Preventing violence against women with disabilities

Did you know that over one-third of women with disabilities experience some form of intimate partner violence compared to one-fourth of women without disability?

That’s why this year’s #16DaysCampaign is co-designed by Margins to the Mainstream Project Experts; women with lived experience of disabilities that include neurodiversity, mental health conditions and chronic illness. They created a series of imagery (check them out on the Women’s Health East Facebook page) and messages that explain what Equality means to them.

We asked local women with disabilities in Manningham which of those messages resonated most with them. Watch the following videos to find out what they said!

What Equality means to Asherly

Meet Asherly, a member of the Disability Advisory Committee at Manningham Council. 

She believes “equality is living in a world where violence and abuse is prevented before it starts”. 

Gender and disability inequality means women with disability are more likely to be emotionally, physically and sexually abused than women without disabilities. They may also experience violence over longer periods of time, in more settings, by multiple perpetrators.  

Preventing violence against women with disabilities requires a tailored approach that addresses sexism and ableism from an early age.    

Check out Women With Disabilities Victoria’s helpful resources to learn more.

What Equality means to Gillian

AccessHC receptionist Gillian wants us to know that autonomy is a human right that everyone should enjoy.

Women with disabilities know what’s best for them—and their choices, knowledge, and experience must be respected.

So, instead of making assumptions about the supports and services they need, just ask them!

What Equality means to Fleur

It’s important for women with disabilities to choose their own romantic partners and enjoy equal and respectful relationships.

As Fleur states in the video, equality for women with disabilities is having family members and the wider society understand that they can make good decisions for themselves, including choosing their romantic partners.

Women with disabilities – whether in same-sex or heterosexual relationships– value equal and respectful relationships with their partners.

What Equality means to Melea

Melea rejects violence in all its forms against women with disability. This message means that no one excuses or downplays violent behaviour or shifts the blame away from the perpetrator onto the woman experiencing the violence.

The #16DaysCampaign is an excellent reminder that we all need to empower women with disabilities to enjoy their human rights—every day of the year. 

The work undertaken by women with disabilities—including women’s disability organisations and networks—is central to advancing the rights of all women. 

And you can help too.  You can start by speaking out when you encounter sexism and ableism in your daily life.

Visit 16dayscampaign.org to learn more.