Abuse of physically disabled women in Ghana: its emotional consequences and coping strategies

Abstract

Purpose: The article discusses the different forms of abuse experienced by physically disabled women in Ghana, and seeks to provide an understanding of the coping strategies used by these women. Method: This is a qualitative inquiry based on data collected after informed consent from five female informants using in-depth interviews and focus groups. Presentation of results and discussion: The data revealed that our informants experienced social, physical/verbal and sexual abuse to which they adopt coping strategies such as help-seeking, avoidance, confrontation, confidence building and an exchange of sympathy. Conclusion: Disabled women in Ghana still face various forms of abuse that appear to be generally accepted because of cultural beliefs and norms, and they employ various strategies to cope with abuse and sustain their female identity. There is the need for awareness programmes at all societal levels to eradicate prejudices and practices that expose disabled women to abuse.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The rehabilitation of abused disabled women should include empowering processes that enable them to overcome abusive relationships.

• The dignity of abused disabled women can be restored by increasing their access to rehabilitation facilities.

• Cultural stereotypes that legitimate abuse should be addressed in efforts to rehabilitate abused, disabled women.

• Abused, disabled women may increase their female identity when they engage in rehabilitation processes such as networking and participation in full-time work.

• Abuse
• coping strategies
• cultural stereotypes
• disabled women
• emotional imbalances
• female identity

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to our informants and to the Executive Director of the Accra Rehabilitation Centre, who contributed and facilitated the research process.