Disability Royal Commission, Rights

Abusing women with disability

by Iva and Julie

Why does this keep happening again and again?

CONTENT WARNING:

  • Abuse
  • Neglect
  • Death of another person with Down Syndrome

This blog is in memory of Debbie

  • Debbie was a young woman
  • She lived with her mother in the United Kingdom
  • She had Down Syndrome

What happened?

  • Her life was cut short as she passed away in August 2019
  • Debbie was neglected by her mother
  • The judge said, “In her last days Debbie was left without
    • The most basic care and dignity.”
    • Starved to death
    • With extensive skin infection

This is not an exceptional story!

  • Abuse of people with disability continues to happen
  • It especially happens to people with intellectual disabilities
  • This happens far too often all over the world

The Royal Commission published:

  • 40% of women with disability experienced physical violence compared to 26% of women without disability
  • 90% of women with intellectual disability have experienced sexual abuse
  • 68% of women with an intellectual disability are sexually abused before they are 18 years old

How is this possible?

  • In Debbie’s case, a family members saw her before she died
  • Doctor and social services visited Debbie
  • Yet they found nothing wrong!
  • At that time Debbie, aged 24, weighed 24 kilos!

Action taken:

The mother was found guilty of

  • Gross neglect
  • Manslaughter

Last week, she was jailed for 9 years and 7 months.

Things need to change!

  • We need to keep speaking up about this
  • So change can take place

Violence and abuse:

  • Can happen in any relationship
  • It is never ok for this to happen

If this happens to you:

  • Ask for support from someone you trust
  • Ask for help
  • Report it

Your rights

  • As a person with a disability, you have the rights to:
    • Freedom
    • Respect
    • Fairness
    • Dignity
    • To live to your fill potential
    • To have control over your lie
    • To live freee from abuse and neglect

National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline

If you want to learn more about

We send our condolences to

  • Debbie’s extended family
  • Friends

You deserved better Debbie. Rest in peace!