WHO calls for greater attention to violence against women with disabilities and older women

Older women and women with disabilities face a particular risk of abuse, but their situation is largely hidden in most global and national data on violence, according to two new publications released today by the World Health Organization (WHO). The health agency is calling for better research across countries to help ensure these women are counted and that their specific needs are understood and addressed.

Where there is evidence of gender-based violence among these groups, the data show a high prevalence. A systematic review found higher risks of intimate partner violence for women with disabilities compared to those without, while another also found higher rates of sexual violence.

“Older women and women with disabilities are underrepresented in most available research on violence against women, which undermines the ability of programs to meet their special needs,” said Dr. Lynnmarie Sardinha, Technical Officer at WHO and the UN Special Program on Human Reproduction (HRP) for Violence against Women Data and Measurement, and author of abstracts. “Understanding how different women and girls are affected differently, and whether and how they access services, is key to ending violence in all its forms.”

Intimate partner and sexual violence are the most common forms of gender-based violence at the global level and they affect 1 in 3 women. Older women and women with disabilities are still exposed to these types of violence, but they also face certain risks and additional forms of abuse, sometimes by caregivers or health workers. This includes coercive and controlling behaviors such as withholding medication, aids or other aspects of care and financial abuse.

Among women aged 60 and older, a review conducted by the WHO showed that physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence remained the most common 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 behaviors.

Older women and women with disabilities can be extremely isolated when violence occurs, making it difficult for them to escape and report abuse. Stigma and discrimination may further reduce access to services or information, or result in their stories of violence being dismissed by responders.

“Gender-based violence is rooted in unequal power and control over women,” said Dr. Avni Amin, Head of the Division of Lifetime Rights and Equality at WHO and HRP. “For older women and women with disabilities, their dependence and isolation are further exploited by perpetrators, increasing their risk of abuse. Services must be sensitive to their needs and identify appropriate contacts across health and care systems, so that all women who have experienced violence can access compassionate survivor-centred care.”

WHO recommends several measures to address gaps in the evidence. Noting that older women are currently represented in only about 10% of data on violence against women, this includes extending the age limit for participation in research. They also suggest the inclusion of questions related to different types of violence, which cover a wide spectrum of disabilities.

Two panties, Measuring violence against older women and Measuring violence against women with disabilities, emphasize that older women and women with disabilities and their representative organizations should be involved in all phases and aspects of research design and implementation, to ensure that it is appropriate and user-friendly. Formats such as Braille or EasyRead can expand accessibility.

The briefs are the first in a series on neglected forms of violence and were developed as part of the Joint UN Women-WHO Data Program on Violence Against Women, through the HRP. They are intended for researchers, state statistical offices, social welfare services and others involved in collecting data on violence against women. Funding was provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In addition to the summaries, WHO has developed a survey module to support the collection of data on violence against older women, to be used alongside existing surveys. Funding to support the inclusion of disability measures in such research will be announced later in the year.