What does it take?
Developing informed and effective tertiary responses to violence and abuse for women and girls with disabilities in Australia

A national survey was conducted to understand the extent to which existing mainstream and specialist services were effective and accessible. Based on the findings of the survey, three services that represented models of good practice were identified and invited to participate in in-depth case studies. To inform the case studies, interviews and focus groups were carried out with women and/or girls with disabilities who had used the services, as well as with service staff.

A cross-sector action group was also formed at each site, which included women with disabilities and service providers. The groups collaborated with the researchers to understand the research findings and to develop guidelines and recommendations for new and improved practice.

This research resulted in an in-depth understanding of mainstream and specialist approaches to supporting women and girls with disabilities who had experienced violence or abuse, provided three models of good practice, and guidelines for the provision of high-quality, accessible services for this target group.

This project provided:

• better knowledge about the services available to women and girls with a disability experiencing violence; and
• evidence to support better services for women with a disability experiencing violence.