294 Chapter 14: Abuse, violence, and self-defense
Physical abuse
Physical abuse includes being beaten, pushed
down, pinched, slapped, or hit. Sometimes
people threaten a disabled woman’s
children. She may be even more afraid
because she feels she cannot protect her
children from violence.
In addition to beatings and assault,
a disabled woman is being physically
abused when:
Women with disabilities
can be physically abused
and treated roughly in
many different ways and
places: in clinics, schools,
residential homes, at
their workplace, on
public transportation, or
even at home.
• someone deliberately breaks
equipment she uses, such as her
hearing aid, or her crutches.
• someone deliberately moves a blind
woman’s furniture to make it harder
for her to get around.
• she is forced to be naked in front of
strangers during an exam in a public
clinic or hospital.
Health workers can prevent this
kind of situation by covering
her body as much as possible
with her own clothes or a sheet.
Or they can examine her in a
private room, if one is available.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007