Violence Against Women and Girls With Disabilities

My motivation for attending this parallel event on Tuesday 05, March 2013, “Hate Crime: Violence Against Women and Girls With Disabilities” was because my sister who is a Rehabilitation Counselor awakened in me the awareness that individuals with disabilities are under-served and are in sore need of advocacy. And I am truly glad I did. One of the many things I learned from my sister is that, “all disabilities are not visible”.


The main speaker of the panel was the founder of The JUDITH Trust established to honour her disabled sister, Judith. The JUDITH Trust is currently working with synagogues and other Jewish organizations in an effort to close the gap for all those with Learning Disability (LD) and Mental Ill-health (MI).


The speaker revealed alarming statistics—up to 40% of the population in the United Kingdom with learning disabilities would eventually develop co-occurring diagnoses of mental health. The particular needs of women with both LD and MI were addressed—it was found that this vulnerable and disadvantaged group is at greater risk of harm. Women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety and depression. They are often not valued, listened to or included. They are hurt, harassed, bullied, ostracized and even raped. More often than not, the abusers are family members, trusted friends, or care givers (teachers, clergy, etc.). It is significant to note that most people with disabilities are unable to self-advocate and do not always report the abuse when it happens for fear that they would not be believed or may be further victimized.


The main trust of the Judith Trust is to be an advocate for all those diagnosed with these illnesses by addressing their emotional, social, physical, spiritual and learning needs. It is hoped that the work started by this organization would permeate to include all those diagnosed.


I found this event to be particular informative, enlightening and poignant, particularly as the needs of women and the girl child with LD and MI are rarely addressed. There is need for system and wide-reaching changes that can provide stability and protect this defenseless population. My only regret was that this event was viewed by so few. My hope is that appropriate measures should be taken, “to ensure that health services are sensitive to the needs of women with disabilities and are respectful of their rights and dignity”.    

-Maria Jordan