Domestic and family violence is a serious and widespread issue that affects individuals across all communities. However, people living with disability experience disproportionately higher rates of violence, often in ways that are more complex, hidden, and difficult to escape. In Australia, adults with disability are estimated to be two to three times more likely to experience violence compared to those without disability.
While much of the public conversation focuses on violence against women, and this remains critically important, men with disability are also at significant risk. Research shows that men with disability experience higher rates of violence than men without disability, including physical violence, emotional abuse, and neglect. However, their experiences are often underreported due to stigma, gender expectations, and a lack of targeted support services.
For women with disability, the statistics remain particularly concerning. Nearly two in three women with a disability will experience violence in their lifetime, and they are significantly more likely to experience domestic and family violence compared to women without disability. Women with a disability are also at higher risk of sexual violence and coercive control, particularly where dependence on others is present.
People with disability may face increased vulnerability due to factors such as reliance on others for daily support, communication barriers, social isolation, and power imbalances within relationships. In some cases, the person causing harm may also be a caregiver, family member, or support worker, making it even more difficult to seek help or leave unsafe situations.
Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. For people with disability, there can also be disability-specific forms of harm, such as withholding medication or equipment, restricting access to communication devices, or limiting participation in the community. Data shows that emotional and economic abuse are more common for people with disability, with rates significantly higher than for those without disability.
Sexual violence is also more prevalent, particularly for women with disability. Around 1 in 25 women with a disability have experienced sexual violence within a recent two-year period, compared to approximately 1 in 40 women without disability. However, it is important to acknowledge that men with disability also experience sexual violence, though this is less frequently disclosed and often under-identified within services.
Children with disability are also impacted. Research indicates that approximately 30% of children who experience domestic and family violence are children with disability, demonstrating how early and widespread this issue can be.
Despite these high rates, many individuals face significant barriers to seeking help. These include inaccessible services, lack of disability-informed responses, fear of not being believed, and concerns about losing essential supports or independence. For men, additional barriers can include stigma around help-seeking, expectations to appear self-reliant, and limited visibility of male-focused support pathways.
Disability and support services play a critical role in recognising and responding to domestic violence. Creating safe, trusting environments, using accessible communication, and being responsive to changes in behaviour are key. A strong, trauma-informed and person-centred approach is essential to ensure individuals, regardless of gender, feel safe to disclose and are supported appropriately.
Supporting someone in this context is not only about immediate safety, but also about long-term empowerment. This includes building communication and decision-making skills, strengthening social connections, and ensuring individuals understand their rights and have access to appropriate supports.
Addressing domestic violence within the disability community requires a coordinated, informed, and compassionate approach. The statistics clearly show this is not a small or isolated issue — it is systemic and affects people of all genders. Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported.
In Port Macquarie and surrounding Mid North Coast regions, there are a range of specialised services available to support individuals experiencing domestic and family violence. Local organisations such as Liberty Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services provide crisis support, safety planning, accommodation assistance, and ongoing case management for women and children experiencing violence. Legal and court-based support is also available through Mid North Coast Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services, which assists individuals navigating protection orders and the legal system. In addition to these local supports, statewide services such as 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14) offer 24/7 confidential counselling, information, and referrals via phone or online, ensuring support is accessible at any time. If there is immediate danger, call 000.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). People with disability in Australia: Violence and safety. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia
People with Disability Australia. (2023). Violence against women and girls with disability. https://pwd.org.au
Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety. (2021). Children and domestic and family violence. https://www.anrows.org.au
University of Melbourne Disability and Health Unit. (2020). Violence against people with disability research summary. https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au