Abuse, hate crime, and domestic violence is often an unheard-of barrier to independent living. Unfortunately, these things are more common than you would expect for people living with disabilities, with domestic violence affecting 1 in 2 women with disabilities.
For some people who live with disabilities, all types of abuse can become barriers to independent living. Some families may not allow their relatives to live independently due to fears of abuse in the community. People living with disabilities are more vulnerable to theft, manipulation, grooming, harassment, bullying, hate crimes, sexual assault, fraud, and domestic violence than non-disabled people. Unfortunately, someone with a disability is also vulnerable to suffering abuse by their carers.
However, supported accommodation or the odd visit from a carer could help put peoples’ minds at ease, and certain areas are safer than others. The local police force can also add vulnerable people to their priority lists for extra reassurance.
A disability hate crime is a violent crime targeting someone with a disability, a particular disability, or a perceived disability. For instance, people living with hearing loss can be victims of hate crimes targeting deaf people or simply general hatred towards anyone with any type of disability. However, people without disabilities can also be mistakenly targeted by criminals.
In the USA, 2.1% of victims of violent crimes are the result of persons targeted because of their disability, while disability hate crime rates are rising each year overall. People living with a disability are at greater risk of rape and sexual assault than non-disabled people, and this can be a considerable concern for relatives and guardians.
Disability hate crimes are more common in some areas than others, but anyone with any type of disability is at risk.
Women living with disabilities are much more likely to become victims of domestic violence and are less likely to be able to leave a violent situation. Shelters are not usually designed with accessibility in mind, and abusive partners may well use this to manipulate their partners.
Abusive relationships involving someone with a disability can include having aids or assistive technology taken away, having food or medication controlled or taken away, and being left without a mobility device to move around. Victims can more easily be trapped in the situation by having these essential aids taken away or controlling any benefits they receive.
It’s distressing to read about the cruelty some people face, and you’ll probably want to know what you can do to help. Keeping your company’s safeguarding policies and training up-to-date is the best place to start. You can also regularly remind your employees that they can mention any concerns to you, or another designated member of staff, at any time. Colleagues should be encouraged to raise welfare concerns about a staff member with disabilities, too. Another thing you can do is display posters detailing helpline numbers or what to do if you find yourself in an abusive relationship.
Abuse, hate crime, and domestic violence all pose a barrier to independent living. Keep an eye on your employees and, if in doubt, call the police.