306 Chapter 14: Abuse, violence, and self-defense
Abuse in institutions
Sometimes when a family finds it hard to care for a disabled woman, they decide
to place her in an institution or a residential home. They feel the institution will
be able to care for their daughter or mother better than they themselves can. Many
people who live in institutions or residential homes also get a feeling of belonging
and have a community of people around them. Even though many people with
disabilities have survived because of the care they get in residential schools,
hospitals, and orphanages, they can also be abused there.
Because people who live in institutions are often isolated, lonely, and powerless,
they are more vulnerable to being abused. Many times they are living far away from
their families, or they have no families at home who can care for them.
Disabled people in institutions
often have little control over their own
lives. They are usually told what to do,
and cannot make many decisions on
their own. Women who have learning
difficulties may be particularly isolated in
institutions because of their difficulties
in understanding or making themselves
understood.
Other problems for people in institutions result from the way the institution
is managed. Many institutions have too many residents and not enough money.
Often, the people who work there are overworked, frustrated, and exhausted.
Sometimes the people who work in institutions are given too much power: they
make rules, provide the care, and are expected to keep order.
In addition to the kinds of abuse mentioned earlier, women with disabilities can
face other kinds of abuse and violence in institutions:
• forced sex with workers,
caretakers, or other residents
• being beaten, slapped, or hurt
• no activity for work or pleasure,
and always being bored
• forced sterilization or abortions
• being locked in a room alone
• forced medication (tranquilizers)
• having to undress or be naked in front
of other people
• watching other people be abused or
hurt
• being tied down or put in restraints
(unable to move)
• ice baths or cold showers as
punishment
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007