The systems are in place for people trying to escape abuse. However, for people with disability who are victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, the systems overlook their needs.
In Australia, on average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. In the meantime, about ten women a day are hospitalised for assault injuries perpetrated by a spouse or domestic partner.
Furthermore, according to research, 2 in 5 women with disability have experienced physical violence after age 15. From the age of 15, 46% of women with cognitive disabilities and 50% of women with psychological disabilities have experienced sexual violence. Moreover, evidence shows that women with disabilities in Australia are twice as likely to experience domestic sexual violence.
Nicole Lee is a victim-survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. She uses her first-hand experience as a person with a disability to help advocate for others with a disability who are also victim-survivors of abuse.
She shares her journey, and the cycle of coercive control and explains how the systems mostly work for someone able-bodied to escape violence, but not very reasonable for people with disabilities.
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The helpful resources in the episode
- Support Resources Reach out – Domestic Violence support
- Lifeline Crisis Chat
- Australian Government Support Directory
- Nicole Lee
- Women with disability are being turned away by family violence services in Australia – SBS
- Women living with disability can face extra hurdles breaking free of abusers, survivor warns – ABC
- The Choice – Violence or Poverty
- Rosie Batty
- Phil Cleary: sister’s death led to drive for justice
- The Duluth Model Understanding the Power and Control Wheel
- So, what exactly is coercive control? – Laura Richards
