Access and Accessibility in Domestic and Family Violence Services for Women With Disabilities: Widening the Lens. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Sally; Frawley, Patsie; Dyson, Sue
• Is Part Of: Violence against women. Volume 27:Number 6/7(2021)
• Page Start: 918
• Page End: 936
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: intersectionality -- violence prevention -- tertiary -- collaboration; Abused women -- Periodicals; Women -- Crimes against -- Periodicals; Violent crimes -- Periodicals; Femmes victimes de violence -- Périodiques; Femmes, Crimes contre les -- Périodiques; Crimes violents -- Périodiques; 362.8292
• DOI: 10.1177/1077801220909890
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-8012

Abstract

Women with disabilities experiencing violence can face challenges accessing domestic and family violence (DFV) services. Our research explored how these services understood and operationalized access for women with disabilities. In this article, we use Levesque, Harris, and Russell's access framework to show how to be accessible to women with disabilities, and DFV services can widen the lens of access and accessibility to respond to women's own priorities. These centered around appropriateness, approachability, and acceptability. Addressing these broader issues of access in policy and practice alongside disability-specific needs can better align what services offer and what women need.