Violence against women and girls with disabilities in Algeria: A case study

Abstract

This article investigates violence against women and girls with disabilities in Algerian society, with a view to providing insight into the forms of this violence, the social actors involved in it, its contributing factors and subsequent effects. To do so, the present article adopted a case study approach, involving semi-structured interviews with a sample of 16 disabled women and girls who were victims of violence, as well as their guardians. The article identified various forms of violence, with economic and psychological violence being the most common, followed by physical and societal violence. Perpetrators included family members (mother, father, brother, stepmother, husband, and relatives) and, to a lesser extent, coworkers and strangers. The contributing factors were multifaceted, primarily individual and societal, followed by economic and familial influences. Psychological repercussions were the most prevalent effects, followed by social and physical impacts. The study concludes that violence against disabled women and girls in Algeria is pervasive and multifaceted, with significant psychological, social, and physical consequences. Recommendations include implementing awareness programs, providing hotlines for reporting violence, and ensuring access to effective counseling for abused women and girls.