Due to copyright laws, most online journal articles are only accessible through a licensed institution. If you are unable to access any of them, they can be viewed by visiting an Edith Cowan University library in Western Australia and logging in as a guest on a "Sunray" terminal. Printing is not available from these computers. For further information on this, please contact an ECU library near you on 134328. Access may also be possible through other university libraries.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (1999). ABS survey shows one Australian in five has a disability. Australian Bureau of Statistics Media Release. Retrieved 25th March, 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/81A21B2987D05D49CA2 568A90013631F?Open&Highlight=0,disability
AUSTRALIA: Statistical information from a survey in 1998 shows that 19% of Australians - or 3.6 million people - have a disability. Of these, 87% experienced specific restrictions in core activities, such as self-care, mobility or communication, or in their ability to participate in schooling or employment. These statistics point to the need for services and support, not only for those with a disability but also for those who provide care.
Cattalini, H. (1993). Access to services for women with disabilities who are subjected to violence. Report to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Office of the Status of Women, National Committee on Violence Against Women: Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.
AUSTRALIA: This study is about how women with disabilities who are subjected to violence access necessary support services and processes. The study looks at access issues, appropriateness of service, service philosophy, community attitudes, support services, police services and legal services. Consultations with service providers and groups of women revealed that support and legal services generally have failed to respond adequately to women with disabilities who are subjected to violence.
Chenoweth, L. (1996, Dec 1996). Violence and Women With Disabilities: Silence and Paradox [Online]. Violence Against Women 2(4) Dec 1996. Retrieved, from the World Wide Web: April 1, 2003, from Proquest Database.
AUSTRALIA: Women with disabilities experience marginalisation and exclusion, which makes them "more vulnerable to violence and abuse than other women". The silence of their lived experience means that the violence in their lives is largely invisible. This article explores the notions of certain paradoxes through the stories of women with disabilities themselves, their mothers and other workers. For example, women with disabilities, although having little voice, are overprotected, segregated, and taught to be compliant; and that women with disabilities are seen simultaneously as asexual and yet promiscuous. These paradoxes increase the incidence of abuse and violence rather than prevent it. It also examines several Australian enquiries into violence.
Curry, M. A., Hassounch-Phillips, D., & Johnston-Silverberg, A. (2001). Abuse of Women With Disabilities: An Ecological Model and Review [Online Journal: Violence Against Women 7(1)]. Retrieved 28 Aug, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?TS=1030505137&RQT=309&CC=2& Did=000000065097249&Mtd=17&Fmt=3
USA: This study examines the problem of abuse against women with disabilities within the social context of disability itself. Women with disabilities may experience greater levels of poverty, social isolation, discrimination, stereotyping, low self-esteem, increased health problems, depression and suicide than non-disabled women who experience abuse. The researchers assert that the prevalence of abuse among women with disabilities is unknown. In addition, the multiple types of victimization have not been described but are known to include more than physical and sexual abuse. This lack of knowledge and attention to the issues has contributed to the invisibility of the victimization of women with disabilities.
Diaz-Olavarrieta, C., Campbell, J., Garcia de la Cadena, C., Paz, F., & E Villa, A. (1999). Domestic Violence Against Patients With Chronic Neurologic Disorders [Online Journal: Archives of Neurology, Chicago, June 1999. 56 (6) start page 681]. Retrieved 28 Aug 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?Did=000000042444175&Fmt=3&8D eli=1&Mtd=17&Idx=9&Sid- 0&RQT=309&LDid=000000043077799&LSid=1&L=1
USA: This very short paper poses questions that a health professional might ask in order to identify women with disabilities who are victims of abuse. The authors highlight the reluctance of physicians to broach the topic of abuse with patients for a number of reasons, including the lack of training in the area of abuse. Chronic or unexplained symptoms, the over-solicitous behaviour of domestic partners or other social factors may be an indication of abuse which doctors should be alert to. It concludes with a reminder that abuse can be fatal and that patients who have experienced abuse should be responded to as seriously as if they had, for example, a heart condition.
Doe, T., O'Toole, C., & Kafer, A. (1999). Claiming Our Bodies. Disabled Women's Conference May 26 1999, Washington DC. Retrieved 20th March, 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.disabledwomen.net/claiming.htm
USA: This Internet resource kit has several articles written by women with disabilities (including "Claiming our bodies, claiming our lives", "Resistant Bodies: disability as sites of resistance" and "Ending Violence") on issues relevant to women with disabilities. The recounting of deeply personal experiences make for an excellent source of information for all people concerned about the quality of life of women with disabilities. It also includes a list of useful printed resources (many of which are not, however, available in Australia) and websites, which provide information and resources on a variety of issues.
Domestic Violence & Disability Working Party (WA). (2000). Domestic Violence and Disability: A Neglected Combination (Report from Forum held November 2000).
AUSTRALIA: This Western Australian report states many government documents have been written on domestic violence but these have had little impact on those with a disability. The report particularly highlights the situation of migrant and refugee women with a disability. This group may have special needs due to low English proficiency and limited social or family support. The report calls for collaboration between "all parties" (for example, in the areas of policing, multiculturalism and disability) to meet the needs of women with disabilities.
Elman, R. A. (1997, Jun 1997). Disability Pornography: The Fetishization of Women's Vulnerabilities [Online]. Violence Against Women 3(3) June 1997. Retrieved, from the World Wide Web: April 1, 2003, from Proquest Database.
USA: This article critically explores various pornographic media that sexualise and ridicule women and girls whose disabilities make them especially vulnerable to sexual abuse and how this pornography contributes to the second-class safety and status of not only women with disabilities, but all women.
Focht-New, V., (MSN, RN). (1997). Beyond Abuse: Treatment Approaches for People with Disabilities. 1(2) [Online]. Retrieved, from the World Wide Web: Access date 24th March, 2003. www.quuxuum.org/~greg/journal/focht_new.html
USA: This article uses case studies to highlight evidence that people with disabilities are at risk of misdiagnosis of serious illnesses because their ways of communicating may be misunderstood. Gestures and behaviours may be assumed to be signs of temper or anxiety rather than as calls for help, especially in those with disabilities that impair communication. The author sees prevention as a key element in assessment, intervention and treatment, citing research that indicates 90% of abuse does not result in treatment for the individual. Institutionalisation and the dehumanisation and labelling of people with disabilities increase their vulnerability to abuse. Focht-New suggests that by creating societal, familial and organisational cultures that focus on learning and competence, people with disabilities can be supported in advocating for themselves rather than being victimised by a system that devalues them.
Francis, J. (1992). Voices in the Wilderness: Aboriginal Women and Disabilities. National Aboriginal Network on Disability, Ottawa. Retrieved 18 March 2003, from the World Wide Web: www.schoolnet.ca/aboroginal/disabl6/acknow-e.html
CANADA: This article comes out of a conference run by Canadian Aboriginal women, and examines the lives of Canadian Aboriginal women with disabilities within the context of, for example, culture, the Christianisation of indigenous religion, Western medicine, gender, self-image, sexuality, alcohol and abuse. It includes personal recollections that demonstrate the complexity of life as an indigenous woman with a disability, living in a society that is still struggling to come to terms with generations of colonialism. Parallels to Australian indigenous life are striking and point to many issues in common to both countries. Recommendations include the convening of a national symposium on Aboriginal people with disability which is consumer focused and driven, a video project to document the personal experiences of those with disabilities and a national directory of services available to Aboriginal people with disabilities.
Frohmader, C. (1999). Violence Against Women With Disabilities. Dickson, ACT: Women With Disabilities Australia. National Women With Disabilities and Violence Workshop, Melbourne, February 1998.
AUSTRALIA: This is a report on the proceedings of a 2-day "National Women With Disabilities and Violence Workshop" in Melbourne, held in February 1998. The workshop linked women together for the first time in order to develop a strategic plan of action against violence against women with disability in Australia. A range of workshops was conducted on the first day, focussing on gender, disability and violence. Day 2 workshops focussed on identifying gaps in knowledge and service provision; and developing strategies to meet those gaps in the areas of education, service, information, research, social action and networking. This report is a very comprehensive account of the weekend activities, with useful information on what the participants see as priorities for the next 5-10 years. The report includes a state-by-state list of some key service organisations as well as key Internet sites.
Gilson, S. F., Cramer, E. P., & DePoy, E. (2001). Redefining Abuse of Women with Disabilities: A Paradox of Limitation and Expansion. AFFILIA, 16(2), 220-235.
USA: This study found that although disabled and non-disabled women face the same forms of abuse, disabled women have unique experiences that require specialised services. One US statistic reveals that 40% of women seeking help had become disabled due to the abuse they suffered. Disabled women are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse than non-disabled women. Women with disabilities are often over-protected by their relatives and carers and are taught to comply with the requests and demands of others. This overprotection and compliance training may leave women ill equipped to handle an abusive relationship. The article points out the lack of information in the area and calls for future research to include, amongst other criteria, the type and onset of the disability.
Gilson, S. F., DePoy, E., & Cramer, E. P. (2001). Linking the Assessment of Self-Reported Functional Capacity With Abuse Experiences of Women With Disabilities. Violence Against Women, 7(4), 418-431.
USA: The authors state that research indicates that women with disabilities are abused at similar or greater rates than women without disabilities; that women who are abused by an intimate partner are at greater risk of being disabled or suffering an illness that affects their activities of daily living; that women with disabilities experience more and unique forms of abuse than other women; and that women with disabilities experience significantly worse consequences in areas of mental and physical health. They point to the misapplication to disabled women of theory, policy and practice developed to address abuse in nondisabled populations. They propose a model of abuse assessment for women with disabilities composed of three elements. Firstly, there is the traditional assessment that encompasses the unique forms of abuse experienced by women with disabilities. The second element is a comprehensive functional assessment of an individual's disability through self-reporting and self-rating. Thirdly, that attention is given to heterogeneity with regard to cultural sensitivity, structure of reporting and the nature of disability.
Hassounch-Phillips, D., & Curry, M. A. (2002). Abuse of Women With Disabilities: State of the Science. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 45(2), 96-104.
USA: This article points to the lack of information concerning women with disabilities and domestic violence. The authors conducted a critique of previous research, reaching several conclusions, which include (p. 102) the observation that women with disabilities are at greater risk of abuse from multiple offenders, and that a feminist perspective is valuable in this area of research. It points out some flaws in the methodologies and theoretical development of past research, including a lack of detail, which could impact upon the trustworthiness of the research. Finally, the authors call for the conduct of "more rigorous and comprehensive research" (p. 103), which they see as essential to the promotion of the health and safety of women with disabilities.
Impact. (2000). Feature Issue on Violence Against Women with Developmental or Other Disabilities [Online]. The Institute on Community Integration (UCEDD), The Research and Training Center on Community Living, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Volume 13, No. 3. Retrieved 17 March 2003, from the World Wide Web:http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/133/default.html
USA: This is a series of articles in a special edition of the journal Impact, published in hard copy and online, which investigate abuse against people with disabilities. Articles include the personal account of a woman who experienced abuse in various ways at the hands of friends and strangers alike, to the investigation of issues such as the power imbalance between caregivers and care-giving agencies that supports overt and subtle violence against individuals with disabilities. Another article looks at the many "faces of violence" against women with developmental disabilities, highlighting the high rates of women with disabilities who are victims of homicide. Another focuses on the double impact of discrimination faced by women with disabilities because of their gender and disability, and calls for the silence that surrounds violence against women with disabilities to be broken. From disability services to attitudes of sexism and ableism, the author calls for changes in education and policies to empower women who have been the most marginalised. The website profiles seven programmes in the US and also has a link to resources on violence and women with disabilities. This is a very useful and informative collection of articles that, although referring to American institutions and conditions, seeks to shed light on problems also faced by women with disabilities in Australia.
McMullen O'Brien, S. (2002). Staying Alive: A Client With Chronic Mental Illness in an Environment of Domestic Violence [Online Journal: Holistic Nursing Practice 16 (3) , pp. 16-23]. Retrieved 5 Sept, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?Did=00000012202783&Fmt=3&Deli =1&Mtd=1&Idx=18&Sid=1&RQT=309
USA: This is the case study of a young African American single mother with chronic mental illness. Her complex needs, combined with the effects of serious mental illness and the impact of abuse as a child and spousal domestic violence, could not be adequately addressed by the local mental health and human service system. She also needed "sensitive, coordinated, mental health community support that provided affordable housing, legal counselling, sheltered employment, social service consultation, and financial assistance". The author points to the victimisation of mental health patients by a "fragmented, stigmatised health care system" and calls for the same attention that is given to people with physiological disorders to be given to people with mental health disorders.
MIMS & Associates. (1998). Domestic Violence and Women with Disability Project (Report). Brisbane: Department of Families, Youth & Community Care, Queensland.
AUSTRALIA: This report from Queensland acknowledges the slowness of Australian authorities to respond to violence against women with disabilities; the myths that have hindered meaningful responses; and the lack of information available to women in this situation. The report includes women's stories, evaluations of agency resources, and an assessment of the information required to address the problems. It makes 11 recommendations to address the identified problems, ranging from education for individuals, agencies and government, resources in print and non-print formats for women with disabilities and the development of government strategies.
Nosek, M. A., Ph.D, & Howland, C. A., MPH. (1998). Abuse and Women With Disabilities. US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. Retrieved 18 March 2003, from the World Wide Web: www.vaw.umn.edu/Vawnet/disab.htm
USA: The study brings together relevant statistics and information, finding, for example that "there have been virtually no studies that examine the existence, feasibility or effectiveness of abuse interventions for women with disabilities". Architectural inaccessibility, lack of services and inability of emergency accommodation services to cater for women who need daily help or medication are mentioned, along with other special needs of women with disabilities which need to be catered for. Recommendations for research and programme development include making all emergency shelters accessible and integrated for women with disabilities; keeping statistics on the number of women with disabilities who access crisis and other services; training of domestic violence workers in disability issues and training of disability workers in issues of domestic violence.
Nosek, M. A., Ph.D. (1999). Guidelines for Physicians on the Abuse of Women of Disabilities [Online]. Centre for Research on Women With Disabilities. Retrieved 20 March 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/crowd/abuse_women/ABUGUIDE.htm
USA: Paragraphs in this document include:
Many useful points are made that can be helpful for anyone involved with women with disabilities. It forms part of a large website that offers valuable information on issues that affect women with disabilities who have experienced abuse.
Pane, L. (1994). Emerging From the Shadows: A Report of the Status of Women with Disabilities Living in Australia. Curtin, ACT, Australia: Women With Disabilities Australia.
AUSTRALIA: This report brings to light may issues facing women with disabilities, including the increased risk of abuse because of their dependency on others for care. It comments that although many "policies, strategies and legislation" have been put in place to protect the rights of people with disabilities, women with disabilities are still "categorised as a 'special interest' group…whose…experience is separated and marginalised". The report sets out strategies to address the lack of action in the many identified areas.
Partnerships Against Domestic Violence. (2000). It's Not OK. It's Violence.
(Information Kit). Sydney: Commonwealth Office of the Status of Women. Available at http://www.padv.dpmc.gov.au/publications/publicat.htm AUSTRALIA: This information kit includes a poster, booklet and handy telephone reference card intended to educate and inform women with disabilities about their rights and avenues for recourse. Nationwide phone numbers are listed.
Powers, L. E., Curry, M. A., Oschwald, M., & Maley, S. (2002). Barriers and Strategies in Addressing Abuse: A Survey of Disabled Women's Experiences [Online: Journal of Rehabilitation 68(1)]. Retrieved 24th March, 2003 from the World Wide Web: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?TS=1030603107&RQT=309&CC=2& Dtp=1&Did=000000110353866&Mtd=1&Fmt=4
USA: Women with disabilities who have experienced abuse identify personal assistance services (PAS) providers as a "particular problem". This study explores women's experiences of PAS abuse, behaviours of personal assistance providers considered most harmful, barriers to responding to abuse and strategies perceived as most helpful for preventing or stopping abuse. The discussion indicates that rather than increasing professional monitoring and supervision of care, the most useful approach would involve "building women's capacities" - through "information, validation and resources" - to understand abuse and have an input into their own carer situations. Further research is called for.
Ryan, C., & Women With Disabilities ACT. (2002). An Inclusive Democracy? Paper presented at the Women's Constitutional Convention 2002 "Trust The Women".
AUSTRALIA: This paper evaluates the status of women with disabilities in Australia from a political viewpoint i.e. on matters of equity and access (both physical and attitudinal), self-determination, and the achievement of leadership positions in the community. The author says that the burden of poverty prevents women with disabilities from interacting in the community. Ryan calls for a gender audit of all government programs and policies to reveal the discrepancies in the system; a rights based discrimination system rather than a complaints based system; an Access Action Plan in the political system; a constitutional Bill of Rights system; for government, business and the community to address inclusiveness and access concerns on a constant basis; whole of government access strategies; and grass roots level evaluation of access and egalitarian issues in local communities.
Sceriha, M. (1996). Women With Disabilities and Domestic Violence. Women with Disabilities Australia. Retrieved 20 September, 2001, from the World Wide Web: www.wwda.org.au/madge.htm
This article explores the issues facing women with disabilities who have experienced family and domestic violence concerned with the accessing of information, resources and services. Sceriha comments on not only the problems with accessing these things, but the lack of disability specific data collected in Australia that is both disability and gender specific. The author discusses some of the myths concerning women with disabilities that make them invisible in a society that itself could be called disabled, in that it is itself blind and deaf to the needs of women with disabilities. She goes further to say "But that's letting society off too easily though for, far from being disabled, our society is more appropriately described as ignorant, uncaring and in fact, disabling". Reasons why high levels of domestic violence against women with disabilities have been unidentified are explored. In a world that values physical beauty so highly, the voices of women with disabilities who experience domestic violence have been mostly unheard. Ignorance, superstition, fear and neglect have isolated people with disabilities throughout history and even when women are able to speak out or seek help, the system they seek help from may further marginalise and victimise them. And when people are marginalised, they can be hidden, ignored, silenced and more easily targeted by perpetrators of violence.
Strahan, F. of Sage Consulting. (1997). Woorarra Women's Refuge Disability Action Plan 1997. Woorarra Women's Refuge and Women With Disabilities Australia: Commonwealth Office of the Status of Women.
AUSTRALIA: Working with one women's refuge to develop a DDA Action Plan (Disability Discrimination Act, 1992), this project points to several issues affecting women with disabilities, for example, the lack of research, limited access to services and the lack of knowledge about domestic violence. A detailed report, it covers the research methodology, key findings, strategies, implementation and monitoring issues involved in the Action Plan that was developed. The Action Plan is meant as a model for all women's refuges in Australia to better respond to the needs of women with disabilities who are experiencing domestic violence.
Swedlund, N. P. (2000). A Exploratory Study on the Work of Independent Living Centers to Address Abuse of Women With Disabilities [Online: Journal of Rehabilitation Oct-Dec, 2000]. Retrieved 4 September 2002, from the World Wide Web: www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0825/4_66/68865438.print.jhtml
USA: This study "attempts to learn more about how ILCs are addressing the
issue of abuse". Major themes to emerge from this study include
1) The need for staff to recognise that abuse is a serious problem for women
with disabilities.
2) Inadequate staffing levels hinder the ability to address abuse issues.
3) Utilisation of existing services rather than establishment of new ones
seems the most effective approach
4) Greater inter-agency cooperation needed for effective abuse intervention,
as with domestic violence issues.
5) Lack of accessibility of services to women with disabilities.
6) Although improvements have been made in abuse intervention in recent
years, the needs of women with disabilities have often been ignored.
Further research is called for.
White, N. (1995). Society must realise that disabled are abused, too [Online newspaper]. South Coast Today. Retrieved 24th March, 2003 from the World Wide Web: www.s-t.com/projects/DomVio/societymust.HTML
USA: This article is one of eleven published after a 6-month investigation into domestic violence in Bedford, Massachusetts and highlights some very important issues for people with disabilities. The state run Disabled Persons Protection Commission "fields more than 300 calls a month to its 24-hour hotline". The article points to a reluctance in society to accept that abuse could happen to disabled people and the shortage of facilities that can accommodate disabled people fleeing situations of abuse. The investigators found that of the 3,000 reports received in 1994, 60% of alleged abusers were caretakers and 40% of abuse occurred in private homes, most often by family members. The article also points out the added vulnerability of disabled people, although as abuse occurs across the board at about the same rates, disability is not a cause of abuse. The majority of victims are women and the majority of abuse reports do not come from victims themselves because they fear no one will help, they will be forced to move or they will lose their caretaker.
Whiteside, R. K., & Perry, D. (2001). 'Women', 'Dis'Ability and 'Us'. Retrieved 25th March, 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.people1stprogramme.com.au/publications_and_resource s.shtml
AUSTRALIA: This article, draws attention to the problems facing women with disabilities and how the current trends of politicising and valuing (or devaluing) the differences between human beings has not reduced the discrimination and disadvantage that many groups in society experience, "relating to things like sexual orientation, age, dis'ability, ethnicity, economic circumstances". The authors point to an emergent ecological notion of 'inter-dependence' and the idea that ultimately what hurts one hurts us all. It is very sobering information which points out that women in general experience such abuses and discrimination at greater rates than men however women with disabilities are at even greater risk and experience greater levels of discrimination and abuse than women without disabilities.
Women With Disabilities Feminist Collective. (n.d.). Women and Disability An Issue. Victoria and South Australia: Women With Disabilities Feminist Collective.
AUSTRALIA: This small book brings together a collection of poems, stories and articles written by women with disabilities on issues such as family, children, work, violence, sexuality, belonging, the deafness of the medical community to their concerns and the "double disservice" (in the areas of physical attractiveness and charity) done to women with disabilities by the beauty quest.
Young, M. E., PhD., Nosek, M. A., PhD, Howland, C. A., MPH, Chanpong, M. S., & Rintala, D. H., PhD. (1997). Prevalence of Abuse of Women with Physical Disabilities. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 78. (1997 Supplement), S34-S38.
USA: This study was a case-comparison of 439 women with physical disabilities and 421 without disabilities. Results revealed that women, whether disabled or not, experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse "to the same extent" (p. S-37). However, women with disabilities were at greater risk of abuse from attendants or health care providers and experienced abuse for a longer duration. They may feel powerless to report or prevent the abuse because of the disability itself, lack of services, dependence or fear. Problems occurring include: a belief that disabled people do not get abused; lack of education and understanding of carers; reluctance of victims to report abuse for fear that they will not be believed. Further research and a direct confrontation of the issues are called for to reduce the prevalence and consequences of abuse for women with disabilities.
Australian Bureau of Statistics
http://www.abs.gov.au/
Statistical information on Australian life.
Australian Centre on Quality of Life
http://www.deakin.edu.au/acqol/index.htm
Australian Disability Services, Abuse and Neglect Hotline
http://www.disabilityhotline.org/help.html
A site with information on what abuse is, contacts for when help is needed and
how to go about reporting abuse.
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearing House
http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/
A comprehensive national resource on domestic and family violence issues with
extensive links to other online resources.
Australian Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission - Disability
Rights Homepage
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/index.html
News on HREOC projects, information on legislation, rights and responsibilities,
and subject pages on disability and different areas of life, and a feedback link
provide a wide range of information for anyone interested in equal opportunity.
Center for Research on Women with Disabilities
http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/crowd/
This research centre focuses on issues related to health, aging, civil rights,
abuse, and independent living of women with disabilities. The website provides
links to many useful resources, including current US research.
"Claiming our Bodies" Internet Resource Kit
http://www.disabledwomen.net/claiming.htm
This US based site has lots of information, articles, and links to websites on
issues for women with disabilities on violence, sexuality, health and even a guide
on using the Internet.
DAWN DisAbled Women's Network Ontario
http://dawn.thot.net/
Resources for women in Canada plus information for women
around the world.
disABILITY Information and Resources
http://www.makoa.org/
A compendium of links to many sites around the world.
Disability Social History Project
http://www.disabilityhistory.org/index.html
A fascinating site with information on a disability history timeline, accounts of
famous (and not-so-famous) people with disabilities, links to other resources and
projects around the world on disability.
Disabled Women on the Web
http://www.disabledwomen.net/
Still under construction, this site has lots of information, including a search facility
and links to other sites.
Disability World
http://www.disabilityworld.org/index.htm
A bimonthly web-zine of international disability news and views, with pages of
information on conferences, women, children, stories, access and technology,
legislation around the world and lots of other links.
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre
http://www.dvirc.org.au/
This Victorian website has information on all sorts of issues likely to be of interest
to a diverse number of people. There is a link to an excellent Online Document
Library, lists of support groups and discussion forums around Australia and
information on research, training and education.
Freedom From Fear
http://www.freedomfromfear.wa.gov.au/
An initiative of the Western Australian government, supported by the Men's
Domestic Violence Helpline.
I-Can Online
http://www.icanonline.net/
An online disability community with a positive and practical approach.
National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)
http://www.neda.org.au/
The National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) is Australia's national consumerbased
peak body for people from a non-English speaking background (NESB)
with disability, their families and carers.
The National Relay Service
http://www.facs.gov.au/disability/ood/nrs.htm
The website of The National Relay Service (NRS) which enables people who are
deaf, or who have a hearing, speech or communication impairment, to use the
mainstream telecommunications network in Australia.
National Women's Health Information Centre
http://www.4women.gov
Office of Women's Health, US Department of Health and Human Services
US: This American site has lots of information and resources.
North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Centre
http://cwpp.slq.qld.gov.au/nqdvrs/order.html
Funded by the Queensland Department of Families, offering services and
information to a large part of Queensland, including the Gulf of Carpentaria
region.
NSW Women's Refuge Resource Centre
http://www.wrrc.org.au/
Central contact point and resource centre for the 55 women refuges in New
South Wales. The information kit "It's Not Love, It's Violence" is available to
download from this site.
Office for Women's Policy
http://womenwa.communitydevelopment.wa.gov.au/default.asp
Part of the Department for Community Development, this site provides
information for women on events, projects and community engagement initiatives
of the Western Australian state government.
Partnerships Against Domestic Violence
http://www.padv.dpmc.gov.au/index.htm
This is an Australia Commonwealth initiative aimed at preventing domestic
violence. The website covers many issues including breaking the cycle,
protecting those at risk, informing the community and developing good practice.
Violence against children, Indigenous family violence, violence in rural areas and
violence against women with disabilities are areas of interest.
People 1st Programme
http://www.people1stprogramme.com.au/index.shtml
You can view pages about PIP's Western Australian programmes for primary
and secondary school children, find information for parents, and on women's
health issues; links to articles and publications; even print out a "Helping hand" or
find out how you can be a student volunteer.
Western Region Disability Network
http://www.disabilityconnections.org.au/
Information and services for people with disabilities in the Western region of
Melbourne.
Wholewoman
http://www.wholewoman.org.au/
Information for women in Victoria, Australia, including a discussion board, how to
use the Internet, local newsletters and publications, and a collection of women's
stories and poems.
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
http://www.wwda.org.au/
This site includes links to research, publications for sale, government policies
and legislation, and the status of women with disabilities in Australia, WWDA
newsletters, poetry and a discussion group. Over 30 publications are available
for purchase and online.
The Women's Refuge Group Inc. of WA
http://www.space.net.au/~wrgofwa/index.htm
Information on domestic violence issues and the services provided by the 38
refuges in Western Australia.
Return to Silent Voices Report Contents Page
This site was developed by Carolyn Frohmader for Women With Disabilities Australia.