Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

It is generally understood that people with disabilities experience sexual violence at elevated rates as compared to the nondisabled population (Basile, K. C., Breiding, M. J., & Smith, S. G., 2016). Recent studies have identified forms of violence that are unique to disability and aging, such as manipulation of medication, neglect, and withholding of care (Powers, L. E., Hughes, R. B., Lund, E. M., & Wambach, M., 2009). Similar to traditional forms of sexual and interpersonal violence, these forms of neglect involve imbalance of power and exercise of control over another person. Because all individuals with disabilities live within unique circumstances, it is logical to believe that individuals with disabilities also have varying levels of dependence on others.

Utilizing data collected by Developmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne State University and the United Cerebral Palsy Association in Michigan in 2000-2001 (publicly available on ICPSR through the University of Michigan), this study seeks to explore the relationship between women’s need for assistance on various tasks and their reported experiences of sexual violence. 177 women with physical disabilities completed a survey examining variables including their level of assistance needed to complete various tasks and their experiences of sexual violence and neglect. Linear regression analyses were performed to attempt to identify a relationship between level of dependence on others and experiences of sexual violence or neglect, as well as whether assistance needed on specific tasks predicted experiences of sexual violence and neglect. Women with a higher level of dependence on others did not experience violence at a significantly higher rate, but did experience neglect at a significantly higher rate than women with a lower level of dependence [t (1,174) = 2.40, p = .017]. Women who needed assistance taking medication experienced neglect at a significantly higher rate than those who did not need assistance taking medication [t (3,172) = 2.09, p = .04]. These results persisted when the regression was controlled for age and ethnicity.

This study contributes to the small collection of research exploring sexual violence and neglect in women with disabilities, with the additional inclusion of dependence as a potential contributing factor. The findings of this study offer insight into several policy implications for people with disabilities, including enhanced considerations for women with disabilities housed in emergency shelters and future revisions to the Americans With Disabilities Act to offer increased protections for people who experience neglect or violence. Limitations of this study may include small sample size, exclusion of women with cognitive and intellectual disabilities (as well as other intersecting identities such as LGBTQ+ and women of color), and level of willingness to disclose experiences of violence and neglect. Many omitted variables unrelated to dependence may account for increased risk of assault or neglect, such as previous experiences of violence and cumulative exposure to violence over the lifetime. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this study assumes that one’s need for assistance in completing certain tasks is directly indicative of their level of dependence on others.