By Jerril Rechter, VicHealth CEO
Letter to editor by Jerril Rechter, VicHealth CEO, ahead of International Day of People with Disability on 3 December.
There is a need for a deeper understanding of the greater risk of violence faced by women with disabilities.
Revelations this week that people with disabilities were raped and sexually abused at one of Australia's largest disability providers have further highlighted the vulnerability of people living with disabilities.
While numerous studies have shown that women with disabilities face a higher risk of physical and sexual assault than other women, VicHealth's National Community Attitudes Survey on Violence against Women, released recently, exposed some worrying statistics about people’s understanding of risks for women with disabilities.
Only 41% of the community understands that women with disabilities face a higher risk of physical and sexual assault than other women, and men are less likely to than women (33% vs 48%).
A further 41% of the community thought there was no difference in the risks faced by women with disabilities compared to other women, and one in ten did not understand the risks.
As we mark White Ribbon Day this week, and approach International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, there is a need for a deeper understanding of the greater risk of violence faced by women with disabilities.
We need to ensure that violence against women with disabilities is identified when it occurs and that organisations are taking the appropriate steps to prevent and respond to violence against women with disabilities, especially in residential environments providing care to people with disabilities.
- Jerril
