“Whatever it takes”: Access for women with disabilities to domestic and family violence services: Final report

Abstract

“Whatever it takes”: Access for women with disabilities to domestic and family violence services aims to help tertiary response services to respond effectively to the needs of women with disabilities. It draws on the experiences of women with disabilities who have experienced violence and abuse and have used tertiary response services.

Women with disabilities who have experienced violence seek help and support from tertiary services for similar reasons that other women do, including family and intimate partner abuse, sexual harassment and assault, coercive control, and stalking. However, women with disabilities also experience abuse related to their disability, including institutional violence and denial of provision of essential care

The research situates the perspectives of women with disabilities within case study sites and expands on the promising practice within these services through action research with local groups formed from the sites. It has informed the development of recommendations and guidelines for improved access and effective practice.