WHEN YOUR ABUSER IS YOUR CAREGIVER
source: The National Domestic Violence Hotline.org
When a person depends on their partner for any form of caretaking, there may be an additional risk for abuse because of a power imbalance. People with disabilities often experience higher rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse, and the impact of abuse may compound the disability.
When abusive partners are also caregivers, they may try to gain control in different ways:
They might try to gain power of attorney or legal conservator. Sometimes abusive partners will try to take this role in order to control different disability benefits, such as social security disability insurance or supplemental security income.
They might try to withhold medication or give out the wrong amount of medication.
They might attempt to isolate their partner from friends, family, or healthcare providers.
For instance, the abusive partner might interpret for their partner or take control of assistive devices.
They might keep mobility or breathing devices out of reach.
They may prevent their partner from speaking with a doctor in private.
They might refuse to provide assistance with essential personal needs, such as bathing, using the restroom, eating, etc.
They might be emotionally abusive about their partner’s disability or health status by engaging in disability-related shaming and humiliation.
If your partner is also your caregiver in any capacity, you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
source: The National Domestic Violence Hotline.org