Two publications released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday highlight the hidden risks faced by older women and women with disabilities in terms of abuse and violence.
These vulnerable groups are often overlooked in global and national data related to violence. The WHO is urging for improved research to accurately capture the experiences of these women and address their specific needs.
Dr. Lynnmarie Sardinha, a technical officer at WHO, emphasized that the lack of representation of older women and women with disabilities in existing research undermines the effectiveness of programs designed to support them.
These women not only experience violence but also encounter unique risks and forms of abuse, sometimes perpetrated by caregivers or healthcare professionals, the publications confirmed.
They concluded that examples of such risks include coercive and controlling behavior, such as withholding medication, assistive devices, or other necessary forms of care, as well as financial exploitation.
