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Abstract
Research has revealed that women with disabilities are at greater risk of abuse and interpersonal violence (IPV). Low employment rates, dependency upon others, and low self-esteem are among the contributing factors for the higher rates of IPV and abuse among women with disabilities. In addition, women with disabilities experience disability-specific abuse, which is often overlooked by researchers, as well as healthcare professionals. The authors reviewed the literature to examine the prevalence rates, risks, as well as prevention strategies for rehabilitation professionals when working with this specific population.
Keywords: women with disability, abuse, interpersonal violence, review
Introduction
Women with disabilities constitute one of the largest and most disadvantaged populations in the United States (Nosek & Hughes, 2003). Due to their dual minority status, women with disabilities must contend not only with environmental, societal, and attitudinal barriers, but also the increased risk for being abused or experiencing interpersonal violence (IPV) in their lifetime (Barrett et al, 2009). Moreover, the most common perpetrators of IPV were intimate partners (Chang, Martin, Moracco, Dulli, Scandlin, Loucks-Sorrel, Turner, Starsoneck, Dorian, & Bou-Saada, 2003). The range and array of stigma experienced by women with disabilities often renders such individuals socially invisible, undervalued, undesirable, asexual, naïve, and dependent (Foster & Sandel, 2010).
While there is a growing body of literature addressing women with disabilities and abuse, there remains a considerable gap in the research with regard to populations of women with diverse disabilities and their experiences with abuse or IPV, and in addition, the implications for rehabilitation professionals. A handful of studies have compared physical and/or sexual assault experiences between women with and without disabilities; however, each of these studies had some methodological limitations (Martin et al, 2006). Existing research on the experience of violence among women with disabilities points to the need for population-based sampling (vs. studies relying on populations of victims seeking services), the inclusion of women of nonWhite descent, and the use of literature-based definitions of IPV extending beyond physical abuse alone or service receipt as a victim of IPV without further definition (Slater, 2009).
Few studies have been conducted which specifically address empowerment of women with disabilities experiencing abuse or IPV with education and prevention. Some safety awareness programs have been designed to respond to the...