Women with disabilities can experience unique forms of abuse that are difficult to recognize, making it even more difficult to get the type of help they need. 

This abuse may include:

• Destroying or removing a person's mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, walkers)
• Deny access and/or use of prescribed medications by anyone.
• Forcing someone to take medication against their will.
• Forcing someone to stay in dirty underwear.
• Prevent access to food.
• Inappropriately touching a person while helping to bathe and/or dress.

• Deny access to disability-related resources in the community and/or health care appointments.

Types of abuse

Abuse is not always easy to identify, but learning about the different types of abuse can help:

• Physical abuse: (for example, hitting, slapping and/or restraining).
• Sexual abuse: (for example, forcing someone to engage in sexual acts).
• Verbal abuse: (e.g. name calling, cursing).
• Emotional abuse: (for example, isolating someone from their friends and family, humiliating or ignoring a person).
• Financial exploitation: (for example, taking and/or controlling another person's money).

Where and by whom does the abuse occur?

Abuse can occur anywhere, but most often when the woman has limited access to asking for help or there are witnesses. Abusers can be:

• Caregivers.
• Members of the family.
• Transportation providers.
• Intimate couples.
• Personal care assistants and other types of disability support providers.

Getting help

Getting help and reporting the abuser is not easy. Frequently, women with disabilities do not report their aggressor, since:

• Signs of abuse may not be obvious to others.
• They may feel ashamed or guilty.
• They may be afraid of losing their home or independence, especially if the abuser is their caregiver or intimate partner.
• They may not know where to get help or help may not be easy to get.
• Communication barriers can get in the way, especially for deaf women.
• Service providers often have limited knowledge about a person's needs and abuse.

• The attacker may be well known and respected.

What you can do

If you know someone who is being abused or if you are a victim of abuse, it is important to know that help is available. But you may need to open up by approaching a focus group to help connect with local agencies to address both disability and abuse.

What you can do to help yourself

• Contact supportive and caring people, not those who might blame you for the abuse.
• Secure a restraining or protective order if necessary – this prohibits a person from harassing, threatening, approaching, approaching you or even contacting you. Always carry it with you.
• Seek help from a psychologist and other licensed mental health provider; Contact your doctor and other primary health care provider; Hire the services of centers or shelters for battered women.

Planning for security

If possible, have a phone with you at all times and know the numbers you need to call for help.

• Don't be afraid to call the police.
• Pack a bag (include money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, extra clothes, and medicines), and leave it in a safe place or with someone you trust. Don't forget to consider disability assistive devices.
• Trust your friends and let them know your situation, develop a plan and visible signs for when you need help.
• Teach your children how to get help. Instruct them not to engage in violence between you and your partner. Plan to have a code word that will be the signal for them to get help or leave the house.

• Practice exiting safely. Practice with your children.