The Vulnerability to Violence among Women with Physical Disabilities in the City of Tshwane Pretoria, South Africa

• Published in: African Journal of Gender, Society & Development Society & Development, 2022-09, Vol.11 (3), p.85
• Main Authors: Muruzi, Yeukai L, Gutura, Priscilla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activism; Deprivation; Emotional abuse; Exploitation; Gender stereotypes; Gender-based violence; People with disabilities; Physical disabilities; Protective factors; Risk factors; Selfawareness; Sex crimes; Sexual violence; Social exclusion; Socioeconomic factors; Stereotypes; Violence against women; Women
• ISSN: 2634-3614; 2634-3622
• DOI: 10.31920/2634-3622/2022/v11n3a3

Violence against women is a global challenge, however, at a higher risk are women with disabilities than women without disabilities. While violence against women has been widely studied, there is a paucity of data concerning experiences of violence among women with physical disabilities in South Africa. This paper discusses the different forms of violence experienced by women with physical disabilities, the associated risk and protective factors. The findings are drawn from a qualitative study that was conducted in Pretoria, South Africa. A sample of twelve women with physical disabilities was selected using a purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants using a semi-structured interview guide to collect data. The results from the study showed that participants experienced sexual violence, socio-economic exclusion, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, physical abuse, neglect and deprivation of educational and financial needs. The risk factors that increased the likelihood of abuse included, non-disclosure of the violence faced and stereotypes aligned with living with physical disabilities. However, some of the women equipped themselves with crucial information, disclosed violence experienced and developed self-awareness and acceptance of their disabilities as a way of protecting themselves. This paper concludes that violence among women with physical disabilities exists, with risk factors that can intensify the possibility of being victimised. Therefore, it is recommended that there should be strict laws that protect women, more activism is required and the formation of women-led groups that represent the interests of this category of women.