Abstract:
Violence against women is a widespread challenge is various communities. Literature reveal that women with disabilities specifically are at an elevated risk of experiencing different types of violence and they experience violence more than women without disabilities or men with disabilities. More so, they are faced with violence unique to them known as disability related violence. As such, the goal of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of violence among women with physical disabilities in Tshwane Metro, Pretoria. The study was based on a qualitative approach to research and it was applied in nature. Using an instrumental case study design, a sample of twelve women was selected using purposive sampling method. Data was collected using face to face and virtual interviews guided by a semi-structured interview schedule. The data was thematically analysed.
The empirical findings of the study indicated that the participants experienced various forms of violence such as sexual, financial, physical, emotional, structural violence as well as neglect and deprivation. As found in this study, there were two risk factors that increased the possibility of the participants experiencing violence. These included, assumptions allied to women with physical disabilities and not disclosing the violence experienced. Nevertheless, the participants had ways of protecting themselves from violence highlighted as protective factors, which included self-acceptance, disclosing violence and getting support from significant others. Further, the participants coped in different ways after they experienced violence. They relied on support from informal networks, professionals and also by being empowered. The participants suggested that social workers ought to intervene within the responsible families of women affected with violence, carry out sensitive interventions and enhance the dignity of women with physical disabilities experiencing violence.
The study concluded that women with physical disabilities are not an exception to violence as they are faced with multiple forms of violence and disability related violence unique to them. Based on the conclusion, it is therefore recommended that there is a need for facilitation of public awareness on violence experienced by women with physical disabilities. Further, there should be capacity building for social workers, and assessment of the families of women with physical disabilities experiencing violence for holistic effective interventions. Intervention programmes or services for people faced with violence should not discriminate against women with physical disabilities, and a multi-sectoral approach can be used to help in addressing violence as it occurs in different environments such as public places, family contexts, schools, health care centres and work places
