Exploring lived experience of family and domestic violence against women with disability: A scoping review

Abstract

This article reports on a scoping review exploring understandings of domestic, family and sexual violence against women with disability within the literature. Drawing on qualitative studies that centre the perspectives of women with disability, the review synthesises findings from 15 studies selected from a broader pool of 43 articles.<br><br>

The analysis identifies disability-based abuse as a key feature of domestic and family violence, including financial and physical abuse that exploits disability and reinforces isolation. It also highlights how ableism and sexism intersect in everyday interactions across community, service and systemic contexts, shaping experiences of violence and responses to it.<br><br>

The review further explores how women with disability understand justice, resilience and recovery, including strategies of resistance, coping and healing following violence. Findings emphasise the need for systems and social responses that recognise and respect the rights of women with disability, supporting full participation and safety.