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Despite the fact that people with disabilities are more likely to experience domestic violence (and those who do are more likely to experience the abuse for a longer duration before being able to get out of the relationship), there are almost no organizations dedicated exclusively to helping people with disabilities who are in an abusive relationship.

Luckily, the need to address abuse issues in the disability community is known, and national domestic violence organizations and national disability advocacy groups offer significant resources related to abusive relationships and people with disabilities.

Accessing Safety is the main organization dedicated to the specific needs of people with disabilities who are experiencing domestic violence. Accessing Safety's goal is to help educate both disability and domestic violence organizations on how to meet the needs of people with disabilities who are experiencing domestic violence. They have an excellent resource list.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a range of programs and resources for people who experience domestic violence. These include immediate need resources such as safety plans and information on leaving an abuser safely to programs designed to give those who have experienced domestic abuse a new start. These include programs that focus on financial education and programs that provide plastic surgery to those who have experienced long-term alteration of their appearance due to an abusive relationship. While the NCADV does not have any programs specifically geared towards people with disabilities, they are experienced in working with members of the disability community who have experienced domestic violence.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 for people using TTY services, is one such critical resource. Their services include direction to local resources appropriate to your needs as well as crisis intervention and safety planning. They are experienced in outreach to people with disabilities dealing with abuse situations and can also be reached via email.

The Family Violence Prevention Fund, while not having specific content on people with disabilities, has detailed, clear information on forming plans for your personal safety at home and at work if you are involved with an abuser. Useful and clear, the FVPF recognizes that everyone may not be ready to leave their abuser yet, but still deserves personal safety.

While SafePlace is not a national organization (they are local to Austin, TX), it does focus on helping people experiencing abusive relationships and has programs specifically targeted as people living with disabilities. They may be a good resource for finding other local domestic violence resources that particularly understand the needs of people with disabilities.

Disability organizations with experience and awareness on domestic violence issues include the United Spinal Association which has written about domestic violence amongst people with disabilities in their magazine.

While any and all of these organizations can help people with disabilities who are experiencing violence in their marriages or other relationships, they do highlight the potential need for domestic violence resources that specifically target the unique needs and concerns of people with disabilities.

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