Intersecting Inequalities: Non-Partner violence against poor women with disabilities in Egypt

Non-partner violence (NPV) against women with disabilities remains underexamined, particularly in resource-limited settings like Egypt. Intersecting vulnerabilities-gender, disability, and poverty-amplify risks. Structural inequalities and social marginalization further heighten violence, limit access to support systems, and exacerbate the vulnerabilities of women with disabilities, creating significant gaps in intervention and support.

This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of NPV among poor women with disabilities in Egypt, with a focus on how sociodemographic and disability-related factors shape risk.

Using data from the 2020 Violence Against Women With Disability Survey, this cross-sectional study analyzes 5616 women with physical, hearing, visual, or multiple disabilities. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to examine lifetime and past-year experiences of NPV and associated characteristics.

Nearly half (47.8 %) of women reported experiencing NPV since age 15, and 25.3 % experienced it in the past year. Higher risk was observed among younger women, unmarried, those living in Upper Egypt, those with early-onset or multiple disabilities, and those with lower educational attainment. Notably, employed women faced increased odds of NPV, possibly reflecting exposure in public or workplace settings.

The findings emphasize the urgent need for disability-sensitive interventions that address structural inequality, stigma, and social exclusion. Interventions should prioritize inclusive legal protections, caregiver oversight, and access to accessible services, especially in underserved and rural regions. Targeted policies are essential to ensure safety, dignity, and justice for women with disabilities in Egypt.