Gender-Based Violence among Women and Girls with Disabilities in Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Abstract
Despite numerous studies about gender-based violence (GBV) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), little attention has been paid to violence against women and girls with disabilities. Thus, this scoping review provides an overview of the empirical literature on GBV and disability within the SSA context. Selected literature included various aspects of GBV epidemiology, prevention and response, and interventions. Other aims were to identify the gaps in the current knowledge base and to contribute to an evidence-informed framework for the development of relevant and holistic programs and policies. A key finding is that efforts to seek help are often hampered by barriers, stigmatization, and denial of human rights. Educational opportunities are limited or inaccessible. Health promotion programs are often perceived as non-disability-specific or non-inclusive. Women and girls with disabilities have few options when seeking to leave abusive relationships, a problem that is compounded by the fact that their abusers are frequently their caregivers.