Violence against women with disabilities: Our society has to act!

Violence against women with disabilities: Our society has to act!

On March 8, the international Women's Day, a topic is urgently put into the foreground: the protection of women with disabilities against violence. According to KOBV Austria, these women experience significantly higher rates in physical, psychological and sexual violence compared to non-disabled women. A terrifying study by the Ministry of Social Affairs shows that 76.7 percent of the women surveyed experienced physical violence with disabilities, while 50.9 percent were affected by sexual assault. Franz Groshan, President of KOBV, therefore calls for an increased focus on barrier -free advice and economic independence as essential measures to protect this vulnerable group. The current discrepancy between the existing data and the political measures is alarming, according to Groshan. violence in all areas of life

A broad study on the life situations of women with disabilities in Germany shows that between 68 and 90 percent of women surveyed suffer psychological violence. This significantly exceeds the average of 45 percent in the general population. Violence has many faces: it ranges from reduction in everyday life to physical assault, mostly committed by men from social near field, such as (ex) partners or nursing staff. Women with serious restrictions in particular are often victims because they are in a more vulnerable position. These problematic circumstances apply not only in protected rooms, but also publicly, where unknown people specifically target weaknesses in order to humiliate women with disabilities, such as

The study also illustrates the alarming gaps in providing information and support for those affected. Many women often do not know where they can find help, which has a negative impact on the use of professional support. All the more important is the role of initiatives such as "Weibernetz", which actively work for the visibility and improvement of the situation of women with disabilities. Martina Puschke from "Weibernetz" emphasizes the need to increase the accessibility and accessibility of advisory services in order to give the women concerned a voice and help. The consistent education and sensitization of the public are in the right direction to combat violence against women with disabilities.