International Day for the Disabled
Historically, disability has been defined in terms of an individual's characteristics and his/her ability to perform daily functions. The term "disability" refers to difficulty performing the activities of daily living, a physical or intellectual difficulty, or a health issue that reduces one's level of activity. There are many types of disability, including those related to mobility, sight, hearing, psychiatric conditions, and intellectual status, learning, and communication skills. Some people have more than one disability.
Violence in relationships is any behaviour or pattern of behaviour used by one person to force, dominate, or isolate the others. It is the use of any form of power that is imposed by one partner over the other to maintain control within the relationship. For women with disabilities, the abuse may be perpetrated by an intimate partner or spouse, by a family member or care-giver (e.g., health care service provider, doctor, nurse, institutional and residential staff, or attendant). When people depend on others for basic primary care, they may be more vulnerable to abuse. Furthermore, abuse incidents are rarely isolated - abuse tends to be an ongoing pattern. For instance, less than 25% of sexual violence is limited to one episode.
Are you a woman with disabilities or do you know one? What are issues you face or she is faces? What do you recommend?