ABSTRACT
The term ‘violence against women’ encompasses within it a large section of diverse women who face violence across different social settings and different periods. Women with disabilities form one subsection of this group of women. This chapter focuses on the issue of violence against women with disabilities who are not one homogeneous group but consist of women with different kinds and severity of impairments. The nature of disability often impacts the social role and position of women and the subsequent violence they face. We begin with exploring the varying meanings of disability through different definitions and models of disability and its impact on policies. The social perception of disability and structural position of disabled women in India determines to what extent violence against women with disabilities is registered and addressed. Through field-based illustrations and secondary data, this chapter brings out the linkages between position of disabled women, violence faced by them, and implications on policy.
