VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) with
its Optional Protocol is the first binding legal act and leading international instrument
regarding the rights of persons with disabilities. One of the principles of CRPD
is “respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make
one’s own choices and independence”, whereby persons with disabilities are recognized
as holders of rights taking into account their specific situation. CRPD recognizes in
Article 6 that “women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination”
and mandates signatory countries to “take measures to ensure their full and equal
enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.” The research was done in
order to examine the readiness of the state to institutionally cover the awareness of girls
and women with disabilities, their education on the issue of violence, access to services
and information appropriate to the needs of each category separately, as well as systemic
solutions for their protection from violence. A qualitative research strategy was applied,
and the research was conducted with representatives of the Centers for Social Work, representatives
from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, professionals who are direct
providers of services in the field of non-family protection, as well as the girls and women
with disabilities themselves. The main conclusions that emerge from the research say
that girls and women with disabilities are more susceptible to violence, especially by
their partners or family members. More awareness is needed to recognize and encourage
reporting of violence.