Domestic and Family Violence, Disability and Finding Support
For many people, home is where they feel safe, supported and connected, but for some people with disability, home can also be the place where they experience fear, control or abuse.
Domestic and family violence is a difficult topic to talk about. It can be even harder when you rely on someone else for support.
The person causing harm may also be the person helping with transport, meals, medications, communication, personal care or getting out into the community.
That can make it feel like there is no easy way forward.
A Bigger Issue Than Many People Realise
People with disability experience family, domestic and sexual violence at higher rates than people without disability. Around 1 in 5 adults with disability have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a current or former intimate partner since the age of 15. Women with disability are particularly affected, with around 30% reporting intimate partner violence.
People with disability can also experience forms of abuse that are directly linked to their disability, including having support withdrawn, mobility aids damaged, medications withheld, finances controlled or access to the community restricted.
It's More Complicated Than Just Leaving
One of the biggest myths about domestic and family violence is that people can simply leave.
For many people with disability, it isn't that simple.
You might worry about:
How you'll get to appointments
Who will help with daily tasks
Whether you'll be able to access your medications
Finding housing that is accessible
Getting legal advice or advocacy support
Losing important relationships or connections
These concerns are real. And if you've felt overwhelmed by them, you're not alone.
Asking for help can feel daunting, but it can also be the first step towards understanding your options and finding support that works for you.
You Deserve Support That Works For You
The good news is that there are services specifically working to make support more accessible for people with disability.
You do not need to have everything figured out before making contact.
You do not need to know whether what you're experiencing is "serious enough".
You do not need to wait until things get worse.
You can reach out simply because something doesn't feel right.
Where to Start
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT provides free, confidential support for people affected by domestic, family and sexual violence, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They offer accessibility options including online chat, video calls and disability-specific resources.
Call: 1800 737 732
Sunny App
Created by women with disability, for women with disability, Sunny provides information about violence, rights and support services in an accessible format.
Disability Support Toolkit
Easy English resources, videos and practical information to help people with disability understand violence and access support. This resource is from the same organisation providing the 1800RESPECT services.
Access the Disability Support Toolkit
NSW Domestic and Family Violence Support
How to get help and support, emergency housing, understanding domestic and sexual violence, sexual consent and the law, legal help, how to stay safe.
Department of Communities and Justice
A Final Thought
At roundsquared, we know that asking for help can feel incredibly difficult.
We also know that many people experiencing domestic and family violence have spent a long time trying to cope on their own.
If that's you, please know this:
You deserve to feel safe.
You deserve to be listened to.
You deserve support that respects your choices, your disability and your independence.
And while the first step can be the hardest one, you do not have to take it alone.
There are people and services ready to listen, believe you and help you find a path forward at a pace that feels right for you.
Support Contacts
Emergency
Call 000
1800RESPECT
Call 1800 737 732www.1800respect.org.au
Lifeline
Call 13 11 14https://www.lifeline.org.au/