Hesperian Health Guides
Abuse in institutions
HealthWiki > A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities > Chapter 14: Abuse, violence, and self-defense > Abuse in institutions
Because people who live in institutions are often isolated, lonely, and powerless, they are more vulnerable to being abused. Many times they are living far away from their families, or they have no families at home who can care for them.
Disabled people in institutions often have little control over their own lives. They are usually told what to do, and cannot make many decisions on their own. Women who have learning difficulties may be particularly isolated in institutions because of their difficulties in understanding or making themselves understood.
Other problems for people in institutions result from the way the institution is managed. Many institutions have too many residents and not enough money. Often, the people who work there are overworked, frustrated, and exhausted. Sometimes the people who work in institutions are given too much power: they make rules, provide the care, and are expected to keep order.
In addition to the kinds of abuse mentioned earlier, women with disabilities can face other kinds of abuse and violence in institutions:
- forced sex with workers, caretakers, or other residents
- being beaten, slapped, or hurt
- no activity for work or pleasure, and always being bored
- forced sterilization or abortions
- being locked in a room alone
- ice baths or cold showers as punishment
- forced medication (tranquilizers)
- having to undress or be naked in front of other people
- watching other people be abused or hurt
- being tied down or put in restraints (unable to move)
People who work in institutions
Many people who work in institutions that care for women with disabilities have good intentions. But some people who work in institutions may treat people with disabilities badly. These people like having power over others. Other people who work in institutions may get upset at how women with disabilities are treated in the institution and may want to do things differently. These caregivers usually work long hours with low pay. They are usually expected to do what they are told, and they rarely have the power to change the conditions in which they work.
Sometimes caregivers do not say anything because they do not know who to tell. Or they are afraid of losing their jobs. If caregivers complain about abuse they might be told it is not their problem, or they may be threatened or laughed at. Many times the caregivers end up believing that bad care is just how things are.
The people in charge of the institution may not know about the abuse, or if they know, they may pretend nothing is happening, or they may say that violence against disabled people does not matter.
Bad conditions and the abuse of people with disabilities in institutions are issues for the whole community. People in institutions need enough resources for good care and to make sure they are not abused.
Working to change institutions
If you know someone who has been sent to live in an institution, and you think the person is not being treated well, here are some ideas to work for change:
- Form a parent’s or family group, and speak with the people in charge. They will be more likely to pay attention if you go as a group than if you go alone.
- Build community involvement with the institution and residents by offering residents opportunities for meaningful activity and interaction with the community outside.
- Campaign for visiting hours and conditions that allow residents to go out with a visitor, or spend time privately with people who come to visit.
- Advocate for community programs and stay-at-home services, so that people do not have to go to institutions.