Violence against women with disabilities

This Office on Women's Health resource explains that women with disabilities are more likely than women without disabilities to experience domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence. It notes that survivors may face additional barriers to seeking help, including dependence on caregivers or partners, social isolation, communication challenges, and fear of reporting abuse. The resource identifies common warning signs of abuse, such as unexplained injuries, neglect of basic needs, malnutrition, isolation from family and friends, and sudden changes in health or behavior. It also emphasizes that abuse is most often committed by someone the survivor knows, including intimate partners, family members, caregivers, or personal assistants. The resource encourages suspected abuse to be reported to Adult Protective Services and provides links to specialized organizations and services that support women with disabilities experiencing violence.