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. 2025 Jun;31(8):1793-1815.
doi: 10.1177/10778012241236676. Epub 2024 Mar 15.

How Do Employees in the Disability and Family and Domestic Violence Sectors Respond to Disclosures of Violence From Women With Disability?

Rebecca Waters  1 , Jarla Anderson  2 , Elise Gullotti  2 , Gabrielle King  2 , Demee Martin  2 , David Hodgson  3 , Lynelle Watts  3 , Donna Chung  3
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How Do Employees in the Disability and Family and Domestic Violence Sectors Respond to Disclosures of Violence From Women With Disability?

Rebecca Waters et al. Violence Against Women. 2025 Jun.

Abstract

Women with disability experience higher rates of family and domestic violence (FDV) compared to the rest of the population. There is limited research into how workers in FDV and disability organizations respond to violence against women with disability. Using a case study vignette of a woman with disability disclosing FDV, this phenomenological study explored how 10 employees across the disability and FDV sectors respond to disclosures of abuse, the barriers that influenced their response, and suggested ways to improve their practices. The study found that responses were often insufficient to meet the needs of women with disability.

Keywords: abuse; disability; family and domestic violence; response; women.

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