All women, men, and children with disabilities can be victims of abuse. Research has shown, however, that women and children are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Source: Nova Scotia, Fact Sheet 8, Abuse of Persons with Disabilities, 2003.

Women

Evidence shows that women with disabilities are more subject to violence -- especially those with intellectual disabilities -- than other women. Source: Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Supporting Persons with Disabilities: A Government of Canada report, 2004.

It is estimated that 83% of women with disabilities will be sexually abused in their lifetime. Source: National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, 2004.

For women with disabilities, the abuse may be perpetrated by an intimate partner or spouse, by a family member or support giver (e.g., health care service provider, doctor, nurse, and residential staff or attendant). Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005.

Children

Research indicates that children with disabilities are 1.7 times more likely to experience violence than children without disabilities. Children with intellectual disabilities are 3.8 times more likely to experience physical and emotional abuse, and 4 times more likely to be sexually abused. Source: Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Supporting Persons with Disabilities: A Government of Canada report, 2004.

Mental Health and Violence

Of those persons who have received care at a mental health institution as an inpatient, 80% have experienced physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005 - adopted from Violence Prevention Initiative fact sheet.