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Violence can be physical, like hitting, kicking and punching, but mean and angry words are violent, too. Violence is usually about controlling someone else. A violent person might trick or insult you. They might hurt your body or sexually assault you. This page lists different types of violence and abuse. It explains how women with disability are affected by the problem.
You have the right to be safe and free from harm. You deserve kindness and respect. Violence is never ok; there is no excuse.
Violence and abuse can make people feel isolated.
However, violence against women and gender-diverse people is a common problem.
The experience is different for everyone but many services and organisations offer help and support.
People experience violence in all kinds of relationships, including with:
Violence and abuse often occur in relationships in which one partner has more power than the other.
Women with disabilities experience all forms of violence more often and more severely than women without disabilities. Women with disabilities are also exposed to violence by more people and in more places.
When we understand and recognise violence, we can be safer. We can reduce the risk of violence and limit its impact if we know:
Individuals, communities, and governments must work together to reduce violence. One day, we hope we can live without violence. We can all make a difference.
Types of violence include:
We explain each of these types of violence on this website. You can find more information in the Neve Section Violence and abuse (internal link).
Types of sexual violence include:
Learn more in the Neve section Sexual Violence and abuse (internal link).
The first thing to do is to make sure you are safe. Look after your body and your emotions. If you are in danger, go somewhere safe. Seek medical attention if you need it.
If you have been raped, a doctor can give you emergency birth control to make sure you do not get pregnant. They can test for sexually transmitted diseases and provide treatment if needed.
For medical attention after rape, you can see a GP, go to the hospital or a sexual assault support service if you have one nearby. Enter your suburb and "sexual assault support service" into an online search engine to find a service near you.
If you want, doctors can use a rape kit to collect DNA to use in court against the person who raped you. Don't shower or clean your body if you want to get a rape kit, as this will wash away DNA evidence. The doctors will tell you when it is okay to shower.
Now, take a deep breath. We're sorry you've had to deal with this. We hope the situation gets better. We know that experiencing violence or abuse can be confusing, intimidating, and stressful. People may try to make you believe it is your fault. Sometimes, leaving the situation is hard.
Remember that you are never to blame for bad behaviour. What happened to you is not your fault.
Here is a list of things you could do if you think your relationship is abusive. You should choose the options that are right for you.
Having a disability can make it harder to escape violence and abuse. Limited mobility or social isolation might make it harder to get help. Moving out or getting away from the person who hurts you can seem impossible when money is in short supply. However, help is available.
Even if the person who hurt you is important to you, you can still get help. Many people are hurt by someone they know. It may be an intimate partner, a parent or carer, or someone else in authority, such as a health worker or service provider. You don't have to go to the police if you don't want to. Either way, support is available to keep you safe and help you recover.
Hallie is at the beginning of a relationship with Ric. In text messages, Ric often refers to their "crazy" ex, who accused Ric of bad behaviour. When Hallie asks questions, she notices Ric constantly criticises their ex, belittling her and calling her names. Hallie knows this is an example of coercive control. She decides she won't pursue a relationship with Ric. It could be dangerous.
This section of the website describes the many different types of violence and abuse that people in our community can experience, from sexual violence, to controlling behaviour, to financial abuse. It shares information about increasing safety and preventing harm. It talks about what to do if you are in a violent situation. It explains how to support other people who may be experiencing violence or abuse. The aim is to help people in our community recognise and understand their experiences. If you’re going through a tough time, we hope you find the support you need to heal and recover. We hope the information here helps you feel less alone.
Find out moreAustralian law covers disability rights. It offers protection from violence, including violence that happens at home.
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May 13, 2024
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Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence
A guide for women with disability experiencing family and domestic violence.
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May 13, 2024
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Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence
A guide for women with disability and mothers of children with disability who have experience of family and domestic violence.
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May 4, 2024
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1800 RESPECT
If you are going to leave a relationship, deciding what to take with you is an important step in creating a safety plan. This checklist helps you plan what you may need to take if you need to leave.
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