Media Statement for immediate release 6 June 2007

Disabled Victims of Violence Face Disbelief

People with disabilities frequently face disbelief and minimisation of their experiences when they are victims of domestic violence.

The National Network of Stopping Violence Services says complaints by people with disabilities who have experienced domestic violence are frequently treated differently from those by able bodied people.

"In fact we believe many people with disabilities who are experiencing violence in domestic situations do not come forward because they fear they won't be believed and action won't be taken," national manager Brian Gardner said.

"This is supported by media reports about people living in institutions whose complaints of violence and abuse have been ignored or minimised.

"We've heard of caregivers being transferred to another institution following complaints of abuse by residents, when in fact a crime has been committed and a criminal response is required," Mr Gardner said.

Lorri Mackness, disability spokesperson for the network, referred to the Select Committee inquiry into the quality and care of services provision for people with disabilities currently being heard. MPs were reportedly shocked to hear of abuse of people with disabilities in institutions.

"Violence which happens in institutions which are people's homes, is domestic violence. This is home to the people who live there they may have nowhere else to go," she said.

Statistics New Zealand figures show that the majority of people with disabilities living in residential facilities are long term residents.

"We need to ensure that all people experiencing violence in the domestic setting are heard and supported. Violence is a crime whether is done by a partner, sibling, flatmate or caregiver."

"Police need to be called, a police report needs to be filed and a copy sent to the nearest family violence service, as would happen with any other domestic violence situation.

The National Network is establishing a working party of people with disabilities to advise the network on ways to respond to people with disabilities who are experiencing violence so they will come forward and speak out about the violence.

"We would also like the wider community to recognise that violence in institutions by those in a caring role is domestic violence too."

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