Disability Pride Month

July marks Disability Pride Month. A time to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and contributions of people with disabilities, while also confronting the systemic ableism that persists in our communities. At Luke’s Place, we recognize that disability justice is deeply intertwined with gender justice, especially for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). 

The Intersection of Disability and IPV

People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by all forms of gender-based violence, including IPV. Survivors with disabilities often face unique forms of abuse, such as: 

• Control or denial of access to mobility aids, communication devices, or medication 

• Use of their disability for humiliation or shame 

• Isolation from support networks and the disabled community 

• Threats of institutionalization  

• Harm to service animals 

IPV can result in both temporary and permanent disabilities for survivors who were not previously disabled. 

Systemic barriers within the family court and shelter systems further exacerbate these challenges, leading to some of the lowest reporting rates of IPV among people with disabilities. At Luke’s Place, we are committed to creating accessible spaces for our clients and community and continuing to educate ourselves on disability justice practices. 

Our Commitment at Luke’s Place 

As we honor Disability Pride Month, Luke’s Place reaffirms our dedication to: 

• Providing accessible legal and support services for survivors with disabilities 

• Educating ourselves and our community on disability justice practices 

• Advocating for systemic changes to eliminate barriers within the family court and shelter systems 

For more information about intimate partner violence and disabilities visit the resources below:

• Fact Sheet on Women with Disabilities and Violence
• Resource by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Statistics Canada information of violence and disabilities
• Women with Disabilities and D/deaf Women, Housing, and Violence
• Women with Disabilities and Abuse: Access to Supports Report on the Pan-Canadian Focus Groups
• 4 things you can do to make a difference this Disability Pride Month