Disabled women abused by their partners face barriers in accessing supports, new research finds

Some 60% of those surveyed said they experienced disability-specific abuse including the lack of support to do everyday activities such as basic mobility support to use the toilet, get dressed or leave the house, and name-calling about disability.

Abusive partners weaponise women’s disabilities by withholding medication, denying basic care and mobility needs, like using a toilet, and using their impairments to portray the woman as an unfit parent.

That’s according to Women’s Aid, which is launching new research on Thursday on the experiences of disabled women of intimate abuse in Ireland.