Disabled Women are experiencing violence and exploitation at an alarming rate, but where is the outcry?

Northern Ireland remains in the midst of a severe political, economic, and public finance.  Northern Ireland is currently experiencing austerity on over-drive. The Conservative Government have failed to adequately fund public services in Northern Ireland resulting in a shortfall of £0.8bn.  As a result, unelected civil servants are progressing an extreme cuts programme which is shredding public services at an alarming rate with a severe and disproportionate impact on disabled women and girls.

In the midst of the political vacuum violence against women and girls is soaring and the exploitation of women and girls by organised crime and paramilitary groups is at an all-time high!

Northern Ireland femicide capital of Europe.  How is this being addressed?  In September funding to Women’s Aid and Disability Action ended without a whisper.  Disabled women and girls are more than twice as likely than non-disabled women and girls to experience abuse and exploitation!  Where do we go now for support?

Investment in actions to end violence against women and girls should be increased- not removed.  There are no fully accessible refuges in Northern Ireland and no fully accessible emergency accommodation.  Just where are disabled women and girls expected to go if we are experiencing abuse and exploitation.  The lack of services and interventions leaves disabled women and girls trapped in unsafe situations subject to continuing harm, abuse, violence and even death. 

We are living in the midst of an emergency! Disabled women and girls need an effective government.  We need legislation that protects women.  We need an effective criminal justice system and we need an education system that effectively addresses consent and health relationships.

It is long past time for action.  Every minute that we live without a functioning Government is one more minute too long.

About the Author - Nuala Toman is Head of Innovation and Impact at Disability Action NI.