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DIS-CONNECTED

This project focuses on improving ways that women and children can report violence and abuse, can access support services, and can move to a safer place.

National reports

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DISABILITY-BASED CONNECTED FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

101049690- DIS-CONNECTED

Gender-based violence and violence against children in vulnerable situations is both overlooked and under-reported, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic further aggravated these issues. The global report of the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor recorded numerous testimonies suggesting a dramatic increase in gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities, including rape, sexual assault, and harassment at the hands of law enforcement authorities and family members.  

This project focuses on improving ways that women and children can report violence and abuse and access support service. 

Women and children with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities are often seen as lacking credibility; and perpetrators can believe that there is minimal risk of being discovered and punished. Harmful stereotypes concerning disability and gender exacerbates the problem: persons with disabilities are not considered as sexual beings who experience intimacy, personal autonomy, shame, and privacy.  

Denial of their legal capacity in sexual and reproductive healthcare decisions is commonplace and obtaining their informed consent is often not considered necessary. This overlap between gender and disability contributes particularly to the high levels of violence against women and girls with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. 

The two-year project is implemented between 2023 March and 2025 February in 5 EU countries: Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia and Portugal. The project consortium includes:  

Numerous testimonies suggesting a dramatic increase in gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities, including rape, sexual assault, and harassment at the hands of law enforcement authorities and family members.

COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor

Project Objectives

The DIS-CONNECTED project aims to protect women and children with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities from violence in facilities and programmes meant to support them. It brings together law enforcement, service providers, and victim support workers to improve prevention, early identification, and response to abuse. 

This project will: 

  • Strengthen reporting and monitoring of violence in care settings; 
  • Train independent professionals to prevent, detect, and respond to abuse; 
  • Establish cross-disciplinary cooperation through practical response protocols; 
  • Improve access to support services with clear, accessible guidance and geo-location maps. 

Women and children with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities are often seen as lacking credibility; and perpetrators can believe that there is minimal risk of being discovered and punished.

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Implementation Methods

In the five project countries, our national reports explored the experiences of women and children with disabilities who have been victims of gender-based violence. We assessed the strengths and weaknesses of reporting mechanisms, support services, and how survivors access justice. Based on our findings, we provided recommendations to improve monitoring methods and protocols for addressing gender- and disability-based violence in institutions and community services. 

After completing the national-level research, we focused on developing a framework for monitoring trainings and visits. We created a trauma-informed, gender-sensitive monitoring methodology and training handbook, and organised training sessions for legal professionals, NGO workers, police officers, local government representatives, students, and experts by experience.  

Our partners in Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Portugal carried out pilot monitoring visits, and their feedback helped refine our methodology. We are now conducting monitoring visits across different services and institutions in all five project countries and soon publish monitoring reports. 

To strengthen cooperation, we established national working groups and developed multidisciplinary protocols for reporting and responding to violence, exploitation, and abuse. Engaging with key stakeholders ensures a more coordinated and practical approach to improving access to support, reporting, and justice for victims.  

At an international level, a panel of recognised experts has provided quality assurance for our project outcomes. 

Our Research

Research conducted in Bulgaria, Czechia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Portugal assessed the (1) barriers defendants with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities face in the criminal justice system in accessing information, support and procedural accommodations that prevent them from participating, and (2) the extent and manner in which law, policy, and/or practice (including promising practices) allow them to overcome these barriers, particularly through the provision of procedural accommodations.

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Project Outcomes

As the project concludes, we are publishing an international synthesis report written by activist and expert Sara Rocha, a member of the European Council of Autistic People. This report will summarise our national research, highlight structural issues across EU countries, and present key recommendations based on our monitoring visits. 

Additionally, we are developing an accessible online support services map, listing available services for women and children with disabilities in the project countries. The map will be searchable by location and type of service, making it easier for those in need to find support. 

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Full Name of the Project

Disability-based connected facilities and programmes for prevention of violence against women and children (101049690 – CERV-2021-DAPHNE). 

This project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.