Abuse statistics
SAFEGUARDING FOUNDATIONS
Rates of violence against disabled people in Aotearoa New Zealand are much higher than those experienced by the rest of the population.
As an example, disabled adults are 52% more likely than non-disabled adults to be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
These elevated risks are why it’s essential to have strong safeguarding systems.
Higher Risk of Harm: Why Disability-Focused Safeguarding Matters
Research and government sources show disabled people in New Zealand experience significantly higher rates of violence, abuse, and neglect compared with non-disabled people:
Disabled women report higher lifetime rates of partner violence.
Disabled men experience higher rates of non-partner violence.
Disability status is a well-established risk factor for violence and abuse, with New Zealand’s research findings being similar to global research.
Government websites explicitly note disabled people are much more likely than others to experience violence, abuse or neglect.
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White Ribbon NZ – Disability and Violence.
University of Auckland reporting on violence prevalence data.
Disability Support Services (Ministry of Social Development) – Help and support for violence, abuse or neglect.
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Disabled people experience violence at a much higher rate than nondisabled people.
Rates rise to four to five times higher for disabled women and disabled children.
These statistics demonstrate that violence against disabled people is a significant social issue.
Source: Human Rights Commission: “Acting now for a violence and abuse free future”.
Lead author: Dr Debbie Hager. -
About 32% of disabled people have experienced victimisation.
That's around 60,000 people in Aotearoa.
The 60,000 victims of crime with disabilities in Aotearoa may be also facing economic or mental health challenges.
Disabled people under 50 have around a 48-55% chance of being victimised. This is one of the highest victimisation rates of any demographic group.
Learning more about disability and victimisation can help agencies better support disabled people after victimisation and do so with more understanding
This means any justice interventions need to be accessible, and responsive to their safety and wellbeing needs.
These needs may include other issues disabled people have, beyond their victimisation experience.
The analysis also illustrates the need for more research with disabled victims of crime.
Source: Ministry of Justice.
Access to training
VisAble offers interactive training to help you develop a deeper understanding of these topics and why they’re important.
The training also enables you to explore how to apply the information at your place, with your staff (kaimahi) and in your services, to make a difference for disabled people.
We can also provide training for tāngata whaikaha Māori, disabled people, families, whānau and caregivers.
Find out more about our training and resources Or contact us at info@visable.co.nz.