December 7th 2024.
The number of disabled women facing abuse is on the rise, and unfortunately, the authorities are failing to protect them. This is a harsh reality that Jennifer, a 57-year-old woman with mild learning disabilities, has experienced firsthand. For over two years, she endured sexual and psychological abuse from her husband, who would often strangle her and make violent threats. At first, she was blinded by his charm and thought he was the perfect partner, but as time went on, she realized the relationship was toxic and dangerous.
Jennifer, who prefers to go by a pseudonym, was not aware that she was a victim of domestic and sexual abuse until she sought help from her local solicitor. Even then, it took her a while to fully understand the gravity of her situation. She recalls how she would often visit the doctor due to injuries caused by her husband, but she was too scared to disclose the real reason behind them. Her husband would always accompany her and she felt unable to speak up in front of him. The fear and trauma she experienced were so overwhelming that she even contemplated suicide.
Looking back, Jennifer realizes that her husband took advantage of her vulnerabilities and used her disabilities to control her. He would manipulate her finances and restrict her independence, making it almost impossible for her to leave the abusive relationship. It is a disturbing fact that disabled adults are more likely to experience domestic abuse and sexual violence than those without disabilities, and sadly, they are also less likely to report it.
Statistics show that in 2020, disabled people were nearly three times more likely to experience domestic abuse compared to non-disabled individuals. This is particularly alarming for adults with learning disabilities, as they are at a higher risk of being abused. Moreover, the rates of sexual assault against disabled women have doubled since 2014. Despite these alarming numbers, only a small percentage of these cases are reported to the authorities.
Even when a survivor does come forward, the response from the authorities may not always be satisfactory. In Jennifer's case, the criminal investigation into her ex-husband was dropped due to lack of evidence. This is a common occurrence, with many survivors feeling let down by the justice system. Holli Waterson from LimeCulture explains that this is especially true for survivors with learning disabilities, who may struggle to disclose their abuse and may not receive the support they need.
It is clear that there is a dire need for more awareness and action to address the epidemic of violence against women. That is why Metro launched the "This Is Not Right" campaign, in partnership with Women's Aid, to shed light on this pressing issue and empower readers to take a stand against violence. We will continue to share stories and statistics to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by abuse. Together, we can make a difference and create a safer and more just society for all women.
The number of disabled women facing abuse is on the rise, and unfortunately, the authorities are not providing the necessary support to protect them. One such woman, Jennifer, bravely shared her story with us. She recounted the terrifying moments when her husband would physically and emotionally abuse her, leaving her with no other option but to struggle against his grip. For over two years, she endured this violence, which was often accompanied by verbal abuse and threats of more harm.
Jennifer, who wishes to remain anonymous, has mild learning disabilities. Despite experiencing previous instances of strangulation by her ex, she was unaware that his behavior constituted domestic and sexual abuse. Looking back, she recalls how she first met her husband and was immediately charmed by his considerate and kind nature. She thought he was the perfect partner and never could have imagined the nightmare that awaited her.
Their relationship progressed quickly, and they moved in together soon after meeting. However, it wasn't long before things took a turn for the worse. Jennifer finally sought help when she fled to her local solicitor, who contacted the police and arranged for her to stay at a refuge for domestic abuse survivors. It was only then that she realized the danger she was in.
Reflecting on her experience, Jennifer admits that she didn't even know she was being abused. She knew her husband's behavior was making her unhappy and even had to visit the doctor due to his actions. Sadly, it wasn't just physical abuse; Jennifer also endured forced sexual acts, despite repeatedly saying no. The abuse escalated to the point where she was regularly hospitalized with broken bones and other injuries.
In response to the alarming rates of violence against women, Metro launched a year-long campaign called This Is Not Right on November 25, 2024. Throughout the year, we will be sharing stories that shed light on the widespread epidemic of violence against women. In partnership with Women's Aid, our goal is to engage and empower our readers to take action against this issue. We encourage our readers to share their own stories with us by sending an email to the provided address.
For Jennifer, reporting her husband was equally terrifying. She would often make appointments with her GP to discuss her injuries, but her husband would always accompany her, making it impossible for her to reveal the truth. She explains that she couldn't tell the doctor what her husband was doing to her because he was always in the room. He believed she was going for routine check-ups and had no idea about the abuse she was enduring.
Despite wanting to escape the relationship, Jennifer didn't know how to do so. She felt trapped and alone, often considering suicide as a way out. Looking back, she believes her ex exploited her disabilities as a means to control her finances and limit her independence. He even went as far as transferring all her money into his name without her knowledge.
Sadly, Jennifer's story is not unique. Disabled adults are more likely to experience domestic abuse and sexual violence than those without disabilities. Shockingly, they are also less likely to report it. According to data published by the Office for National Statistics, disabled people were nearly three times more likely to experience domestic abuse in 2020 than non-disabled people. Rates were even higher for those with learning disabilities. Furthermore, rates of sexual assault against disabled women have more than doubled since 2014.
When someone is at risk of abuse or neglect, a local authority will conduct an investigation to determine the necessary actions to protect the individual. However, according to statistics, there were over 37,500 of these investigations carried out between 2018-22. Jennifer was eventually able to escape her abuser, but the criminal investigation against him was dropped due to lack of evidence.
Domestic abuse is a prevalent issue in the UK, with one in four women experiencing it at some point in their lives. Shockingly, the police recorded a domestic abuse offense approximately every 40 seconds in 2023. However, only 18.9% of women who experienced partner abuse in the last 12 months reported it to the police. This is a concerning statistic, especially when we consider that 84% of domestic abuse victims are female, and 93% of defendants are male.
Safe Lives reports that disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic abuse as non-disabled women, and they typically endure it for a longer period before seeking help. On average, it takes seven attempts before a woman is able to leave an abusive relationship for good. Jennifer's case highlights the challenges faced by disabled women when trying to escape an abusive partner, and the lack of support they receive.
Jennifer recalls how the police informed her that they would not be taking action against her husband due to a lack of evidence. She was angry and wondered if they were waiting for her to become another statistic. According to Holli Waterson from LimeCulture, survivors with learning disabilities may feel unable to disclose their abuse, and even when they do, their reports are not always taken seriously. There is a tendency to judge their ability to cope with the criminal justice system, rather than focusing on the support they need.
We must address this epidemic of violence against women, and Metro's This Is Not Right campaign aims to do just that. We urge our readers to join us in raising awareness and taking action against this issue. Let's stand together and make a change.
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