An exploratory study on the work of independent living centers to address abuse of women with disabilities

Staff of 36 independent living centers (ILCs) participated in telephone int erviews about their services for women with disabilities experiencing abuse . One major theme which arose from analysis of the interviews was that wome n with disabilities face disability-related issues in dealing with abuse. O f the 36 respondents, 31 identified abuse as an important issue among their consumers. Respondents identified a number of needs and problems which aro se in their efforts to assist women with disabilities experiencing abuse. T he problem mentioned most often was the lack of physically accessible shelt ers and abuse intervention program offices. Other problems frequently menti oned included dependence on the abuser for economic support, personal care, or both, a need for increased outreach to women with disabilities experien cing abuse, and a need for training of abuse intervention program staff and other service providers on disability-related issues.