Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice with Women with Disabilities: Working with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Authors

  • Michelle S. Ballan Stony Brook School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook School of Medicine
  • Molly Freyer New York University Silver School of Social Work

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/21308

Keywords:

Intimate partner violence, women with disabilities, trauma-informed practice

Abstract

Women with disabilities experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at higher rates than both nondisabled women and men, and men with disabilities. Their significant exposure to IPV suggests notable levels of trauma-related symptomology. However, there is a dearth of research on trauma and IPV among women with disabilities, and services tailored to their diverse strengths and needs are scarce. Guided by critical disability theory and feminist disability theory, this article describes culturally sensitive, trauma- informed approaches to practice with female survivors of IPV with disabilities. 

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Published

2017-09-24