Protecting Vulnerable Women with Limited Mental Capacity from Violence #NoExcuse

Today, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we shine a light on a particularly vulnerable group often overlooked in conversations about violence: women living with limited mental capacity, such as those affected by dementia. According to a UN women study conducted in the European Union, women with disabilities faced higher risks of experiencing violence and there is a strong link between disability and increased risk of violence.

The NHS defines vulnerable adults as?an adult (person over the age of 18) unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from exploitation; this can include illness, learning disabilities and cognitive impairments.

The Hidden Crisis

For women with cognitive impairments, the risks of violence - whether physical, emotional, financial or psychological - are compounded by their unique vulnerabilities. Limited capacity can mean difficulty in recognising abuse, communicating concerns, or escaping dangerous situations. Perpetrators of abuse often exploit this vulnerability, leaving these women with little support and no voice to advocate for themselves.

Research indicates that abuse of women with dementia is frequently underreported. A study highlights that around the world, domestic abuse affects one in three women, and every three seconds, someone develops dementia. Despite the prevalence of both these issues, little attention is given to what happens when they are combined, resulting in older people living with dementia often being the forgotten victims of domestic abuse.

Surviving Economic Abuse advises that women who experience economic abuse are?five times?more likely to experience physical abuse than those who don’t. When women experience economic abuse in the context of coercive control, they are at increased risk of being killed highlighting the desperate need for immediate greater awareness and support in this area.

Additionally, the Dewis Choice initiative found that dementia has featured in a fifth of their cases, highlighting the need to further explore this hidden population of victim-survivors and perpetrators.

The Importance of Taking Action

Protecting women with limited mental capacity requires collaboration between families, healthcare professionals, and legal systems. It starts with recognising the signs of abuse and ensuring that these women have advocates who can champion their rights.

Through capacity assessments, which play a critical role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals with cognitive impairments, we can empower women and their care givers to make decisions that uphold their dignity, autonomy, and safety.

How Nellie Supports Can Help

Our team at Nellie Supports is here to assist families and legal representatives in addressing these challenges head-on because we believe that safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals is non-negotiable

Our decision-specific assessments, including those for health and welfare, help identify when a person may be unable to make safe decisions regarding their care and living arrangements. This is crucial in situations where domestic violence is suspected. By providing clear, professional assessments, we support solicitors, local authorities, and families in making informed decisions that prioritise safety and protection.

If you’re supporting a loved one with dementia or have concerns about their wellbeing, contact your legal professionals or Nellie Supports today to discuss how our health and welfare capacity assessments can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their rights and safety.

Together, we can work towards a future where every woman, regardless of her mental capacity, lives free from violence and fear.