Abstract
Violence is a widespread phenomenon, occurring among different genders, ages and social groups. However, some people, particularly disable people, are more likely to be victimized than able people due to social and cultural circumstances. This paper examines key issues related to violence against disabled people. It begins with an examination of how the medical model explain and gives meaning to disability by portraying disable people as abnormal, child-like, ‘damaged goods’, ‘freaks of nature’, unattractive, dependent, in need of protection, and object of pity, unproductive, and tainted by disease/ill-health. These social representations have been fed in the ideas of deviancy from the norm and supposed inferiority. Such labels imply both a functional loss and a lack of worth, they perpetuate and legitimate offensive responses by non-disabled people including over-protection, discrimination and abuse.
In addition, the literature review indicates that women with disabilities are at a much higher risk of being sexually abused, compared to other women. As women,
They are oppressed in a society of male domination. As disabled, they are dependent, isolated and unable to seek help. Research in Thailand concerning violence against disabled people is scarce. Thus, systematic research and interventions are needed to reduce violence against disabled people.
