The purpose of this study was to determine behaviors women with disabilities described as abusive and strategies that would be helpful to stop or prevent abuse by personal assistance providers. Focus group data from 73 women with disabilities was used to develop a survey questionnaire that was completed by 200 women, primarily by telephone interview. Participants were culturally diverse and ranged in age from 19-92. The most hurtful behaviors included sexual abuse, physical abuse, threats to children, financial abuse, manipulation of medication, and providers showing up drunk or high. When asked about lifetime abuse, 67% reported physical abuse and 53% sexual abuse. When asked about the effect of abuse on their well-being; 64% reported it prevented them from being healthy; 61% said it interfered with their independence; and 30% said it kept them from doing their job. There were two clusters of strategies to stop or prevent abuse. One involved being able to choose, adequately pay, and manage their personal assistance providers and the other focused on having appropriate support and resources, such as accessible shelters. Only 21% reported ever being screened for abuse by a health provider, but over 50% said they would like their heatlh providers, therapists, and clergy to ask about abuse. These findings confirm that abuse is a common and serious health issue for women with disabilities who use personal assistance. The implications include screening for abuse, developing resources that are architecturally and attitudinally accessible, and supporting consumer-driven models of personal assistance services.
Learning Objectives: 1. List five types of abuse experienced by women with disabilities. 2. Identify two strategies for stopping or preventing abuse of women with disabilities. 3. Discuss the role of health and social service providers in screening for abuse among women with disabilities
Keywords: Violence, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.