The prevalence of abuse against women is widely acknowledged in the Caribbean and yet, a climate of acceptance and indifference surrounds violence against women.   There is no doubt that societal attitudes are responsible for shaping policies and facilitating social change. Therefore, until we address tacit acceptance of abuse embedded within our society, the violence against vulnerable groups will persist.

 Recent research has highlighted the extent of abuse against persons with disabilities (PWD), the startling facts revealed that victimization is a real threat in the lives of women with disabilities.  The risk of abuse for PWD is at least twice as high, and may be five or more times higher than women without disabilities.  In addition, studies have shown that there is a high probability of repeat victimization, with one study revealing that fifty percent of women with intellectual disabilities had been sexually assaulted ten or more times.

The Disabled Women�s Network of Canada surveyed 245 women with disabilities and found that forty percent had experienced abuse with less than half reported to the police due to dependency on the abuser. 

A recent Barbadian study by the Pan American Health Organisation on HIV/Aids exposed the shocking reality of abuse against women with disabilities, with reports of women who have contracted the virus through sexual assault by a caregiver.  

Disability related abuse could include withholding medication, leaving unattended for long periods, rough handling, verbal abuse, physical violence and sexual demands in return for assistance. This feeling of powerlessness and lack of control make PWD more vulnerable to persistent abuse and calls for a broadening of the definition of domestic violence. Eradicating social exclusion and social isolation is the first step in empowering women with disabilities.  
 

Access to services for victims of violence who have a disability is hindered by a number of factors.   These include social isolation, communication difficulties, physical challenges and financial dependency. These factors are contributing barriers to leaving an abusive situation. 

Reforms are critical; there is a need for more equitable participation in housing, education, training and employment in order to minimize dependency. There is also the need for advocates who can support PWD through the judicial process; training and sensitization of the police and court personnel are also high priority. 

To meet the needs of PWD the provision of a crisis centre equipped with access to interpreters, specially trained counselors, and assistants to help with daily personal care is essential

Service providers have the responsibility to ensure that a network of support exists for PWD, this should include the implementation of a crisis hotline and personal safety training.
 
Finally, social policy and social reform must be guided by evidence of the need for change.  A research agenda that examines the extent of violence against PWD in the Caribbean is critical and would be the first step to breaking the wall of silence. 

As we focus on the Rights Of Persons With Disabilities, International Day of Violence Against Women  and commemorate United Nations International Day of the Disabled we need to bear in mind that the responsibility falls on each and every one of us to ensure that the fundamental rights to protection is afforded to all. 

A VOICE OF OUR OWN is a monthly news article produced by the Barbados Council for the Disabled.