Violence against women with disabilities and older women goes unseen: WHO advocates for urgent action

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging increased focus on a hidden epidemic: Violence against women with disabilities and older women. A recent press release by the global health agency highlighted the lack of data on this issue, calling for better research and tailored support for these vulnerable populations.

Existing data suggests a high prevalence of violence against these groups, the WHO said. However, the true scope of the problem remains unclear due to a critical gap in data collection.  

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This data gap stems from several factors, the global health body highlighted. Stigma and discrimination can prevent women from reporting abuse. Additionally, older women and women with disabilities may face challenges accessing services or support, or their accounts may be dismissed by responders / authorities.

One systematic review by WHO indicated heightened risks of intimate partner violence for women with disabilities compared to those without, while another identified elevated rates of sexual violence among this demographic.

Avni Amin, head of rights and equality across the life course unit at WHO and United Nations Special Programme on Human Reproduction in a statement said:

Gender-based violence is rooted in unequal power and control over women

“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-centred care,” Amin said.

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A WHO review among women aged 60 years and older revealed that physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence remained the most common forms of abuse. However, with partners aging, some women noted a transition from primarily physical and/or sexual violence to psychological abuse, such as threats of abandonment and other controlling behaviours. 

Older women and women with disabilities may experience heightened isolation during instances of violence, complicating their ability to seek help and report the abuse.

Intimate partner and sexual violence rank among the most prevalent forms of gender-based violence worldwide, impacting approximately 1 in 3 women. Despite this, older women and women with disabilities continue to endure these types of violence, along with specific risks and additional forms of abuse, the WHO warned. 

In some cases, caregivers or healthcare professionals may perpetrate these abuses, including coercive and controlling behaviours such as withholding medications, assistive devices, or other essential aspects of care, as well as financial exploitation.

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WHO emphasised the need for improved data collection methods that are inclusive of women with disabilities and older women.  This will require collaboration among governments, researchers and organisations working with these populations.

It also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, such as harmful gender norms and attitudes. Additionally, WHO calls for the development and implementation of comprehensive support services tailored to the specific needs of older women and women with disabilities.

WHO has also created a survey module to facilitate data collection on violence against older women, designed to complement existing surveys. Later in the year, resources will also be released to aid in the incorporation of disability measures into such surveys, the press release added.

Read more:

• A parallel pandemic: Violence against women intensified during COVID-19, confirms UN
• International Women’s Day: Why should girls always bear the brunt?

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