International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today is a day to reflect, affirm, and act on the rights, dignity, and inclusion of people with disabilities.
At Luke’s Place, we recognize that many people with disabilities subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV), are intertwined and often connected to systems of oppression, isolation, and barriers to accessible supports and services.
- In Canada, 55% of women with disabilities report being subjected to IPV in their lifetime, and
- Women with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to experience physical or sexual assault by a partner.
Barriers to Safety
Survivors with disabilities subjected to IPV face unique challenges when seeking safety and support. Common barriers include:
- Limited access to safe and accessible housing or shelters
- Increased isolation and reliance on caregivers or partners
- Inaccessible physical environments
- Fear of losing supports or independence
- Structural ableism within systems and services
Moving Forward Together
Ending IPV for survivors with disabilities required more than accessible shelters. It calls on all of us to work toward:
- Universal accessibility across services and spaces
- Disability – inclusive policy and programming
- Affordable and accessible housing and transportation
- Inclusive legal and justice systems
Organizations such as DAWN Canada call for disability inclusion in finding and programming for survivors of disabilities.
For a deeper insight into how intimate partner violence impacts women with disabilities, we invite you to read our After She Leaves Manual and training resources.
Resources for Further Learning: