Family Violence and Disability

Family Violence and People with Disabilities in Tasmania

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The disabled are more at risk of family violence and coercive control for many reasons:

• They’re often more isolated and have fewer people to turn to for help.
• Many depend on others for daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, or moving around.
• Some people with disabilities can find it harder to communicate what’s happening to them or to be believed when they do speak up.
• Support services like shelters and legal help often aren’t set up for people with disabilities, making it harder to escape.
• Society sometimes assumes the disabled can’t make their own decisions, making it easier for abusers to hide the abuse.
• Many also struggle to find jobs and earn money, creating or deepening financial dependence on others.

All of these things together make it easier for abusers to control disabled people and harder for victims to get away or get help.

Types of abuse can include:

• Physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse
• Withholding medication, mobility aids, or personal care
• Over-medicating or under-medicating
• Controlling access to support workers or services
• Threatening to harm assistance animals
• Denying access to communication devices

Your rights:

• You have the right to be safe
• Services must provide accessible support for your disability needs
• You can get interpreters, communication support, or have someone with you
• Abuse by carers or support workers is a crime
• You don’t have to prove the abuse happened

Accessing help with your disability:

Services should provide:

• Accessible buildings and communication
• Support workers who understand disability
• Accommodation that meets your physical needs
• Help coordinating with NDIS or other disability supports
• Time and patience to communicate in your way

(Link to Disability Specific support in Support Services Section)