A Global Perspective on Violence Against Women with Disabilities: Evaluating the Response of Pastoral Care and Religious Organizations

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Within the vulnerable population of women are distinctive populations of women including Aboriginal women, immigrant women, women in poverty, and women with disabilities, who are uniquely vulnerable with respect to risk. Of the world’s population, 10% or 650 million people have a disability, more than half of whom are women. Studying a vulnerable population that exists within a vulnerable population has come to be known as intersectionality. This paper will give an account of the intersectionality of the vulnerable statuses of women, and of disability, and the violence these women with disabilities experience as a result of their unique vulnerability. A description of this particular type of gendered violence will be explored and then addressed at the international level drawing on the work of the United Nations, followed by a brief overview at the national level. A synopsis of recommended responses will then be presented, followed by a short evaluation of several pastoral theological contributions as well as the responses of four Christian organizations.