Abuse Among People with Disabilities

Disability affects more than one in four women and one in five men in the United States. It has been associated with a greater risk of experiencing violence compared to people without a disability.¹ In fact, research shows that individuals with a disability are more than twice as likely to be victims of a violent crime as those without a disability.²

Some studies show that women with a disability may be more likely to experience violence or abuse by a current or former partner compared to women without disabilities.³ In addition, findings from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey show that women and men with a disability are at increased risk for experiencing sexual violence and intimate partner violence.¹

¹ Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among People with Disabilities, Center for Disease Control and Prevention
² Harrell, E., Crime Against Persons with Disabilities 2009-2015- Statistical Tables, Bureau of Justice Statistics (2017)
³ Violence against women with disabilities, Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services