From the Narratives of Survivors with Disabilities: Strengths and Gaps Between Faith-Based Communities and Domestic Violence Shelters

Abstract

Little is known about how faith leaders and domestic violence advocates (DVAs) respond to women with disabilities (WWDs) of faith backgrounds experiencing IPV and whether their accessibility and safety needs are being met (physical, programmatic, and attitudinal). The following exploratory qualitative study of religious women with a variety of disabilities (mental health, physical health) from a Midwestern domestic violence shelter (DVS) found supportive and victim blaming responses by faith leaders, the use of helpful faith practices by survivors, and misuse of spiritual beliefs by perpetrators. WWD described barriers to seeking and receiving services such as shame and not being able to bring a faith perspective into DVS services and barriers related to disabilities such as needing accessible transportation and learning coping strategies with acquired disabilities. Specific disability dynamics such as the perpetrator blaming the abuse on the disability and exclusion and minimization of the disability by some faith leaders and DVAs hindered survivors from receiving accessible support. Finally, suggestions for more person-centered, accessible responses and interventions are given.