special collection - disability
Domestic and family violence and disability
Introduction
Research on factors concerning domestic and family violence against people with disabilities, and evidence and evaluation of strategies aimed to address such violence, are critical to strengthening our understanding and response to disabled members of our communities. While comprehensive information about domestic and family violence against people with disabilities is limited, available research suggests that women with disabilities experience significantly higher levels of violence than other women, while facing greater challenges to accessing support and assistance. The Clearinghouse database contains a wide array of research and resources on issues related to people with disabilities, including information about prevalence and service practice, as well as resources for clients and workers. On the International Day of Disabled Persons, the Clearinghouse is releasing a Special Collection of materials on domestic and family violence against people with disabilities.
In this special collection, you will find research and resources related to:
Click here for a list of all our resources on this topic.
Violence against women with disabilities: an overview of the literature
Howe, K 1999, ‘Violence against women with disabilities: an overview of the literature’, Women against violence: an Australian feminist journal , December, no. 7, pp. 11-19, Record #179
Provides an overview of both Australian and overseas literature in relation to women with disabilities and violence in the period between 1990 and 1999.
Violence and women with disabilities: silence and paradox
Chenoweth, LI 1997, ‘Violence and women with disabilities: silence and paradox’, in Women's encounters with violence: Australian Experiences , Sage Publications, pp. 21-39, Record #476
Asserts that the specific issues and experiences of women with disabilities who experience domestic violence have been absent from mainstream debate and Government initiatives.
Access to injustice?: domestic violence and women with intellectual disabilities in Australia
Lawrence AE & Robinson S 1997, ‘Access to injustice?: domestic violence and women with intellectual disabilities in Australia’, Polemic, Vol 8. No 1, pp. 34-35, Record #820
Explores the issue of domestic violence amongst women with disabilities and outlines the statistical data relating to the large number of women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence and the problems faced by these victims.
Redefining abuse of women with disabilities: a paradox of limitation and expansion
Gilson SF, Cramer EP, DePoy E 2001, ‘Redefining abuse of women with disabilities: a paradox of limitation and expansion’, Affilia: a journal of women and social work', Vol 16, No 2, Summer, pp. 220-235, Record #1099
Highlights some of the major factors contributing to the particular vulnerability of women with disabilities to a variety of forms of abuse and neglect and sets out the findings of a study that utilised a naturalistic design and focus group methodology in order to examine the needs and experiences of this group of women.
Violence and women with a disability: break down the barriers
Jennings C 2003, ‘Violence and women with a disability: break down the barriers’, Beyond the Divide: 3rd National Homelessness Conference, Brisbane, April 2003, Record #1849
Discusses the particular circumstances that render women with disabilities outstandingly vulnerable to violence, their needs and the social failure to address the problem.
Double the odds - domestic violence and women with disabilities
Salthouse S & Frohmader C 2004, ‘Double the odds - domestic violence and women with disabilities’, Home truths conference, September 2004, Melbourne, Record #3101
Presented to the Home Truths Conference, Melbourne, on behalf of Women With Disabilities Australia, this paper looks at issues for women with disabilities experiencing domestic violence and discusses how they have been excluded from most generic policies and responses, including their invisibility in both the disability and the women’s movements.
A lifetime of violence: older women and mental health
Olle, L 2005, ‘A lifetime of violence: older women and mental health’, O & G, Vol 7, No 4, Summer, pp. 33-36, Record #3631
Outlines the links between domestic violence , disability and older women in Australia and looks at issues for older women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic and family violence, and the correlation between violence and disability, especially anxiety and depression.
Domestic violence and individuals with disabilities: reflections on research and practice
Baladerian NJ 2009, ‘Domestic violence and individuals with disabilities: reflections on research and practice’, Journal of aggression, maltreatment & trauma, Vol 18, No 2, pp. 153-161, Record #4577
Presents an overview of current research into domestic violence as it impacts individuals with disabilities. This paper broadens the definition of domestic violence to include that perpetrated by carers who may or may not live with the disabled individual and may include spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, or other relatives of the individual.
Forgotten sisters: recognising and responding to domestic violence in the lives of women with disabilities
Dowse L & Parkinson A 2007, ‘Forgotten sisters: recognising and responding to domestic violence in the lives of women with disabilities’, Women With Disabilities Australia, Rosny Park, TAS, Record #4730
Explores the development of the women’s refuge movement in Australia from the mid 1970s. This conference paper maps its progress towards recognising disability as a significant factor in service provision today.
Defining the issue: the intersection of domestic abuse and disability
Nixon J 2009, ‘Defining the issue: the intersection of domestic abuse and disability’, Social Policy and Society, Vol 8, No 4, October, pp. 475-485, Record #4723
Presents the findings of a qualitative study on the politicisation of domestic violence as it relates to the experiences of disabled survivors and argues that definitions of domestic violence are currently being debated within the disability and domestic violence spheres.
A report on the Northern Territory Government Domestic Violence Strategy : data collection project, 1997
Thompson R & Hunter S 1997, ‘A report on the Northern Territory Government Domestic Violence Strategy : data collection project, 1997’, Northern Territory Office of Women's Policy, Record #306
Reports on data collected between 1 July 1996 and 30 June 1997 from 29 government and non-government agencies using a unified data collection system, a first in Australia.
Prevalence of abuse of women with physical disabilities
Young ME, Nosek MA, Howland CA, Chanpong G, Rintala DH 1997, ‘Prevalence of abuse of women with physical disabilities’, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation , Vol 78, December, pp. S-34 - S38, Record #782
Outlines the methodology and results of a US research project aimed at documenting the prevalence of physical, sexual and emotional abuse of women with physical disabilities, compared to that of the general female population.
Abuse of women with disabilities: state of the science
Curry MA, Hassouneh-Philips D 2002, ‘Abuse of women with disabilities: state of the science’, Rehabilitation counseling bulletin , Vol 45, No 2, Summer, pp. 96-104, Record #843
Provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative studies into domestic violence against women with disabilities and identifies several trends which emerge from the data gathered.
Northern Territory domestic violence data collection project : July 1998 to June 1999 : summary statistics
Northern Territory Office of Women's Policy 1999, ‘Northern Territory domestic violence data collection project : July 1998 to June 1999 : summary statistics ’, Northern Territory, Record #2691
Examines the links between domestic violence , disability and older women in Australia, and looks at issues for older women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic and family violence, and the correlation between violence and disability, especially anxiety and depression.
1998 Northern Territory domestic violence data collection project : June 1997 to July 1998 : summary statistics
Northern Territory Office of Women's Policy 1998 , ‘1998 Northern Territory domestic violence data collection project : June 1997 to July 1998 : summary statistics ’, Northern Territory, Record #2692
Presents a summation of data from the 'Northern Territory Government Domestic Violence Data Collection Project Report 1998', Occasional Paper No 31.
1997 Northern Territory domestic violence data collection project : June 1996 to July 1997 : summary statistics
Northern Territory Office of Women's Policy 1997 , ‘1997 Northern Territory domestic violence data collection project : June 1996 to July 1997 : summary statistics ’, Northern Territory, Record #2693
Presents a summation of data from ‘A Report on the Northern Territory Government Domestic Violence Strategy Data Collection Project 1997’, Occasional Paper No 19.
Partner violence against women with disabilities: prevalence, risk, and explanations
Brownridge Douglas A 2006, ‘Partner violence against women with disabilities: prevalence, risk, and explanations’, Violence against women, Vol 12, No 9, September, pp. 805-822, Record #3885
Examines the risk for partner violence against women with disabilities relative to women without disabilities using a representative sample of 7,027 Canadian women living in a marital or common-law union.
A Michigan study on women with physical disabilities : final report
Milberger S, LeRoy B, Martin A, Israel N, Potter L & Patchak-Schuster P 2002, ‘A Michigan study on women with physical disabilities : final report ’, US National Institute of Justice, Record #4661
Investigates the prevalence and correlates of domestic abuse against women with physical disabilities in Michigan, and service system capacity to respond. This is the final report by the United States National Institute of Justice.
Domestic and family violence database summary: disability
Nancarrow H 2008, ‘Domestic and family violence database summary: disability’, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research Newsletter, Vol 7, No 1, September, pp. 9-10, Record #4716
Reports on disability statistics obtained from data collected by the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research from 3 October 2003 to 30 June 2008.
- Housing
- Barriers to service
Women with disabilities: domestic violence & accommodation
Cox C 1999, ‘Women with disabilities: domestic violence & accommodation’, DVAR: Domestic violence, action and resources, No 5 & 6, December, pp. 8, Record #187
Reports on activities of WWILD-SVP (Women Working Alongside Women With Intellectual and Learning Disabilities- Sexual Violence Prevention).
At greater risk
Jennings C 2004, ‘At greater risk ’, Parity, vol 17, No 4, May, pp. 8, Record #2739
Provides an overview of the specific issues faced by women with disabilities who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, and highlights the inadequacy of existing housing and crisis accommodation services in dealing with the diverse needs of disabled women.
Disclose family violence and risk homelessness
Jennings C 2003, ‘Disclose family violence and risk homelessness’, Parity, vol 16, No 10, November, pp. 24-25, Record #2782
Discusses some of the barriers to disclosure of family violence for women with a disability and highlights the inadequacy of service responses to the needs of this group of women, particularly in relation to crisis and supported accommodation assistance.
Implications of PADV findings for housing and accommodation
Partnerships Against Domestic Violence 2005, ‘Implications of PADV findings for housing and accommodation ’, Canberra, Record #3211
Developed for policy makers in the housing sector, this fact sheet has been based on the first phase of Partnerships Against Domestic Violence (PADV).
Jennings C 2007, ‘The use of sole occupancy orders in supporting women with disabilities’, DVIRC Quarterly, vol 4, Summer 2007, November, pp. 16-18, Record #4719
Describes the difficulties facing women with disabilities who are also living with domestic violence. Sole occupancy orders (also referred to as exclusion orders or ouster orders) are put forward as a valuable option in this situation.
Listening: a tool for minimising violence in the lives of women with disabilities
Dennis R 1999, ‘Listening: a tool for minimising violence in the lives of women with disabilities ’, Women against violence: an Australian feminist journal, No 7, December, pp. 32-41, Record #227
Explores the intersection of personal story and identity formation for women with profound intellectual disabilities, nominating the failure of society to listen as the primary violent act. .Women with disabilities and domestic violence
Sceriha M 1996, ‘Women with disabilities and domestic violence’, Women With Disabilities Australia, Dickson, ACT, Record #665
Addresses the specific issues for women with disabilities in accessing information about resources relating to domestic violence, and in accessing services.Women with disabilities and domestic violence : WWDA's response
Swift K 1998, ‘Women with disabilities and domestic violence : WWDA's response ’, Women With Disabilities Australia, Dickson, ACT, Record #666
Examines the issues women with disabilities face concerning domestic violence, and the role, function and 1997 projects of Women With Disabilities, Australia.When home doesn’t feel like home
O'Brien A 2002, ‘When home doesn’t feel like home’, Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre Newsletter, No 4, Summer, pp. 3- 8, Record #1347
Describes difficulties which disabled women face in the areas of housing, transport and social service delivery particularly examining the issue of partner violence, using anecdotal evidence supported by figures from the Housing Resource and Support Service.Reclaiming our rights : access to existing police, legal and support services for women with disabilities or who are deaf or hearing impaired who are subject to violence
Mulder L 1996, ‘Reclaiming our rights : access to existing police, legal and support services for women with disabilities or who are deaf or hearing impaired who are subject to violence ’, Department for Women, NSW, Record #2011
Presents the background, methodology, findings and context of a research project aimed at both exploring the extent to which women with disabilities and women who are deaf/hearing-impaired utilise legal and social resources for victims of violence and also identifying the major barriers for these women in accessing resources.Intimate and caregiver violence against women with disabilities
Erwin PE 2000, ‘Intimate and caregiver violence against women with disabilities ’, Battered Women's Justice Project, USA, Record #2169
Defines and discusses the scope and nature of domestic violence and violence against women with disabilities before highlighting specific ways in which gender and disability can intersect to create multiple barriers and forms of oppression.Real trouble in the home: the domestic violence reality for women with disabilities
Salthouse S & Frohmader C 2005, ‘Real trouble in the home: the domestic violence reality for women with disabilities’, Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre Newsletter, No 4, Summer, pp. 11-18, Record #3081
Provides an overview of the specific issues faced by women with disabilities who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, and highlights the inadequacy of existing housing and crisis accommodation services in dealing with the diverse needs of disabled women.Violence against women with disabilities
Milberger S, Israel N, LeRoy B, Martin A, Potter L & Patchak-Schuster P 2003, ‘Violence against women with disabilities’, Violence and Victims, vol 18, No 5, October, pp. 581-591, Record #3673
Describes a US study that looked at risk factors for violence among a sample of women with physical disabilities. It found that 100 (56%) of the 177 women in the study indicated a history of abuse.Completely knocked out: Australian perspectives on disability, disempowerment and domestic violence
Salthouse S 2007, ‘Completely knocked out: Australian perspectives on disability, disempowerment and domestic violence’, Women With Disabilities Australia, Rosny Park, TAS, Record #4729
Examines the status of women and girls with disabilities and how their lives intersect with the disturbingly high incidence of domestic violence suffered by women throughout the world, generally, and in Australia, particularly.
Triple disadvantage: out of sight, out of mind
Jennings C 2003, ‘Triple disadvantage: out of sight, out of mind’, Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre, Melbourne, Vic, Record #2909
Describes the background and aims of Triple Disadvantage: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, a collaborative project undertaken to improve partnerships between services for victims of violence and services for people with a disability in Melbourne’s Western Metropolitan Region.
Silent voices: women with disabilities and family and domestic violence
Cockram J 2003, ‘Silent voices : women with disabilities and family and domestic violence’, Nedlands, W.A.: People with Disabilites (W.A.) Inc., Record #2959
Presents the findings and research methodology of a collaborative project undertaken by People with Disabilities (WA) Inc., The Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre Inc. and the Edith Cowan University Centre for Social Research, aimed at documenting the nature and prevalence of family and domestic violence against women with disabilities in Western Australia and determining the extent to which the needs of these women are being met by relevant services.
Making the links: disabled women and domestic violence final report
Hague G, Thiara R, Mullender A & Magowan P 2003, ‘Making the links: disabled women and domestic violence final report ’, Women's Aid, Bristol, England, Record #4341
Examines the needs of disabled women in the UK experiencing domestic violence and the services available to meet those needs.
Disabled women and domestic violence as violent crime
Radford J, Harne L & Trotter J 2009, ‘Violence against women with disabilities’, Practice, vol 18, No 4, December, pp. 233-246, Record #4727
Provides an overview of a 2005 study from Middlesbrough in the UK which examined the need for interagency cooperation in service delivery to disabled women living with domestic violence.
Healy L, Howe K, Humphreys C, Jennings C, Julian F, 2009, ‘Building the evidence : a report on the status of policy and practice in responding to violence against women with disabilities in Victoria ’, Victorian Women with Disabilities Network Advocacy Information Service, Melbourne, Record #4715
Gathers evidence about responses to violence against women with disabilities in Victoria and makes recommendations that would help improve these services.
Be safe be sure project: a project for women with intellectual disabilities on safety and sexuality
Dunnett M 2002, ‘Be safe be sure project: a project for women with intellectual disabilities on safety and sexuality’, Penrith Women's Health Centre, Penrith, NSW, Record #1492
Describes a project that was implemented at Penrith Women’s Health Centre during 2002 to develop the skills of women with intellectual disabilities and improve their social relationships, independence and safety.
Looking after me: safe and healthy relationships for women with intellectual disability: project report
Dunnett M 2007, ‘Silent voices: women with disabilities and family and domestic violence’, Penrith Women's Health Centre, Penrith, NSW, Record #4145
Outlines the “Looking After Me” project that focussed on safe and healthy relationships for women with disabilities in the Penrith (Sydney) areas. The Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme (WSAAS), auspiced by Penrith Women’s Health Centre, ran the project from 2004 - 07.
Women with disabilities accessing crisis services
Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Women With Disabilities ACT & Women's Centre for Health Matters 2009, ‘Women with disabilities accessing crisis services’, People with Disability Australia Incorporated (PWD), Redfern, NSW, Record #4726
Reports on the delivery and outcomes of a collaborative project conducted in the Australian Capital Territory to increase capacity for service providers in their support for women with a disability who are fleeing domestic and family violence.
Development of a resource manual on violence against women with disabilities : final report to the Office for Women (FaCSIA) from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
Women With Disabilities Australia 2007, ‘Development of a resource manual on violence against women with disabilities : final report to the Office for Women (FaCSIA) from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)’, People with Disability Australia Incorporated (PWD), Rosny Park, TAS, Record #4728
Reports on the delivery and outcomes of a collaborative project conducted in the Australian Capital Territory to increase capacity for service providers in their support for women with a disability who are fleeing domestic and family violence.
- Client resources
Violence against women with disabilities: a resource guide for carers and community workers to assist women with disabilities who are experiencing violence
Attorney General's Department 1999, ‘Violence against women with disabilities: a resource guide for carers and community workers to assist women with disabilities who are experiencing violence’, NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women, Orange, NSW, Record #65
Describes a carer's kit which is designed to assist community workers and carers in helping women with disabilities, who have experienced violence and are experiencing violence.
Women with disabilities have a right to be safe
Attorney General's Department 1999, ‘Silent voices: women with disabilities and family and domestic violence’, NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women, Orange, NSW, Record #66
Describes a pamphlet with information on different forms of abuse, things victims can do, and various legal, crisis and support services they can contact to seek assistance.
Women's information kit
Uniting Care Queensland 2007, ‘Silent voices: women with disabilities and family and domestic violence’, Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence, Wynnum, QLD, Record #954
Describes an information kit produced by the Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence project in Wynnum Queensland and contains colour-coded information cards enclosed in a plastic CD case.
Stop violence against deaf
Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre 2002, ‘Stop violence against deaf ’, Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Record #982
Describes a brochure designed for deaf people who use sign language. It defines what violence is and when and why it can happen.
Information booklet for women with disabilities
White J 2000, ‘Information booklet for women with disabilities ’, Partnerships Against Domestic Violence (Australia), NSW, Record #1285
Describes a booklet that has been designed and written specifically for women with both physical and intellectual disabilities.
Domestic violence - tips for women with disabilities
Better Health Channel 2008, ‘Domestic violence - tips for women with disabilities’, Better Health Channel, Melbourne, VIC, Record #4592
Describes a brief Australian fact sheet that offers tips to women with disabilities who are experiencing domestic violence. Some of the specific difficulties these women face include reduced mobility and dependence on their abuser for care.
- General
- Legal
- Women's refuges
- Disabilities of sight, hearing, intellect
It's not OK. It's violence: information about domestic violence and women with disabilities
White J 2000, ‘It's not OK. It's violence: information about domestic violence and women with disabilities’, Partnerships Against Domestic Violence (Australia), Canberra, ACT, Record #383
Describes a kit that includes one poster and an information booklet for services providers working with disabled women experiencing domestic violence.
101 ways great and small to prevent family violence: a Victorian resource kit bursting with community-based education projects to end family violence
Finucane MCG & Finucane S 2004, ‘101 ways great and small to prevent family violence : a Victorian resource kit bursting with community-based education projects to end family violence ’, Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Record #2734
Provides an introduction on definitions of family violence and an overview of related human rights, international, national and Victorian law that is aimed at practitioners working in community development projects to prevent domestic violence.
Working with women across the lifespan
Partnerships Against Violence 2005, ‘Working with women across the lifespan ’, Partnerships Against Violence, Canberra, ACT, Record #3215
Provides a summary for service providers, based on findings from the Partnerships Against Domestic Violence (PADV) and highlights specific populations of women and their needs (women living in rural and remote areas, older women, and women with a disability)..
Fabulous femmes: a resource kit: inspiration and resources to improve services for women with disabilities affected by domestic violence
Benevolent Society of New South Wales 2004, ‘Fabulous femmes: a resource kit: inspiration and resources to improve services for women with disabilities affected by domestic violence ’, Benevolent Society of New South Wales, Paddington, NSW, Record #3297
Provides stories about women with disabilities and information tips on responding to women with disabilities, as well as intersectoral partnership between organisations.
Speaking out domestic violence and people with disabilities
Nuslen Haven 2007, ‘Speaking out domestic violence and people with disabilities ’, Department of Communities, Perth, WA, Record #4213
Developed to assist workers in the domestic violence and disability sectors to meet the needs of people with disabilities who experience domestic violence.
WWDA on violence against women with disabilities
Women With Disabilities Australia 2007, ‘WWDA on violence against women with disabilities’, Women With Disabilities Australia, Rosny Park, TAS, Record #4219
Produced by a national peak organisation, this Australian resource manual is aimed at providing information to workers and others about violence against women with disabilities and is targeted at policy makers, support workers and women with disabilities.
Getting safe against the odds
Domestic Violence Resource Centre 2008, ‘Getting safe against the odds ’, Domestic Violence Resource Centre, Collingwood, VIC, Record #4353
Prepared by a domestic violence service in Victoria, Australia, this booklet is aimed at workers with women with disabilities experiencing domestic violence.
Opening the doors : court support for women with an intellectual disability
Intellectual Disability Rights Service 1998, ‘Opening the doors : court support for women with an intellectual disability ’, Redfern Legal Centre Publishing, Redfern, NSW, Record #1380
Aimed at assisting Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme (WDVCA) workers to enhance service provision to women with an intellectual disability, this kit was compiled through consultation with WDVCAS coordinators and allied professionals and contains practical information relating to assisting women with an intellectual disability through the court system as well as handouts and contact information for community agencies
An open door : NSW Women's Refuge Movement access & equity manual
NSW Women’s Refuge Working Party 2003, ‘An open door : NSW Women's Refuge Movement access & equity manual’, NSW Women's Refuge Resource Centre, Glebe, NSW, Record #358
Provides a practical manual for services that can improve a client’s access to and equity within women’s refuges. Designed to assist workers in their daily client service provision. Includes practical guidelines, strategies and suggested procedures
Do you know someone who is being abused? or abusive? your help can make a difference: training for members of the deaf community
Weinert S, Street C, Langham M, Dunne A 2001, ‘Do you know someone who is being abused? or abusive? your help can make a difference: training for members of the deaf community’, Anglicare Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Record #736
Outlines resources developed by The Let’s Face It project and the Tasmanian Deaf Society who have worked in partnership since March 2001 to develop an innovative community development project addressing the issues of partner abuse in an accessible, deaf-friendly way.Making service information accessible
Jennings C 2004, ‘Making service information accessible’, Penrith Women's Health Centre, Penrith, NSW, Record #2630
Provides a series of guidelines for family violence agencies wishing to make their services and resources more accessible to people with a disability.Looking after me project resources kit
Dunnett M & Pitty J 2008, ‘Looking after me project resources kit ’, Penrith Women's Health Centre, Penrith, NSW, Record #4568
Produced as a result of the Looking After Me (LAM) project, this Australian resource kit is available on CD or by download.
