Older women and women with disabilities face a particular risk of abuse, yet their situation is largely hidden in most global and national violence-related data, according to two new publications released Wednesday (today) by the World Health Organisation.
WHO is, however, calling for better research across countries that will help ensure these women are counted, and that their specific needs are understood and addressed.
The health agency said where there is evidence of gender-based violence among these groups, data shows a high prevalence.
“One systematic review found greater risks of intimate partner violence for women with disabilities, compared with those without; while another also found higher rates of sexual violence,” it said on Wednesday.
“Older women and women with disabilities are under-represented in much of the available research on violence against women, which undermines the ability of programmes to meet their particular needs,” said Dr. Lynnmarie Sardinha, Technical Officer at WHO and the UN Special Programme on Human Reproduction for Violence against Women Data and Measurement, and author of the briefs.
One systematic review found greater risks of intimate partner violence for women with disabilities, compared with those without
“Understanding how diverse women and girls are differently affected, and if and how they are accessing services, is critical to ending violence in all its forms,” Sardinha added.
The body noted that intimate partner and sexual violence are the most common forms of gender-based violence globally and affect around one in three women.
“Older women and women with disabilities are still subjected to these types of violence but also face specific risks and additional forms of abuse, sometimes at the hands of caregivers or health care professionals. These include coercive and controlling behaviours such as withholding of medicines, assistive devices, or other aspects of care, and financial abuse.
“Among women aged 60 years and older, a review conducted by WHO found that physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence remained the most frequently experienced forms of abuse. However, as partners aged, some women reported a shift from predominantly physical and/or sexual violence to psychological violence, including threats of abandonment and other controlling behaviours.
women aged 60 years and older frequently experience physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence
“Older women and women with disabilities can be extremely isolated when violence occurs, making it more difficult for them to escape and report the abuse. Stigma and discrimination can further reduce access to services or information, or result in their accounts of violence being dismissed by responders,” it stated.
“Gender-based violence is rooted in unequal power and control over women,” said Dr. Avni Amin, Head of the Rights and Equality across the Life Course Unit at WHO and HRP.
“For older women and women with disabilities, their dependency and isolation are further exploited by perpetrators, increasing their risk of abuse. Services must be responsive to their needs and identify appropriate contacts through the health and care systems so that all women experiencing violence can access empathetic, survivor-centered care.”
The dependency and isolation of older women and women with disabilities can be exploited, increasing their risk of abuse
WHO recommends several measures to address evidence gaps. Noting that older women are currently represented in only about 10% of data on violence against women, this includes extending the age limit for survey participation.
They also suggest incorporating questions relating to different types of violence, encompassing a broad spectrum of disabilities.
