Personal and Systemic Violence as Experienced by Parents With Intellectual Disability in Poland

Background

For many people with intellectual disabilities, the parenting role is inaccessible and/or constrained. This study provides insight into the lived experiences of parents with intellectual disabilities regarding violence and limiting their rights to parenthood in Poland.

Method

Twenty-seven parents with intellectual disabilities who experienced violence in the sphere of parenthood took part in individual, semi-structured interviews.

Results

Having applied a thematic analysis, we identified four main themes: The impact of institutional violence on access to parenthood, Family members limiting access to parenting, the impact of systemic and structural violence on accessing parenthood, and responses and actions to violence.

Conclusions

Parents with intellectual disabilities reported experiencing unjust, discriminatory, and violent treatment. There is a need to eliminate these barriers by ensuring that international regulations are respected in Poland. Additionally, developing educational programmes and social campaigns is essential to promote the successful parenthood of persons with intellectual disabilities.