Disability and Sexual Violence

Women and girls with disabilities are statistically at a greater risk of sexual violence since abusers and rapists often target those whom they perceive as 'weak' or 'easy targets'. Thus, feelings of powerlessness and fear of further violence may be greater for survivors with disabilities. If you are feeling guilty or ashamed because you think that your disability caused the violence, remember that only one person is responsible - the person who committed it. They made a choice: there was nothing about you that forced them to do it. It might also be helpful to know that many women and girls, whatever their health or situation was like, blame themselves for violence perpetrated against them.

Survivors with disabilities may face additional obstacles in overcoming the effects of sexual violence. One such problem is a lack of people to support them, since some disabilities can increase social isolation. Survivors may find it difficult to access refuges or other services. The damaging of trust which sexual violence usually involves can also be worse for survivors with disabilities, if they already have experiences of bullying or discrimination. Issues of self-esteem and confidence can also be problematic if the woman or girl was already made to feel bad because of her disabilities. If the violence has impacted her sexual relationships, she may find it difficult to get help because of prejudice about the sexuality of people with disabilities. Women and girls with learning disabilities and/or whose carer is abusing them may face great difficulties accessing help.

Women and girls of all types deserve to feel good about themselves, and are worthy of self-esteem and praise. Dealing with the challenges of living with disabilities can be exhausting, but is also evidence of great strength. That same strength has been used by survivors with disabilities to deal with the effects of sexual violence, and to support other survivors. We are all strong, especially with the encouragement and support of others.