Definition of disability

The term “disability” includes activity limitations an individual may have due to physical, mental, or emotional problems and health problems that may require the use of special equipment such as a cane, wheelchair, special bed, or special telephone.

Women AND men with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and intimate partner violence. 

Facts and stats

Disability affects more than one in four women and one in five men in the United States and has been associated with a greater risk of experiencing violence.

Sexual Violence

• Two in five (39%) female victims of rape have a disability.
• Nearly one in four (24%) male victims who experience sexual violence other than rape have a disability. Other sexual violence acts include being made to penetrate, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact, and noncontact unwanted sexual experiences.
• Both women and men with a disability have an increased risk of sexual coercion (pressured sex without physical force) and noncontact unwanted sexual experiences (e.g., harassed in a public place, made to participate in or view sexually explicit material).

Intimate Partner Violence

• Women with a disability are more likely to report experiencing rape, sexual violence other than rape, physical violence, stalking, psychological aggression, and control of reproductive or sexual health by an intimate partner. 
• Men with a disability are more likely to report experiencing stalking and psychological aggression by an intimate partner.

Source- CDC

Resources-

The strategies and approaches that may help reduce violence among those with a disability.

• Sexual Violence Prevention Resource for Action  
• Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Resource for Action