Changing relationships: services for disabled women experiencing domestic violence in the UK

It is estimated that between one in three and one in four women experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, and there is some evidence to suggest that disabled women are likely to experience longer periods of violence than non-disabled women. Given shifting government policies and professional arenas in the UK, it seems likely that disabled women and social workers will interconnect around domestic violence more often in future. Based on findings from a small local study (which aimed to identify the appropriateness and accessibility of disability and domestic violence services for women), this paper shows some of the difficulties as well as the potential for social workers working with disabled adults. It provides an overview of the literature on the identification of barriers facing disabled women accessing domestic violence services, then goes on to present some of the findings from the disability agencies and services. Addressing these dilemmas in a discourse which recognises domestic violence as a crime, this paper offers some opportunities for changing relationships between disabled women, domestic violence services and social workers.