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DAY 9

Content warning: discussion of family violence.

Many women with disabilities are vulnerable to domestic violence. This is particularly so where their place of residence is in a group home, supported accommodation or institution. Statistics indicate that 90% of women with intellectual disabilities have been sexually abused during their lives and that 68% of women with an intellectual disability will be subjected to sexual abuse before they reach 18 years of age[1].

Content warning: discussion of family violence.

Migrant women who are victims of domestic violence are also very isolated due to a lack of cultural awareness, language barriers and community support. Aspects of their migration experience such as the normalization of violence against women in their community of origin, their current isolation in Australia, a lack of or limited English language skills, visa sponsorship and/or spousal sponsorship, refugee status and a fear of being ostracized by their community if they speak out, all contribute to ongoing abuse in the home.

We know that there is also domestic and family violence in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTQIA) community[2]. While the dynamics of abuse are the same as those present in abusive heterosexual relationships, there are very few frontline services geared towards the specific needs of the (LGBTQIA) community.

“The violence was getting worse and I was trapped in my own home with my son. My husband told me that if I told anyone what was happening, he would have me deported and he would keep our son in Australia. Then one day he stabbed me and I went to hospital. The staff at the hospital helped us get away from him.” Simi NSW

“The abuse took its toll and after I left him I had a stroke. But then my son started to treat me the same as my husband did. I could barely use a phone let alone escape. And how do you report your own son? I was so alone.” Tracey SA

PRAY ABOUT IT

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge;

in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by.

I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfils his purpose for me.

He will send from heaven and save me, he will put to shame those who trample on me.

God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness. - Psalm 57:1-3

Lord, today we bring before you people in our communities who have experienced domestic violence in a context where they already confront social inequality and disadvantage. We are mindful today of the way in which our society often forgets and excludes those who, due to disability, cultural background or sexual orientation, fall outside the ‘mainstream’. Help us Lord to see them as you do. May our response to abuse within all groups be with love and acceptance. Amen.

GO DEEPER

More facts and figures about domestic violence and women with disabilities here
Women with Disabilities Australia - website here
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence - website
Another Closet – specialised support service for people in LBGTI relationships experiencing domestic violence