Can you tell us about your story and the advocacy work that you do?
I am an African American woman living with bipolar disorder who has been advocating for the protection of women living with disabilities experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Over the past seven years, I have grown uncomfortably familiar with IPV living as a woman with a disability within unsupportive systems.
There is a lack of knowledge and understanding among law enforcement and lawyers, and a lack of community-based organizations that specialize in supporting people living with disabilities experiencing IPV. And victims often fear advocating for themselves due to risk of retaliation. This can lead to victims of IPV feeling helpless and hopeless, increasing rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, anxiety, and suicide.
Better policies can dictate better outcomes. Women with disabilities experiencing IPV should know they are not alone and that it’s important to collaborate by forming support groups, sharing resources, and advocating for policies that protect us.
Why is it especially important for people with disabilities to be educated about IPV?
Although IPV affects one in three women worldwide, it is nearly twice as common among women with disabilities. Countless women with disabilities experiencing IPV endure physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse from former or current spouses or partners. The lack of compassion within systems, the absence of policies, and the scarcity of services increase the distress of, and the health inequities for, women with disabilities experiencing IPV, compared to their non-disabled counterparts. These barriers alone can increase this population’s fear of advocating for themselves. IPV should not be normalized, and therefore, advocacy is essential to help women with disabilities find meaningful, fear-free, healthy relationships.
Much of your work focuses on mental health and well-being. What words of wisdom would you share with people who are navigating mental health challenges?
Stigma and criminalization often hinder people living with mental health challenges from seeking the necessary treatment and support for their emotional well-being. This can be in the form of talk therapy and taking medication, or it can look like meditation, dancing, and cooking. It’s important to not give up, and to seek what works best for you and gives you peace and joy. Remember, you are only human, and your goal is to do your best to manage your stress.
You were a participant in The Viscardi Center’s IdeaSpark program. Can you share more about that experience and any advice you’d share on starting a business based on your passion?
I was extremely elated to know that there is a program like IdeaSpark that trains and encourages people with disabilities to become entrepreneurs. The program viewed me as someone with an ability who is deserving of rights and allowed me to realize my dreams by giving me a platform to become an entrepreneur.
Although I worked diligently as a program participant, it wasn’t about winning the competition for me. It was about learning a new skill, developing confidence, and believing in myself. I was in a space where the program administrators and trainers were patient and saw my potential even when I didn’t. And I was inspired by my fellow students who are living with their disabilities and kicking butt!
What’s next on your incredible journey?
I plan to pursue a Master of Arts in Urban Studies through the CUNY system to become a healthcare policy analyst. I also would like to work with other women living with disabilities experiencing IPV. Together, we can support each other, find resources, and change policies that will help us and others to live free from fear and have a meaningful life.