Bridging the Gap: A Mixed-Methods Study of Domestic Violence Against Persons with Disabilities and the Barriers Faced When Seeking Help

Abstract

Persons with disabilities are often not considered in larger-scope studies on domestic violence. Domestic violence services, such as crisis shelters or support groups, do often not offer flexibility and accessibility in their services. This can have vast consequences for persons with a disability exposed to domestic violence, and it can prove difficult to leave a violent relationship. The following thesis examines the extent to which persons with disabilities are exposed to domestic violence, whether it is related to the severity and type of one’s disability while controlling for other known risk factors to domestic violence, such as gender, age, and employment status. Further, it highlights different barriers persons with disabilities face when seeking help. Finally, determinants for improvements for persons with disabilities exposed to domestic violence are reflected upon and discussed. Exploring the broad scope of the study, a mixed-methods approach is adopted, where 190 persons with disabilities responded to an online survey on experiences with domestic violence. This is followed by a focus group interview with three professional domestic violence advisors. The findings of the study show that more than half of the survey respondents have experienced violence, and that multiple also experienced violence related to their disability. Persons with a major psychological disability seem most at risk of being exposed to violence, and females and unemployed persons are also at a higher risk. Barriers were also identified as issues with finding inclusive support services, stereotyping psychological disabilities and diagnoses, and legal courts being uninformed about domestic violence against persons with disabilities. Finally, I argue that the majority of the barriers are based on ableist structures and that a change in society’s discourse is needed to legitimize domestic violence against persons with disabilities.

Popular Abstract

Domestic violence is a global problem that affects hundreds of thousands of individuals every year, which has serious consequences for those who experience it and can ultimately end in death. But what do we really know about the more vulnerable groups in our society that also experience domestic violence? Literature shows that persons with disabilities, both physical and psychological, experience discrimination and harassment based on their disability, but they also more often experience domestic violence than a person without a disability. Unfortunately, the challenges they meet are often overlooked and are left unaddressed. My study therefore seeks to understand the extent to which persons with disabilities experience domestic violence and how that is also reflected in the struggles they face when seeking help to leave a violent relationship.
To uncover this, individuals with various types of disabilities were asked about their experiences with violence, and whether their disability was used against them. The results were overwhelming: Not only did over half of the persons participating experience violence but having a more severe disability, especially a psychological disability or diagnosis, posed a higher risk of being exposed to violence. But the problems don’t stop here. Some had also experienced violence, where their disability was used against them, and the experiences varied both within physical, psychological, and sexual violence. The concerning extent of violence was discussed in an interview with experienced advisors within domestic violence work, which uncovered the significant barriers persons with disabilities also face when reaching out for help. It became clear that these barriers are both physical and psychological. Physical barriers include inaccessible shelters and stereotyping legal courts, while psychological barriers include fear of no one believing the victims and fear of being misjudged by their disability.
The conclusion of my work is clear: The heightened risk and complex barriers persons with disabilities face show that it is crucial to upskill current domestic violence support systems. Hence, I suggest working towards more inclusive domestic violence and social support systems, which will create safer environments for any person subjected to violence, regardless of their disability status.

• author: Stenbøg, Majbritt Lindholt
• supervisor: Johan Sandberg
• organization: Graduate School
• course: SIMZ51 20241
• year: 2024
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Social Sciences
• keywords: Domestic violence, Disability, Support services, Mixed method, Intersectionality, Spiral of violence
• language: English
• id: 9173666
• date added to LUP: 2024-09-13 14:45:37
• date last changed: 2024-09-13 14:45:37