There was a networking event organised by Safer London on 25th Nov – Providing Support to Underrepresented Groups and Communities Affected by Domestic Violence in London.
Ruth Bashall from Staysafe East gave a presentation on the work that they do. Sisters of Frida has many links with Staysafe Eastand supports the great work that they do.
Here are some of the notes from her presentation
Disabled people in general are 3 times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled people
⢠Disabled women 2 to 5 times are more likely to experience sexual violence than non-disabled women
⢠50% of disabled women have experienced violence in their lives, 33% of non- disabled women
⢠Disabled children are 3 times as likely to be sexually abused than non-disabled children (most likely for disabled girls)
⢠Worldwide, 70% of women with learning difficulties report being victims of sexual assault (20% of women without earning difficulties) (UN). Sanction detection rates are very low.
⢠Disabled men are more likely than non-disabled men to be victims of domestic violence
⢠Hate crime and harassment, and institutional abuse are a common life
She also pointed out that there are many barriers
To support disabled women survivors of domestic violence, Â she offers this advice
Most importantly she uses the social model of disability approach, that is to say -not to focus primarily on impairments but the role of the environment and society in disability. She would also push for inclusive practice  so as to develop the peer support needed..
Other organisations represented there which gave presentations were Imkaan, Muslim Womens Network, Stonewall Housing, St Mungos Broadway
Leave a Reply