Higher-degree research being undertaken by Karen Jordan

Project description

After many years of neglect and indifference, violence by men against women has come out of the private domain and is in full public view as never before. Violence against women has become a major issue of concern within social policy, social work, child protection and public education. However, for women with disabilities who experience violence and abuse, the issue still remains largely private and invisible. This qualitative study addresses the unexplored contexts of violence, abuse and help-seeking in the lives of women with physical disabilities who have lived experience of violence and abuse. The research is influenced by the Social Model of Disability and an Intersectional theoretical perspective. The findings of this research study will contribute to social works’ understanding of the lived experience of women with physical disabilities exposed to violence and their help seeking by elucidating the complexity and intersecting factors that help or hinder help-seeking for these women. Because of the scarcity of Australian literature on this topic this research is critical and imperative, therefore the intention of this study is to go some way toward redressing what is seen as a serious gap in the disability and violence against women research literature in the Australian context.

Karen Jordan is particularly interested in bringing to the forefront structural inequalities that go hand in hand with gender and disability. She currently sits on several disability advisory committees and is also involved part time in a research project funded by FaCHSIA that is undertaking a national reform regarding service provision for women experiencing violence.

Awards

• Australian Postgraduate Award 2010

Conference presentations

"Every piece of the puzzle matters – the missing piece – a qualitative study exploring the help-seeking experiences of women with physical disability who have lived experience of violence and abuse.", NSW Police Force Disability Forum. Police Headquarters Parramatta, 21 August 2012.