Abuse and Barriers for Disabled Women

Women with disabilities are three times more likely to experience abuse than able-bodied women,

and nobody talks about why. First, social stigma makes people assume we're

less credible. When I reported my ex for abuse, the officer literally asked if I was sure

I understood what happened because of my disability. Our voices get dismissed as confused or unreliable.

Second, caregiver dependence creates a power imbalance that abusers exploit.

My former caregiver withheld my medication when I didn't comply with her demands. I couldn't leave

because finding accessible care takes months. Third, most domestic violence

shelters aren't wheelchair accessible, hotlines lack ASL interpreters, and support groups