Growing calls for govt and society to address GBV against women with disabilities

JOHANNESBURG - There are growing calls for both government and society to focus more on addressing gender-based violence, particularly against women with disabilities.

This is after a new study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) revealed that over 31% of women with disabilities have experienced sexual or physical violence in their lifetime.

This is the first time national data is being presented in research specifically examining the extent to which GBV impacts women with disabilities.

Gender specialist on violence against women, Lisa Vetten, emphasised the need for a proactive approach to curb the scourge.

"What’s also really important is that the study highlights that women with disabilities, although they are a small percentage of the population, are actually at greater risk of violence. So, it tells us quite a lot about how much attention we need to pay to reduce their vulnerability and their dependency."