Women with disabilities' experience with physical and sexual abuse: review of the literature and implications for the field

Trauma Violence Abuse. 2012 Jan;13(1):15-29. doi: 10.1177/1524838011426014. Epub 2011 Nov 8.

Abstract

While studies suggest that the rate of abuse of women with disabilities is similar or higher compared to the general population, there continues to be a lack of attention to this issue. Women with disabilities are at particularly high risk of abuse, both through typical forms of violence (physical, sexual, and emotional) and those that target one's disability. In an effort to highlight the need for increased attention to this issue, this article reviews the current peer-reviewed research in this field. The authors outline recommendations for future research goals and provide implications for research, practice, and policy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers
  • Dependency, Psychological
  • Disabled Persons / psychology
  • Disabled Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Domestic Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mobility Limitation
  • Prevalence
  • Risk
  • Sex Offenses / psychology
  • Sex Offenses / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Isolation / psychology*
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*