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People with disabilities can experience all forms of domestic and sexual abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial and online abuse.
This includes people with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory (such as being Deaf or blind), learning, cognitive, neurological, mental health, and chronic health conditions.
Research shows that people with disabilities can be more vulnerable to domestic violence, experience domestic abuse for longer periods of time, and experience more severe and frequent abuse than non-disabled people.
People with disabilities also encounter differing dynamics of domestic abuse, which may include more severe coercion, control or abuse from carers.
As well as common forms of abuse, people with disabilities may experience:
Source:
Ann Craft Trust: ‘Disability & Domestic Abuse’.
People with disabilities may face additional challenges when seeking support, including:
Because of these barriers, people with disabilities may experience abuse for longer periods before being able to access support.
Source:
Ann Craft Trust: ‘Disability & Domestic Abuse’. (1)
Bournemouth University, ‘Minority groups face additional barriers in accessing domestic abuse services, research finds’, 2024. (2)
These misconceptions can silence victims, minimise their experiences, or prevent them from seeking help.
Understanding the reality of abuse helps create safer communities where people feel supported and believed.
Fact
Research shows that people with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse from an adult family member compared to non-disabled people. For example, around 1 in 7 (14.1%) disabled adults experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2019, compared with 1 in 20 (5.4%) non-disabled adults.
Source:
Office for National Statistics: ‘Disability and crime, UK: 2019’.
Fact
For disabled individuals in particular, abuse can also be carried out by carers, family members, support workers, or others in positions of trust.
Source:
Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse: ‘Disabilities & DA’.
Fact
While many forms of abuse are similar, people with disabilities may also experience disability-specific abuse. This can include withholding medication or care, controlling access to mobility aids or communication devices, or using someone’s disability to manipulate or control them.
Source:
Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse: ‘Disabilities & DA’.
Fact
Many people with disabilities face additional barriers when trying to access support. This can include physical inaccessibility, communication barriers, lack of accessible information, and services not always being equipped to meet their needs.
It can also be harder to disclose abuse. Some people may have limited opportunities to speak to professionals alone, especially if the person causing harm is also their carer.
Concerns about leaving can be more complex. A person’s home may be specially adapted to meet their needs, and moving elsewhere may affect their independence or access to care. Some people may rely on the person causing harm for support, which can make it harder to seek help or leave the situation.
Source:
Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse: ‘Disabilities & DA’.
have suffered from abuse from a current partner.
1
with a long-term illness or disability had experienced domestic abuse.
2
with a long-term illness or disability had experienced domestic abuse.
3
Sources:
Safe Lives: Disabled people and domestic abuse spotlight, 2019 (1)
Ann Craft Trust: ‘Disability & Domestic Abuse’. (2)
Ann Craft Trust: ‘Disability & Domestic Abuse’. (3)
Support is available, and you do not have to face this alone. You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for confidential support, information and guidance.
You may also find it helpful to explore specialist support services for People with disabilities:
028 9040 1729
info@autismni.org
Autism NI is Northern Ireland’s longest-serving autism charity, supporting over 35,000 autistic people and their families through local services, education, and campaigning for acceptance. They provide a helpline, early intervention for children, support groups, and accredited training to promote an inclusive society.
028 9029 7880
hq@disabilityaction.org
Disability Action promotes rights and provides services for disabled people across Northern Ireland.
0303 123 9999
helpline@rnib.org.uk
RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, is the UK's leading sight loss charity. They offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers.
0808 808 0123
contact@rnid.org.uk
RNID is the national charity supporting more than 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Belfast – 028 9069 1351 / Omagh – 028 8225 9249 / Derry/Londonderry – 028 7126 2227
infoni@mencap.org.uk
Mencap NI supports people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers by providing tailored services, campaigning for rights, and promoting inclusion.
028 9043 8316
info@nexusni.org
Provides counselling and support for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Northern Ireland.
0800 0246 991
Rape Crisis Northern Ireland is a non-governmental organisation and support service for anyone who is 16 and over and has experienced serious sexual assault and rape in adulthood.
028 9040 1280
therowan@northerntrust.hscni.net
Regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre offering medical and forensic support to survivors.