Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Women with disabilities and domestic violence
Other Titles:	Northern radius
Authors:	Sceriha, Madge
Keywords:	Representations of women;Disability
Population:	People with disability
Year:	1997
Publisher:	Welfare Research and Studies Centre, James Cook University of North Queensland
Citation:	4 (1), April 1997
Notes:	This paper was written for the National Domestic Violence Forum, Canberra, September 1996 and prepared for Women With Disabilities (WWDA). The social perception of disability is pervaded with ignorance, indifference and harmful behaviour. Images of womanhood as perfect bodies render women with disabilities imperfect and tragic, causing further emotional distress. Not long ago, institutionalising or sterilising women with disabilities was common practice. These responses increased their vulnerability and risk of being physically and sexually assaulted. Contrary to myth, women with disabilities are qualified to have children and partners. Even though their partners might abuse them, women with disabilities are sometimes blamed, mistrusted and judged when seeking help. Moreover, if such a woman depends on assistance to communicate, she would be trapped. The disability must not be their defining characteristic when being assisted. Referring these women to a disability service is not necessarily the most appropriate response. Government and community support is required to address violence against women with disabilities.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12858
ISSN:	13210092
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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