woman touching head as if in distress

Crime against people with disabilities is inordinately high as is domestic violence. This section provides useful information and helpful resources to help people who are blind or visually impaired or with other disabilities to prevent crime, protect themselves, and know what to do in the event of domestic abuse.

Data from a recent Department of Justice report revealed the following disturbing facts:

  • Visual impairment is the only disability category within which women are significantly more likely than men to have been victims of violent crime
  • Visual impairment is the only disability category within which people are significantly less likely than people without disabilities to report to police when they have been the victim of a violent crime

With regard to domestic violence, research indicates that one out of every four women will experience domestic violence at some time in her life. The data also suggest that women with disabilities are more likely to suffer domestic violence and sexual assault than women without disabilities. Also, women with disabilities report abuse that lasts longer and is more intense than women without disabilities. Finally, victims of domestic violence who are blind or visually impaired face very specific barriers when seeking help such as inaccessibility of print information about sources of help.