Access and Accessibility in Domestic and Family Violence Services for Women With Disabilities: Widening the Lens

Abstract

Women with disabilities experiencing violence can face challenges accessing domestic and family violence (DFV) services. Our research explored how these services understood and operationalized access for women with disabilities. In this article, we use Levesque, Harris, and Russell?s access framework to show how to be accessible to women with disabilities, and DFV services can widen the lens of access and accessibility to respond to women?s own priorities. These centered around appropriateness, approachability, and acceptability. Addressing these broader issues of access in policy and practice alongside disability-specific needs can better align what services offer and what women need.