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Gender-Based Violence Among People With Disabilities: Qualitative Insights on Sexual and Reproductive Health Impacts
Kyara J Liu1, Meredith Evans2, Nkem Ogbonna2
1Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Women and gender-diverse people with disabilities face higher risks of gender-based violence (GBV), impacting their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) throughout life. Addressing ableism and improving SRH services are crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities experience disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence (GBV).
- The intersection of disability and GBV can profoundly affect sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes across the lifespan.
- Ableism exacerbates vulnerability to GBV and hinders disclosure and access to support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of GBV among women and gender-diverse people with disabilities in Canada.
- To understand the multifaceted impacts of GBV on SRH across different life stages (childhood, reproductive years, older adulthood).
- To identify barriers and facilitators to accessing appropriate SRH services for this population.
Main Methods:
- A community-engaged qualitative study was conducted between 2022 and 2023.
- 26 semi-structured interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.
- Participants were women and gender-diverse people with disabilities aged 18+ residing in Canada.
Main Results:
- GBV experiences, particularly in early life, contributed to mental health disabilities affecting later life stages.
- Ableism increased vulnerability to violence and created significant barriers to reporting GBV.
- GBV negatively impacted SRH by causing new concerns, worsening existing conditions, influencing reproductive choices, altering sexual practices, and affecting healthcare interactions.
Conclusions:
- GBV has profound and lasting consequences on the SRH of women and gender-diverse people with disabilities.
- There is an urgent need for healthcare provider education on disability and GBV.
- Trauma-informed, disability-affirming SRH services, co-developed with individuals with lived experience, are essential.
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