Disability and domestic abuse

A person with a disability can be subject to physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence in any or all of the ways that non-disabled person can.

In addition they may experience the following forms of abusive behaviour:

• the abuser may withhold care or undertake it neglectfully or abusively
• the abuser may remove mobility or sensory devices that are needed for independence
• the abuser may be claiming state benefits in order to care for the client - enabling them to control their finances more effectively
• the abuser may use the disability to taunt or degrade the client
• if the client is experiencing domestic abuse and is disabled, they may find it harder to protect themselves or to access sources of help
• they may be more physically vulnerable than a non-disabled person
• they may be less able to remove themselves from an abusive situation
• they may be socially isolated both because of their disability and as a result of their abuser's control of their social relationships
• they may find it harder to disclose abuse because they have no opportunity to see health or social care professionals without their abuser being present
• they may have particular concerns about moving out of their home - it may have been specially adapted for them, or a care package has been organised and they are worried that they will lose their current level of independence if they are forced to move elsewhere
• they may be reluctant to report domestic abuse from a partner whose care they depend on, which they believe enables them to stay out of institutional care

The forced marriage unit is also seeing a significant increase in the number of people with learning disabilities who are being forced into marriage for the purposes of, for example, securing visas.

If you are concerned that someone with a disability is a victim of domestic abuse you should follow the Derby City and Derbyshire County safeguarding adults policy and procedures.