, is an example of one of a few projects that has developed good practice in this area.