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An integrative literature review of interventions to protect people with disabilities from domestic and family violence
Saleme, Pamela Seydel, Tori Pang, Bo Deshpande, Sameer Parkinson, Joy
Saleme, Pamela
Seydel, Tori
Pang, Bo
Deshpande, Sameer
Parkinson, Joy
Abstract
Purpose: While domestic and family violence against people with disabilities is an ongoing and crucial public health concern, and awareness of the extent of violence against people with disabilities is growing, research on the field is still limited. Thus, the present review aims to systematically identify and synthesize evidence and effectiveness from intervention strategies to increase the awareness and skills of those with disabilities to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence against them. Method: PRISMA guidelines were followed to perform a systematic search of seven scientific databases to identify the peer-reviewed literature. Results: A total of 17 eligible studies were identified (14 evaluations and 3 descriptive studies), with most taking place in developed countries. Children and women are the most frequent victims, and they were therefore the most common target audience of the included studies. Sexual, physical, and verbal abuse were the most reported types of abuse, while financial abuse and neglect were studied less often. Interventions also focused on a diversity of disabilities, including learning, intellectual, mental, and physical impairments. Overall, the intervention strategies reflected a substantial homogeneity: focus on training and education as well as setting up channels and facilities for victims to seek help. Nine studies yielded significant positive outcomes using various strategies and techniques, while five studies had mixed results, and three studies only reported on the intervention strategies but did not evaluate the results. Conclusions: This review confirms a significant gap in the literature on domestic and family violence against people with disabilities and how to prevent and address the violence through evidence-based interventions. Several recommendations to improve future research and practice are proposed.
Keywords
disability, systematic review, domestic violence, family violence, intervention, prevention
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Book
Volume
20
Issue
3
Page Range
1-13
Article Number
Article 2145
ACU Department
Faculty of Law and Business
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open