An exploratory study of violence, substance abuse, disability, and gender

Using a random sample of 1,876 individuals with disabilities, this study examines relationships between victimization as a result of violence, substance abuse, disability, and gender. Multivariate analyses reveal that women with disabilities are more likely to be victims of substance abuse-related violence than are male counterparts. Some disability conditions such as disability onset, multiple disabilities and chronic pain - are significantly associated with violence for both men and women with disabilities. For people with disabilities, this study finds that victims of substance abuse-related violence are more likely to have their own substance abuse problems than are those who have not been victimized. The authors discuss several issues relevant to a better understanding of violence, substance abuse, disability and gender.