Abstract
Women with disabilities experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at higher rates than both nondisabled women and men, and men with disabilities. Their significant exposure to IPV suggests notable levels of trauma-related symptomology. However, there is a dearth of research on trauma and IPV among women with disabilities, and services tailored to their diverse strengths and needs are scarce. Guided by critical disability theory and feminist disability theory, this article describes culturally sensitive, trauma- informed approaches to practice with female survivors of IPV with disabilities.
Highlights
BackgroundEmpirical research confirms that women with disabilities are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence (IPV)
intimate partner violence (IPV), Disability, and Trauma-Informed PracticeEmpirical research confirms that women with disabilities are disproportionately affected by IPV
Women with disabilities are disproportionately affected by IPV, yet disabilitysensitive, trauma-informed practice is in its infancy
Summary
Empirical research confirms that women with disabilities are disproportionately affected by IPV. Accessibility moves beyond physical infrastructure and considers the needs of women with disabilities in their policies and practices, establishing relationships with disability organizations and interpreter services, and accommodating women with varying levels of medication use, service animals, and personal care attendants. These accessibility considerations extend to trauma-informed practice with survivors of IPV with disabilities. The core values of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment are defining features of service settings utilizing a trauma-informed approach (Fallot & Harris, 2009) This includes ensuring that all staff working within the setting are trained on trauma-relevant information and skills, and have the competencies to work with a range of individuals and experiences (Ghandour et al, 2015). A comprehensive, traumainformed response to IPV for women with disabilities must begin by addressing the full constellation of disability-related risk factors and consequences of abuse, at both personal and structural levels
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