Brief on Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities

Women and girls with disabilities may experience multiple forms of violence, including psychological and emotional violence, neglect, financial abuse or exploitation, and physical or sexual abuse. This violence can include ignoring nutritional or medical needs, or inappropriate handling by caregivers. It can also take the form of being denied accessing and control over financial resources. A global study found that girls and young women with disabilities experience up to 10 times more violence than those without disabilities. Research from around the world highlights the progressive types of violence that children with disabilities face throughout childhood into adolescence, adulthood, and old age, including an increased risk of physical and emotional violence at a very young age, and of sexual violence as they reach puberty. There is an urgent need to collect data on the various forms of violence experienced by girls and women with disabilities in different parts of the world. More evidence is also needed on interventions that can decrease the incidence of violence and make a sustainable change in the lives of girls and women with disabilities.