Intimate Partner Violence and Women with Disabilities: Toward Bringing Visibility to an Unrecognized Population

ABSTRACT

Although women with disabilities experience abuse at alarming rates, research exploring the unique experiences and the dimensions of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the lives of women with disabilities is in its infancy. This article attempts to highlight multidimensional factors for consideration in addressing the needs of women with disabilities who are victims of abuse and violence. Risk factors related to the vulnerability that disabilities pose for IPV victimization are explored in relation to consequent limitations of the traditional models of domestic violence. Feminist disability theory as a viable theory for framing meaningful research and informing effective and accessible prevention and intervention for women with disabilities who are victims of IPV is introduced.

KEYWORDS:

• Abuse
• abuse of the helping relationship
• disability-related abuse
• feminist disability theory
• intimate partner violence
• women with disabilities