Gender-based violence against women with visual and physical disabilities

Background: Studies conducted in several countries have documented that women with disabilities are more vulnerable to experience gender-based violence than women without disabilities. Method: A total of 96 women, 45 with visual disabilities and 51 with physical disabilities, were interviewed to determine the prevalence of violence and its possible relations with socio-economic, socio-demographic and disability-related factors. Possible consequences of violence in health and psychological well-being were also analyzed. Results: Results showed a higher prevalence of abuse in this group of women than the estimated prevalence in the general female population in Spain. Abused women were found to have lower income and higher levels of physical dependence and family responsibilities than non-victims. In addition, violence was associated with lower levels of emotional well-being, psychological health, self-esteem and perceived social support beyond those attributable to the disability. Conclusions: These results are discussed in light of some theoretical models that establish some links between disability and gender-based violence.