Interpersonal violence survivors with disabilities: Considerations for faith-based organizations

Interpersonal violence and abuse against people with disabilities is a major and persistent issue across the lifespan. People with disabilities may be vulnerable to specific, disability-related forms of abuse in addition to more commonly recognized forms of abuse and may be dependent on the perpetrator for assistance with daily life activities, further complicating their experience of and vulnerability to abuse. Additionally, the presence of a disability may impact survivor's options and choices with regard to reporting and seeking help for abuse. This chapter briefly reviews disability-related considerations that may influence the experience, reporting, and treatment of interpersonal violence in people with disabilities, with a focus on how practitioners may respond to these issues when working with survivors with disabilities.