Disability abuse is when someone uses a person’s disability to control, manipulate, intimidate or harm them, often as part of a wider pattern of domestic abuse. It can involve exploiting someone’s support needs, restricting their independence or making them feel they have no choice but to rely on the person abusing them.
Disability abuse may include:
- Withholding medication, mobility aids or essential equipment
- Preventing someone from accessing healthcare, treatment or support
- Refusing to provide necessary care or deliberately providing it incorrectly
- Using someone’s disability to humiliate, threaten or manipulate them
- Controlling access to money, transport or communication devices
- Preventing someone from leaving the house or accessing support services
- Making decisions on someone’s behalf without their consent
- Threatening to withdraw care, support or assistance
- Dismissing someone’s experiences or making them feel they will not be believed because of their disability
When someone relies on their partner or family member for care, transport or everyday support, abuse can be particularly difficult to recognise or escape. An abuser may exploit this dependence to limit someone’s choices, isolate them from others or make them feel they cannot manage without them.
Disability abuse can also be difficult to identify when controlling behaviour is presented as care or concern. An abuser may claim they are acting in someone’s best interests while restricting their independence, ignoring their wishes or making decisions without their consent. Survivors may also face additional barriers to seeking help, including inaccessible services, communication difficulties or concerns about losing essential support.
If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing disability abuse, support is available. You are not alone, and you are not to blame.
Need support?
Solace provides expert support for women and children affected by domestic abuse in London, including counselling, advocacy, and safe housing.
