When the topic of violence is discussed, women, children, and seniors are most often mentioned. November 24 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In this blog post, I focus on women and girls with disabilities and the violence that is directed at them.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes that women and girls with disabilities face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. It also highlights their particular vulnerability to violence, injury, abuse, neglect, careless treatment, and exploitation. The first World Action Plan on Disability identifies these persons as a “special group” and points to the specific barriers they face in accessing healthcare, education, and employment.

When studying the 2021 publication titled Women with Disability and Domestic Family Violence: A Guide for Policy and Practice, I immediately read at the beginning about data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics concerning disability. You can find more information at this link: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/focus-crime-and-justice-statistics/latest-release

The facts that I consider important:

  • 12-month prevalence rate of violence among women by level of disability
  • 12-month prevalence rate of violence among men by level of disability
  • Socio-demographic characteristics of victims

In 2016, people living with a disability or long-term health condition:

  • 5,7 % (330 400) experienced physical and/or sexual violence – of which 5,9 % were women and 5,6 % men
  • 5,0 % (288 700) experienced physical violence – of which 4,8 % were women and 5,1 % men
  • 1,4 % (78 700) experienced sexual violence – of which 2,2 % were women and 0,7 % men
  • 3,1 % (180 200) experienced stalking – of which 3,7 % were women and 2,5 % men
  • 15 % (859 500) experienced sexual harassment – of which 19 % were women and 10 % men

In a recent paper titled Global prevalence of violence against women with disabilities: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors note that studies of violence against people with disabilities often do not include data disaggregated by sex. They primarily focus on intimate partner violence, while not accounting for other perpetrators such as family members or caregivers. More information can be found at this link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12588038/

According to recent European Union research, roughly half of all women with severe disabilities experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime (51 %), while among women without disabilities it was one-third (33 %). Hungary, Slovenia, and Ireland were excluded from the study because data were unavailable. More information can be found at this link: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/gender-equality-in-a-changing-world_e808086f-en/full-report/violence-against-women-remains-pervasive_aa396d5d.html

In 2020, the European Disability Forum published an easy-to-read text that explains to women and girls with disabilities where and to whom they can turn if they experience any form of violence. More information can be found at this link: https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/ending-violence-against-women-and-girls-with-disabilities-easy-to-read/

The COVID-19 pandemic was a burden for every person—regardless of whether someone had a disability or not. In an article, FORUM Human Rights states that the number of accounts of violence increased significantly. "From March 2023 to February 2025, an international project titled Connected Spaces and Programmes for the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children with Disabilities was carried out. The project focused on improving how women can report violence and abuse, and improving access to support services. FORUM was the implementing partner for Slovakia."

The project achieved its goals through a combined implementation of activities carried out in 5 EU countries over 2 years:

  • development and implementation of tools to identify and prevent exploitation, violence, and abuse (including methodologies, monitoring tools, a training manual, and training of multidisciplinary teams),
  • drafting multidisciplinary protocols for reporting and addressing allegations of violence, which supported a coordinated approach to support and remedy for victims,
  • support for access to support services and resources through the publication of national reports that mapped legal and policy measures, along with an online map of available resources and recommendations for women and girls with intellectual disabilities who have experienced violence and abuse.

You can find more on this internet link, including publications and recommendations on preventing violence against people with disabilities. More information can be found at this link: https://forumhr.eu/prevention-of-violence-against-woman-and-children-with-disabilities/

Violence is, by itself, a very intimate and difficult topic. However, when speaking about violence against people, and specifically women and girls with disabilities, it is a double challenge. November 24 is dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This contribution can therefore also be seen as a symbolic linking of these two important days.

Author: Mgr. Michaela Lorková Contact the author: michaela.herdova05@gmail.com