Disabled Women’s experience of intimate partner abuse Research Executive Summary

Editorial information. Women’s Aid.

Women’s Aid in partnership with the School of Social Work and Social Policy in Trinity College Dublin and the Disabled Gender Based Violence Taskforce, launched new research called “Disabled Women’s Experience of Intimate Partner Abuse in Ireland” which provides a deeper understanding of the levels of violence and abuse against disabled women and provides clear recommendations to enhance specialist support services and improve systems and structures to break down the barriers victims-survivors encounter. The research included a survey of disabled women who had experienced intimate partner abuse. This survey found that disability had a strong impact on the experience of abuse and the ability to get help. 

The overall aim of this study was to achieve a deeper understanding of intimate partner abuse against disabled women in Ireland, to better provide them with support and for the improvement of the domestic violence services that may serve them. The project explores disabled women’s experiences of intimate partner abuse in the Republic of Ireland, including accessibility and involvement with specialist domestic violence services. In this context, our study specifically focuses on persons identifying as women. Gender minorities and gender non-conforming people who identify as women were included in the scope of this research project. Additionally, the approach recognises that human rights are universal, and that disability may be interpreted differently. As such, it includes those who self-identify as having a disability. 

The present study explores the gravity of intimate partner abuse against disabled women in Ireland with a clear focus maintained on disabled women and their experiences of intimate partner abuse. Other experiences of violence fall outside the scope of this particular project. The definition of intimate partner abuse for this research is in line with the World Health Organisation, which defines abuse by intimate partners as “behavior by a current or ex intimate partner that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours”. Specifically, this study sought to speak to women who had left abusive relationships.

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