New Study Reveals Alarming Rates of Sexual Violence Against Disabled Women in Tenerife

A recent investigation has brought to light the disturbing prevalence of sexual violence experienced by women with disabilities in Tenerife, highlighting a critical issue that has long remained hidden from public view.

Findings from the Groundbreaking Study

The research, conducted by the Mercedes Machado Feminist Association, uncovers the harsh realities faced by women with disabilities, who often suffer from various forms of sexual violence that are both invisible and normalized within society. This comprehensive study, part of the Ariadna Project, was carried out over six months, from January to July 2025, and received funding from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood and Families of the Canary Islands Government. The findings are based on 16 in-depth interviews with women of varying disabilities, as well as insights gathered from two working groups comprising nine professionals dedicated to the care and support of this vulnerable population.

Understanding the Dynamics of Abuse

The report reveals that many perpetrators of sexual violence are individuals within the victims’ immediate social circles, including family members, intimate partners, neighbors, or caregivers. The violence often takes place in private settings, such as homes or care facilities, where victims may feel trapped. Testimonies collected during the study recount harrowing experiences of childhood abuse, adult rape, and violence occurring within intimate relationships, painting a grim picture of the environments in which these women live.

Interconnected Forms of Abuse

Sexual violence against women with disabilities frequently coexists with other forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, and symbolic violence. The study highlights specific abuses that are particularly relevant to individuals with disabilities, such as forced sterilization and linguistic deprivation, which disproportionately affect deaf women. These intersecting forms of violence create a complex web of trauma that is difficult for victims to navigate.

Personal Testimonies of Suffering

Among the participants, several shared deeply personal and traumatic accounts of sexual abuse during their childhoods, including assaults by family members and rapes within their intimate partnerships. One participant revealed that her disability was a direct result of the violence she endured, a finding that resonates with other reports suggesting that approximately 7% of disabilities in the Canary Islands may arise from such violence. These personal stories underscore the urgent need for societal awareness and intervention.

Barriers to Reporting and Institutional Shortcomings

The research identifies significant obstacles that prevent victims from reporting incidents of violence and accessing essential resources. Factors such as economic and emotional dependence on their abusers, fear of retaliation, lack of accessibility to services, and the limited credibility often afforded to victims contribute to this pervasive issue. Furthermore, the study points to instances of institutional violence, characterized by negligence, inadequate response protocols, revictimization, and insufficient support from health, justice, and social service sectors, which further exacerbate the challenges faced by victims.

Consequences for Victims and Their Support Systems

The repercussions of such violence are profound and multifaceted, leading to social isolation, diminished self-esteem, mental health challenges, and altered perceptions of body and sexuality. While informal support networks, such as family and friends, play a crucial role in the recovery process, the association warns that these spaces are not always safe. In some cases, they may perpetuate harmful stereotypes or exert control over women’s choices, further complicating their healing journey.

Recommendations for Change

The study concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at addressing these critical issues. These include the urgent need for specialized and interdisciplinary training for professionals working with disabled individuals, the development of inclusive and accessible emotional and sexual education programs, the establishment of tailored protocols for responding to incidents of violence, and the strengthening of community support networks. Additionally, ongoing psychological support and the collection of specific data are essential to better understand and combat sexual violence against women with disabilities.

Key points

• Women with disabilities in Tenerife face normalized and invisible sexual violence.
• The study involved 16 interviews and two professional working groups.
• Perpetrators often include family members and caregivers.
• Sexual violence is frequently accompanied by other forms of abuse.
• Barriers to reporting include fear and lack of accessibility.
• Institutional violence exacerbates the challenges faced by victims.
• Recommendations include training for professionals and improved support systems.