Source: Human Rights Commission
New Zealand doesn’t have current robust domestic data that demonstrates the prevalence and scale of violence and abuse against disabled people, particularly those who require a high level of day-to-day care.
However, global data indicates disabled people are at greater risk of experiencing violence and abuse from 1.5 times as likely for disabled women experiencing family violence to 4-10 x as likely for disabled women and girls experiencing sexual violence.
In the context of New Zealand’s high rates of family and sexual violence, there is little reason to assume risk would be any less than global indications.
The Disability Rights Commissioner is advocating for greater visibility and understanding of these serious human rights issues and more importantly a closing of the gaps in prevention or early intervention responses.
