Bring My Scooter So I Can Leave You: A Study of Disabled Women Handling Abuse by Personal Assistance Providers

This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of women with physical and cognitive disabilities related to abuse by formal and informal personal assistance providers. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 72 women to explore how women define personal assistance abuse,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Violence against women 2001-04, Vol.7 (4), p.393-417
Main Authors: SAXTON, MARSHA, CURRY, MARY ANN, POWERS, LAURIE E., MALEY, SUSAN, ECKELS, KARYL, GROSS, JACQUELINE
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abuse
Assaults
Assistants
Caregivers
Carers
Coping strategies
Disabled women
Females
Mentally Retarded
People with disabilities
Physically Handicapped
Portland, Oregon
San Francisco, California
USA
Violence
Women
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Summary:This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of women with physical and cognitive disabilities related to abuse by formal and informal personal assistance providers. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 72 women to explore how women define personal assistance abuse, the barriers they face in handling abuse, and strategies they recommend to prevent and/or stop abuse. Key themes that emerged included (a) the role of social and personal boundary confusion and power dynamics within the personal assistance services relationship; (b) expanded forms of abuse experienced by women with disabilities; (c) the complexity of using family and friends as providers; (d) personal, social, and systemic barriers that impede women's response to abuse; and (e) the benefits of supports that validate women's experiences and bolster their capacities to prevent and manage abuse. Findings suggested that, with experience, support, and appropriate resources, women with disabilities can effectively manage this challenge.
ISSN:1077-8012
1552-8448
DOI:10.1177/10778010122182523