engleski

Violence against women with disabilities

The term violence refers to violence and neglect that a person may experience from their social network members (spouses, caregivers, family members, medical and other professionals). Violence usually affects vulnerable groups: children, women, elders and women with disabilities. Researches on violence against women with disabilities in the last decade are more and more present. This was preceded by giving information, punishment but also alarming data on violence against women in general. Studies indicate that women with disabilities are exposed to a greater risk of violence, not only from family members, but also from friends, medical professionals and personal assistants, and they are exposed to violence over a longer period of time. The aim of this study was to determine: what are the forms of violence, who are the perpetrators of violence, what support is available to victims and what is an attitude of society toward violence that was perpetrated. The study sample consists of women with disabilities (N=29). This is a qualitative survey using semi-structured interview constructed for the project "The social status of people with disabilities in the Republic of Croatia". Qualitative data analysis showed that women with disabilities have experience with various forms of violence (physical, psychological, sexual) and that very often the perpetrators of violence are members of the immediate entourage (spouse, colleagues at work). When reporting violence, women with disabilities encounter many difficulties (lack of understanding of the social entourage, disregard). From the results of the research one can conclude that women with disabilities are more exposed to the risk of violence due to: their dependence on the caregivers, difficulties encountered when reporting and proofing the violence, lack of education and information on acceptable and unacceptable behavior. All mentioned above indicates the need for empowerment of women with disabilities, education about violence and forms of support in case of violence. Equally, it is necessary to educate the professionals (doctors, social workers, police and the head of the assistance program for women with disabilities) and to develop the network and support services at local and national level.

women with disabilities; violence; perpetrators of violence; support

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