Gender-based violence among people with disabilities is a neglected public health topic

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to provide an analytical insight on the current state of knowledge on gender-based violence among people with disabilities, a topic where the level of data is relatively low. We briefly discuss the current research on: (a) the prevalence, risk factors and the theoretical approaches for gender-based violence among people with disabilities. (b) Service provision among people with disabilities who experience gender-based violence. (c) We also highlight areas where further research is required, the applicable theoretical approaches and provide an example on how Sweden is attempting to bridge this knowledge gap through implementing the Disability and Intimate-partner violence project (DIS-IPV) project.

SPECIAL ISSUE:

• Gender and Health Inequality

KEYWORDS:

• Gender-based violence
• disability
• service provision

Responsible Editor Peter Byass, Umeå University, Sweden

Responsible Editor Peter Byass, Umeå University, Sweden

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Paper context

The number of people with disabilities is increasing globally due to ageing and medical advancement yet there is limited research focusing on the different aspects of gender-based violence in this population. This paper provides the current research scope on gender-based violence among people with disabilities with special focus on service provision, a neglected research topic. The authors highlight areas requiring further research attention and provide an example of how Sweden is addressing this research gap.

Additional information

Funding

This paper is part of a project that has received funding from FORTE: the Swedish Research Council for Health Working Life and Welfare [STYB-2019/0005].

Notes on contributors

Fredinah Namatovu

FN drafted the first version of the manuscript. RP and IG made important intellectual content by commenting and revising the manuscript. All authors have read and approved of the final version.