People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect

People with a disability are among the most vulnerable in our communities, often because they depend on others for care and support, or because of social isolation, where they live, or the nature of their disability. While anyone can experience violence, abuse or neglect, people with a disability are at greater risk. Of all people with a disability, women and girls are at even greater risk.

As a person with a disability, you have the right to freedom, respect, equality and dignity. You have the right to live to your full potential, to have control over your own life, and to live free from abuse or neglect.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, abuse or neglect — whether at the hands of an individual or an organisation — it is important to seek help.

In an emergency, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) .

Recognising violence, abuse and neglect#

These actions are all in conflict with your basic human rights, and none of them are acceptable.

Violence#

Violence involves physical force being used to hurt, damage or kill someone. Violent behaviour can be physical, sexual, intimidating or forceful. People with a disability are more likely to experience violence from a carer or family member.

Family violence#

Family violence is behaviour towards a family member that is physically or sexually abusive, emotionally or psychologically abusive, threatening or coercive, or that in any other way controls or dominates the person and makes them fear for their own safety or wellbeing, or that of someone else. It also includes behaviour that causes a child to hear, witness or otherwise be exposed to such behaviour.

The most commonly reported forms of violence experienced by women with a disability are psychological, physical and sexual abuse, controlling behaviour and economic abuse.

Abuse#

Abuse is any action that violates your human rights. It can be physical, mental, psychological, sexual or financial.

Neglect#

Neglect is the failure of a service provider or a person caring for you to provide adequate care. Types of neglect include:

• Physical neglect – failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, supervision, or medical or dental care, placing you at undue risk through unsafe environments or practices.
• Passive neglect – withholding or failing to provide the necessities of life.
• Emotional neglect – restricting your social, intellectual and emotional growth or wellbeing.
• Wilful deprivation – deliberately denying you assistance, exposing you to the risk of physical, mental or emotional harm.

Women with disabilities and violence, abuse and neglect#

Women with a disability are more often victims of violence, and are less likely than other women to know how to get help. Violence against women and girls with a disability is twice as likely to occur as it is for women and girls without a disability.

Where to go for help#

If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence, abuse or neglect, help is available. Many types of services can support you, and you usually do not need a referral to contact them:

• Family violence response services offer around-the-clock support, including safe house and refuge accommodation, outreach, information and advocacy, often available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Sexual assault crisis and counselling lines provide confidential telephone support for victims and survivors of both recent and past sexual assault, including legal and medical advice and advocacy with service providers.
• Specialist sexual assault services offer resources, information and support groups about sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour.
• Disability abuse and neglect reporting lines let you report cases of abuse or neglect of a person with a disability; they work with you to find the best way to deal with the issue and can refer you to an appropriate service.
• Family violence support centres provide free help for adults, children and young people experiencing family violence, including services for children, families and men who use violence; you do not need a referral to access them in person or by phone.
• Legal aid services can give free legal advice about protective or intervention orders and other legal problems.
• Crisis support and financial assistance can help women and children access crisis accommodation, or provide the support needed to stay safely in their own home while working with a case manager on a longer-term plan.

Key points#

• People with a disability are at greater risk of violence, abuse and neglect, and women and girls with a disability are at greater risk still.
• You have the right to live free from abuse and neglect, with respect, equality and dignity.
• Abuse can be physical, mental, psychological, sexual or financial, and neglect can be physical, passive, emotional or deliberate.
• In an emergency, call your local emergency number; otherwise, a range of confidential services can help.

Where to get help#