Description
Book SynopsisDomestic violence is encountered by disabled women more frequently than non-disabled women, yet disabled women are less likely to receive appropriate services, and there has been little research on their experiences and how this problem can be addressed.
This book, drawing on the first UK national study of disabled women who have suffered domestic violence, highlights the experiences of these women, the nature of the violence perpetrated against them, and the seriousness and range of its impacts. The book draws attention to the gaps in services for disabled women and discusses how professional responses should be developed and improved, pointing to current examples of good practice. It includes first-hand accounts from disabled women and includes contributions from leading disabled women activists.
This book will be important reading for students, practitioners, policymakers and academics in the fields of disability and domestic violence.
Trade Review...this book is a valuable and timely examination of disabled women's experience of domestic violence. -- Disability & Society
Disabled women face multiple challenges and discrimination, both in their experiences of domestic and sexual violence, and in gaining access to appropriate services….I hope this book will be a wake-up call for professionals and activists in all relevant statutory and voluntary agencies to review our own policy approaches and ensure that in all our local consultations and strategic planning, the findings and messages in this book, and the voices of disabled women survivors, are heard. -- From the Foreword by Nicola Harwin, Chief Executive, Women's Aid
Table of ContentsForeword by Nicola Harwin CBE, Chief Executive of Women's Aid Federation of England. 1. Introduction. 2. What the research tells us: A story of gaps and lacks. 3. Disabled women's experiences of domestic violence and abuse. 4. Professional responses to disabled women affected by domestic violence. 5. Understanding our history: the personal is political (Brenda Ellis and Ruth Bashall). 6. Nothing about us without us: policy and practice (Ruth Bashall and Brenda Ellis). 7. Ideas for moving forward: good practice and recommendations. 8. Looking more widely: strategic agendas and incorporating issues for disabled women experiencing domestic violence. 9. Conclusions.
